Saptapadi is the seven steps around the sacred fire that stands as a witness for the couple’s wedding. The marriage is considered complete only after completion of this ritual in Tamil Iyer wedding. Fire is considered the most important and sacred element among the Pancha Bhootas. This is because fire holds the power to destroy anything evil and provide purity. So the couple respects the sacred fire and takes seven rounds around the fire and prays for eternal happiness.
Significance of Saptapadi Ritual in Tamil Brahmin Iyer Weddings
- The bride and the bridegroom hold each other’s right hand and take seven steps around the fire.
- For each step, the Vedic guru or priest chant the mantras.
- The seven steps indicate
- Happy and healthy home
- Physical, mental, and spiritual powers.
- For wealth by righteousness
- For knowledge, happiness, and harmony in life
- For having strong and loving children
- Love and care for each other until the end.
- To remain as true companions
Ammi Mithithal Ritual in Tamil Brahmin Iyer Weddings
After the seven steps, the couple circle the Agni and on reaching an 'Ammi Kal' or a grinding stone which is placed on the North of the fire, the groom takes the bride's right toe and places it on the stone and puts a silver ring or metti to the toe. This ritual symbolises how the bride should remain rock firm in the marriage and not falter when faced with challenges. This ritual is also a message to the groom that he should be very humble and have respect for his wife.
They then return and sit in front of Agni and the bride's brother gives two a handful of puffed rice to his sister and the same is offered by the couple to the fire. This process is done thrice.
Arundati Paarthal
After the saptapadi, the groom shows the bride two nakshatras. The Dhruva nakshatra which symbolizes sage Vasisthta who is one among the saptarishis and Arundhati nakshatra, who is Sage Vasistha’s wife known for the devotion to the sage. The bride and the groom together look at this ideal couple - to learn and follow their footsteps in order to have a successful marriage together.
After this ritual, the newly-weds perform their first homam as husband and wife.