Mangalya Dharanam and Panigrahanam Ritual In Tamil Brahmin Iyer Weddings

After the kanyadaanam ritual, comes the most important ritual called mangalya dharanam or thaali kettu followed by panigrahanam. In the Kasi yatra ritual, the bride’s father promises the groom that he will give his kanya (unmarried) daughter to him in marriage. Immediately after the kasi yatra, kanyadaan takes place in which the girl is offered to the groom in marriage and then the actual wedding ritual happens in mangalya dharanam after which the bride and groom are declared as husband and wife. 

The Procedure for Mangalya Dharanam Ritual in Tamil Brahmin Iyer Weddings 

• The bride is given an Iyer wedding saree by the groom family.
• When she goes to change her dress, the elderly or married guests bless the sacred thread or thali that has the Mangala Sutra.
• The Thali with the Mangala Sutra is two pieces of gold pendants one given by the father and the other by the groom's family. The shape of the thali is as per the groom's family custom.  
• The thali is attached to a yellow-colored thread and at a later date, it can be attached to a gold chain. 
• Once the bride is back she sits on her father’s lap. 
• Then the groom ties this blessed yellow sacred thread on the bride’s neck.
• A total of three knots are tied on the thread.
• The groom ties the first knot.
• The second and third knots are tied by the groom’s sister which is a way of welcoming the bride to the family.
• This ritual is performed with the accompaniment of nadaswaram and thavil music which is known as kettimelam (fast beats).
• Turmeric smeared rice and flowers are showered on the couple by the gathered guests to bless the new-weds.
• The bridegroom then holds the right hand of the bride and chants four mantras along with the marriage vows which is called panigrahanam in Tamil. 

The bridegroom then offers prayers to God for a long-lasting and happy married life. The bride and the bridegroom become a married couple after this ritual.