The Tamil Vanniyar Kula Kshatriyas is a very strong community as they belong to a lineage of proud warriors. They are equipped in exhibiting bravery and courage all through their lives. The wedding rituals are also unique and show the grandeur of an exquisite heritage.
Tamil Vanniyar Kula Kshatriyar Community takes pride in following their traditional customs and rituals at every occasion. In the earlier days, the weddings were a three to six days ceremony with elaborate rituals and numerous functions. Now, due to time constraints, the number of days has reduced and is limited to 1-2 days. However, all the important rituals are still being followed with the same integrity.
The post-wedding reception in a Tamil Mudaliyar community is a time for relaxation and happiness. After conducting many rituals and customs according to their age-old beliefs, the reception comes as a time to enjoy and be light. The reception, under normal circumstances, is conducted on the evening of the wedding. After all the rituals and welcoming the bride to the new home, a time is fixed for the wedding reception.
A wedding is a joyous occasion wherein all family members come together and rejoice. Tamil Mudaliyar weddings are special events filled with traditional customs as well as lots of fun. Each ceremony is packed with meaningful rituals aimed at gaining the maximum blessings for the newly wedded couple. The post-wedding ritual of Maru veedu is an important function that is conducted mainly to welcome the bride into the Groom’s residence. Maru means another and veedu means house. It is also commonly known as Grivapravesham - the bride’s first entry into her in-law’s house.
One of the Mudaliyar wedding rituals that are conducted with great fanfare is the Sammandhi Mariyathai. This ritual is performed after the completion of another ritual called the Sesha.
What Happens in Sammandhi Mariyathai Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
The Sammandhi Mariyathai is an event where both families show their gratitude for completing a marriage successfully. It is also an ice-breaker where both family relatives get together and share gifts and appreciate the effort put in to conduct this marriage.
A lighted lamp, however small or large, is an auspicious sight in all Hindu weddings. All rituals are conducted in the presence of the Holy fire. It is said that the light is proof of happiness and paves the way for a bright future for the new couple.
Grihapravesham or griha pravesh pooja is the entry of the new bride into her in-law's place. Usually, weddings in India, especially in South India are conducted in a marriage hall. A marriage hall is designed in such a way that there are specific rooms for the bride's family and the groom's family. If the groom stays in the same town/city where the wedding is conducted then the newly wedded bride is taken to the in-law's house by her parents.
Tamil Iyengar Brahmin weddings are considered to be a serious affair with chanting of mantras and a list of rituals. However, there are some fun aspects too in traditional brahmin weddings, and one of them is called Vilayadal which means games. These wedding games are played for various reasons mainly to break the ice between the bride and the groom, as earlier most of the marriages were arranged and couples would hardly have met each other. This ritual is also a great way to know both sides of the relatives better.
Once the Saptapadi is over, as per the Iyengar wedding traditions, the newlyweds seek blessings from their parents and parents-in-law. Then, the couple seeks the blessings of the Acharya or the priest as in Hindu culture, the teacher or guru plays an essential part in one's life. At weddings, the priest takes the place of the teacher. Following the teacher, the newlyweds proceed to seek the blessings of the maternal uncle and other elders in the family.
The Saptapadi (7 steps) ritual is conducted after the Mangalya Dharanam and holds a significant place in a Tamil Iyengar wedding. ‘Sapta’ means seven and 'Padi' means steps. After the Thali is tied, the newlyweds take seven steps around the holy fire or Agni Kundam. After the completion of these seven steps, the couple becomes husband and wife. Read on to understand the significance of Saptapadi Ritual:
