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:
Thali Bhagya And ‘Handing Over’
The Mudaliyar customs and rituals during a wedding have been carried out as per their traditional cultural practices from time immemorial. Even today, if one takes part in a Tamil Mudaliyar wedding, one can see numerous hints of a rich heritage where family relations and values are given prime importance.
Tamil Mudaliyar weddings are full of rituals that exhibit the richness of their culture. The Hindu traditions are followed to the tee and every ritual is conducted sincerely to seek blessings for the new couple. Along with being a religious ceremony, it is also a great time for the family to have a reunion and catch up with one another. They enjoy the company of friends and relatives who participate wholeheartedly. Most of the Mudaliar marriage customs have a deeper meaning that upholds ancient beliefs.
Tamil Mudaliyar community is well known for their strong family bonds and thrilling wedding rituals. The weddings keep up the beauty of a rich heritage while providing lots of opportunity for reunions among families.
The Tamil Mudaliyar community has a meaningful custom post the wedding called Ammi Midithal and Arundathi Paarthal in Tamil Mudaliyar wedding rituals. A lot of historical significance is attached to this ceremony.
The wedding rituals of the Tamil Mudaliyar community are always a pleasure to witness. Many interesting features keep the guests entertained from the beginning till the end.
What is Homam ?
The Homam taking place during the wedding ceremony is considered to be sacred and symbolic of a pure relationship. The fire has always been given utmost importance in all Hindu wedding rituals. The Mudaliyar community too believes the same. The presence of fire is similar to the presence of Gods at the wedding venue.
Pattam is one of the traditional Tamil wedding rituals in a Mudaliyar wedding which is unique. Once the Thali tying ceremony also called the Mangalya Dharanam is completed this ritual takes place.
Weddings are incomplete without the use of floral decorations and garlands. The smell of pungent flowers hanging off ceilings, swaying to the tunes of a Nadaswaram are something that enhance the celebratory mood of the day. However, it is the floral garlands and the garland ceremony called Maalai Matrudhal that holds importance in the wedding rituals. Particularly, in a Tamil Mudaliyar wedding, this ceremony is believed to follow the vedic ritual of exchange of garlands between the bride and groom signifying deeper meanings.
Tamil Mudaliyar weddings are rich in cultural rituals and family traditions. The elders of the family make sure that their family members adhere to all the age-old customs and are always united by a deep sense of family bonding. Hindu Mudaliyar wedding rituals are very interesting to watch and are a matter of pride for the entire family.
