About Aaharya
About Aaharya: Reviving the Art of Temple Jewellery
Aaharya is derived from the ancient Sanskrit term found in Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra:
“आहार्यो हारकेयूरवेशादिभिरलंकृतः”
Aharya is that which adorns through necklaces, armlets, and ornaments.
In Indian temple traditions, Āhārya referred to the sacred ornaments worn by deities and classical dancers. These adornments were not mere decorations — they were symbols of devotion, crafted with intricate motifs like peacocks, lotuses, conch shells, and divine figures. Each piece held spiritual meaning, artistic precision, and cultural significance.
At Aaharya, we honor this legacy by reviving the authentic tradition of temple jewellery, handcrafted in 92.5 sterling silver and gilded with 22ct gold leaf. Our jewelry is created by hereditary artisans who use centuries-old techniques, preserving the rich artistry and symbolism of India’s sacred aesthetic heritage.
From vibrant red kemp stones to geometric, heritage-inspired motifs, every design at Aaharya reflects the same craftsmanship that once adorned temple sculptures and Bharatanatyam dancers. Our collections serve the modern woman who cherishes timeless Indian culture and seeks jewelry that bridges heritage and contemporary elegance.
Aaharya is where ancient temple artistry lives on — beautifully reimagined for today.
The sculptor of Aaharya, Rhea Hirani has studied Fashion Business Management from ISDI, Parsons and has been an ardent disciple of Bharatha Natyam. Inspired from the value system ingrained in her because of her roots and her dance form she has a proclivity for creating designs that are fundamentally Indian. Utilising this she has brought to life the age-old culturally rich art form of temple jewellery.
"I felt Temple Jewellery was just categorised as dance jewellery. And its work was not given as much importance as many other art forms. Wanted the world to take notice and also understand how artistically these pieces of our cultural heritage are fortunately still made as the number of artisans is diminishing at an alarming rate. Being a Bharat Natyam dancer these pieces have become a part of my DNA and come naturally to me now."The ethos of Aaharya lies in being rooted to our culture and traditions, recognising craftsmen and taking forward the most alluring but yet the most elusive art form. With the option of curating customised sets, we believe in perfecting the final nuances whilst turning your vision into reality.