The most emotional yet important ceremony in a wedding is the ‘Kanyadanam’ or the ‘Kanikkadanam’. It is probably the one role that every father heavy heartedly carries out on the wedding day while wishing his daughter the best of everything in her new journey ahead. A major custom in the list of Indian wedding rituals, almost all Hindu communities follow this as part of completing the marriage. The word ‘Kanya or Kanika’ translates to a girl and ‘Daan or daanam’ denotes the process of gifting or giving away. The word put together intends to symbolize the process of a father handing his daughter wholeheartedly to a groom of her choice with his approval and blessings.
What is Kannika Daanam Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
A typical Tamil Mudaliyar wedding features a Kanikkadanam ritual too. The ceremony is performed with the sacred chants of Vedic mantra’s chanted with fervor to ensure the soon to be couple’s marriage remains strong. This symbolic marriage ritual also marks the accomplishment of the parents who have handed over their daughter to a man who will consider her to be an equal partner.
What Happens
During this ritual in the Tamil Mudaliyar wedding, the bride’s right hand is placed on the groom’s left hand with flowers, betel leaves, betel nut, gold and a conch. The mother of the bride then pours holy water on the bride’s palm that naturally flows into the groom’s palm too. As the Vedic hymns continue to be chanted, the father makes the groom promise that he shall provide his bride with basic necessities through their life together. The three needs include Dharma, Artha and Kama, respectively. The groom in response touches the bride’s shoulder which signifies him acceptance in his responsibility towards her. The ceremony is completed with these acts.
The Biggest Dhaanam
Kanyadaanam is considered the biggest daanam in life. It is important to understand that the woman is not seen as property to be ‘given away’ but like a gift of the parents, a much loved wealth in every sense to her future groom and family. The bride is seen as a direct representation of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, good luck, prosperity and abundance. Legend says that by performing this ritual of Kanikadanam, the father of the bride secures a place in heaven!