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.
What is Ammi Midithal?
Ammi Midithal (Treading on the Grinding stone) is a function during which the groom places the bride's right foot on a grindstone after they take three rounds around the Holy Fire. When the bride places her foot on the grindstone, the groom gently adorns her second toe with a tiny ringlet or toe ring known as the Metti. He then repeats the procedure on her other foot.
The ceremony has some fun attached to it as well. The bride is supposed to press against the grinding stone and make it difficult for the groom to lift her foot. It is meant to induce some laughter into the new life ahead. There are also stories that this ceremony is the symbol of a virgin bride agreeing to spend her life with her chosen husband.
The bride’s brother also has a role in this function. He is given the authority to place a toe ring known as Minji on the groom’s foot in the same manner. This symbolizes the fact that he is placing his sister’s future with the Groom and it shows the trust between the two men. The Minji can be made of gold or silver according to the choice of the families.
Looking at the Arundathi Star
After this function, there is another ritual wherein the Bridegroom shows the Bride the direction of the Arundathi star as per the instructions from the Holy priest who is conducting the wedding rituals. The Arundhati star in English is known as Alcor. The belief is that Arundathi, who was the wife of Sage Vasishta, was a very religious, loyal and devoted woman. She was extremely sincere in all her wifely duties and did her best to take care of the family. By showing the new bride the Arundathi star direction, she is being blessed to start her life with the same devotion and loyalty as Arundathi.
Ammi midithal & Arundathi paarthal in post-wedding rituals in Tamil Mudaliyar weddings are important. These are very interesting and meaningful as they uphold Hindu traditional values to the core.