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. It is a way of passing age-old traditions to the younger generations so that the cultural heritage will go on.
Significance of Paying Homage to Arasan Kaal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
In earlier times, the King was considered the supreme power in the region. Hence this custom is practiced even today to give respect to the ancestral leaders who played an important part in shaping society. An interesting pre-wedding ritual in Mudaliyar weddings is the Arasan Kal (Installing of the Bamboo stick). Arasan Kal is the Tamil word for King's leg. This is conducted with the assumption that The King is arriving to participate in the wedding. Hence post the wedding, the new couple seek the blessings of their King after the wedding ceremony.
Paying homage to the Arasan Kal is an important ritual during which the new couple takes three rounds around the Arasan Kal. They are accompanied by unmarried girls from both the bride's as well as the groom's family. It is believed to be auspicious to start a new life with all the blessings they get.
The Tamil Mudaliyar wedding rituals help the younger generation to remember the role of ancestors and elders of the families along with their rich history. They are taught to respect their older generations and pass on the rich culture to the future generations also.