Image Shown That Top 5 South Indian Nose Pin Styles You Should Know

Top 5 South Indian Nose Pin Styles You Should Know

by Yuvora on Feb 18 2026
Table of Contents

    Share

    Nose pins are tiny yet lovely ornaments that have been a part of South Indian culture since the times immemorial. They are not mere accessories - they narrate about tradition, family values and regional customs. In case you are in love with jewelry or you want to know more about South Indian culture, here are five types of nose pins that you should know.

    Sridevi- tamil, madurai, borders of andra

    Besari

    Kerala- single stud

    Sunny diamonds- famous in South India

    South nosepin names

    And then styles 

    Explore our full collection of elegant gold nose pins and nose rings

    1. Tamil Mookuthi - The Classic Temple Style

    The most popular nose pin is the Mookuthi of Tamil Nadu. Mookuthi is a Tamil word that translates to nose jewel. This style is rooted in the ancient Tamil culture and the traditions of temples.

    What makes it special:

    • Typically of gold having elaborate designs.

    • Frequently has patterns that are temple-inspired such as lotus flowers, peacocks or geometric forms.

    • Wearable on either side of the nose, though conventionally on the left.

    • Available in various sizes - small studs to big decorations.

    Cultural meaning: 

    The Mookuthi is a symbol of purity and spiritual union in Tamil culture. Beautiful Mookuthi pieces are given out by mothers to daughters as heirlooms by many families.

    Currently fashionable: 

    The Mookuthi designs of the modern era are a combination of the temple art and the modern designs. They are ideal in both festive and everyday wear.

    Rose Gold Nose Pin Designs: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modern Style

    2. Andhra Pradesh Mukku Pudaka - The Gemstone Beauty

    Andhra Pradesh has given the beautiful Mukku Pudaka, translated as nose decoration in Telugu. The style is characterized by its colorful gemstones and fine craftsmanship.

    Key features:

    • Small to medium sized studs with a gemstone in the center.

    • Some of the popular stones are rubies, emeralds, and pearls.

    • Setting in gold with elaborate metal work on the stone.

    • Traditional Andhra style is to wear on the right nostril.

    What is unique about it: 

    The Mukku Pudaka is known to have the perfect balance of color and gold. The gemstone has a great play of light and the gold work is a masterpiece.

    Fits best: 

    These nose pins are ideal with silk sarees and traditional Telugu dresses. They bring in the perfect amount of glitz but not too glitzy.

    Royal Bridal Gold Nose Pins: Big and Bold Designs That Steal the Spotlight

    3. Karnataka Mooguthi - The Artistic Expression

    The Mooguthi style of Karnataka is a sign of the rich artistic tradition of the state. These nose pins are usually decorated with designs that are based on the art of Mysore palaces and Hoysala temples.

    Special characteristics:

    • Frequently has floral designs such as jasmine or rose designs.

    • May contain hanging elements or chains in small sizes.

    • Normally put it on the left nostril.

    • Comes in silver and gold models.

    Design inspiration: 

    The Designs of many Mooguthi are inspired by the famous Mysore paintings of Karnataka and traditional Channapatna toys with bright colors and folk art designs.

    Versatility: 

    Mooguthi style can be simple everyday studs or a complex bridal outfit with several layers and ornaments.

    Temple Jewellery Trends: Peacock Motif Gold Nose Pins Explained

    4. Kerala Traditional Style - The Simple Elegance

    Although the nose pin is not a common practice among Kerala women as in other South Indian states, it is worn beautifully and in a simple and elegant manner.

    Distinctive features:

    • Very small, delicate studs

    • Typically unornamented gold.

    • Pay attention to the beauty of natural metal.

    • Minimalism design that compliments the Kerala jewelry tradition that is understated.

    Cultural background: 

    Nose pins are commonly used in special events in Kerala such as Onam festivals or in classical dance events such as Bharatanatyam.

    What is special about it: 

    The Kerala style is a testament to the fact that less is more. These little, flawless studs demonstrate that beauty does not have to be complex.

    Best Gold Nose Pin Designs Every Indian Bride Should Know

    5. Karnataka (Coorg Kodava) Floral Style - The Nature-Inspired Beauty

    Coorg community in Karnataka has got their own nose pin tradition with the beautiful floral designs as they are closely related to nature.

    Unique aspects:

    • Coffee flowers are common in designs, because Coorg is known to have coffee plantations.

    • May incorporate little leaf designs or vine designs.

    Cultural meaning: 

    To the Kodava women, these nose pins identify them with their land and farming culture. The floral patterns glorify the nature of the Western Ghats area.

    Special occasions: 

    The nose pins are especially the favorite in Coorg festivals and traditional Kodava weddings where they are accompanied by the traditional Kodava jewelry set.

    Festive Nath Nose Pin Gold Designs Every Woman Should Try

    Taking Care of Your South Indian Nose Pin

    To keep your nose pin beautiful:

    • Place in mild soap and soft cloth and cleanse.

    • Keep them in different pouches in order to avoid scratches.

    • Take off before swimming or exercising.

    • Have them professionally cleaned after every year.

    Iconic Mookuthi Designs: South Indian Nose Pins Popularized by Sridevi

    The Modern Revival

    Even nowadays, the nose pin styles in South Indians are becoming trendy in the whole of India and even in other countries. Fashion designers are developing up-to-date designs that retain the traditional aspects but with a touch of modernity. Unless you are at a South Indian wedding, a festival, or simply need to spice up your style with a little culture, there is something about these timeless styles that any person would love to wear.

    All these five styles narrate a tale of the rich South Indian culture. These nose pins are not just a jewelry item, but an art form like Tamil Nadu has the temple-based Mookuthi or Coorg bases have floral patterns that relate to centuries of culture and craftsmanship.

    You can either pick one of them or even a collection of them all, but nostalgically South Indian nose pins are a very beautiful mode of celebration of the fantastic cultural variety and artistic merit of the region.