Wedding Rituals

Grihapravesham or griha pravesh pooja is the entry of the new bride into her in-law's place. Usually, weddings in India, especially in South India are conducted in a marriage hall. A marriage hall is designed in such a way that there are specific rooms for the bride's family and the groom's family. If the groom stays in the same town/city where the wedding is conducted then the newly wedded bride is taken to the in-law's house by her parents.

Tamil Iyengar Brahmin weddings are considered to be a serious affair with chanting of mantras and a list of rituals. However, there are some fun aspects too in traditional brahmin weddings, and one of them is called Vilayadal which means games. These wedding games are played for various reasons mainly to break the ice between the bride and the groom, as earlier most of the marriages were arranged and couples would hardly have met each other. This ritual is also a great way to know both sides of the relatives better.

Once the Saptapadi is over, as per the Iyengar wedding traditions, the newlyweds seek blessings from their parents and parents-in-law. Then, the couple seeks the blessings of the Acharya or the priest as in Hindu culture, the teacher or guru plays an essential part in one's life. At weddings, the priest takes the place of the teacher. Following the teacher, the newlyweds proceed to seek the blessings of the maternal uncle and other elders in the family. 

The Saptapadi (7 steps) ritual is conducted after the Mangalya Dharanam and holds a significant place in a Tamil Iyengar wedding. ‘Sapta’ means seven and 'Padi' means steps. After the Thali is tied, the newlyweds take seven steps around the holy fire or Agni Kundam. After the completion of these seven steps, the couple becomes husband and wife. Read on to understand the significance of Saptapadi Ritual: 

Thali Bhagya And ‘Handing Over’ 

The Mudaliyar customs and rituals during a wedding have been carried out as per their traditional cultural practices from time immemorial. Even today, if one takes part in a Tamil Mudaliyar wedding, one can see numerous hints of a rich heritage where family relations and values are given prime importance.

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.

Tamil Mudaliyar community is well known for their strong family bonds and thrilling wedding rituals. The weddings keep up the beauty of a rich heritage while providing lots of opportunity for reunions among families. 

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. 

The wedding rituals of the Tamil Mudaliyar community are always a pleasure to witness. Many interesting features keep the guests entertained from the beginning till the end. 

What is Homam ?
The Homam taking place during the wedding ceremony is considered to be sacred and symbolic of a pure relationship. The fire has always been given utmost importance in all Hindu wedding rituals. The Mudaliyar community too believes the same. The presence of fire is similar to the presence of Gods at the wedding venue.