38 Tamil Brahmin Wedding Rituals and Traditions - A Complete Guide

 

Hindu weddings, with their rich traditions, exude vibrancy, and Brahmin weddings are no exception. Deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, Brahmin weddings revolve around several rituals. Among these, the Tamil Brahmins, with their one-of-a-kind weddings, stand out.

 

Tamilians, despite preferring simplicity over extravagance, never fail to captivate their viewers. From the enchanting mandapam settings to the delectable cuisines, the rituals of Tamil Brahmin weddings, also known as Iyer weddings, evoke a sense of admiration and enchantment. So, without further ado, let’s dive deeper into the sacred rituals of these nuptials.

 

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38 Tamil Brahmin Wedding Rituals & Traditions

 

Tamil Brahmin weddings typically span over 3 to 5 days, including pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies. Filled with love and energy, these celebrations are truly remarkable. Stemming from one of the oldest cultures in the world, Tamil Brahmin weddings have, to this date, remained relevant and progressive. Here are some of the most interesting traditions and rituals:

 

1. Siddhant Ceremony

 

It officially marks the start of the wedding ceremonies. The panikar or registrar, visits the priest before approving the wedding. After his approval, the wedding date is fixed.

 

 

2. Nischayadaarthyam

 

It is the official engagement ceremony, which includes the ring exchange and the worship of Lord Ganesha.  

 

3. Pandal Kaal Muhurtham

 

The bride's family offers prayers to the god represented by a bamboo pole during this pre-wedding ritual, which takes place a few days before the wedding. The story behind this ritual is that the Pandhal, supported by bamboo poles, had to endure heavy winds and rain. Therefore, the bride’s family worshipped the first pole to ensure a smooth wedding.

 

 

 

4. Sumangali Prarthanai

 

The sumangali prarthanai is a ceremony hosted at the bride's place, in which married women (sumangalis) pray for a happy marriage between the bride and groom. They are then treated to a scrumptious feast.

 

5. Nandi Pooja

 

Held ten days before the wedding, both the bride and groom's families come together either at their home or the temple and perform a special prayer session known as Naandi Pooja or the tanking ceremony. It is conducted to seek blessings from God. 

 

 

 

6. Paalikai Seeds Sowing

 

One day before the wedding, the bride’s family performs a ritual to seek the blessing of the nine Devatas for fertility. Earthen pots filled with pre-soaked Navadhanya (nine cereals) are sown by Sumangalis or married women. After marriage, these sprouted seedlings are spread in water bodies.

 

7. Welcoming the Groom

 

A day before marriage, the bride’s family gives a warm welcome to the groom and his family, in a traditional way with a thali (tray) consisting of flowers, pakku, vetrilai, and fruits. The groom is welcomed by the bride’s side with sandal paste and rosewater.

 

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8. Vratham

 

This is a fasting day for the bride’s and groom’s families. It marks the beginning of the Grihastha phase and the end of Brahmacharya. Both families tie a thread around the to-be couple’s wrists to prevent evil spirits.

 

 

9. Jaanavaasam

 

Jaanavasam is a tradition where the groom visits the temple and performs some pujas. His return is accompanied by a cheerful procession, and the bride’s family welcomes him with a tilak, sweets, and flowers.

 

10. Lagna Pathrigai

 

This ritual involves the priest reading the wedding invitation along with announcing the names of three generations of the bride and groom’s lineage. Also, other details like muhurtham and venue are discussed.

 

11. Mangala Snanam

 

On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom are applied with a paste of turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood and are bathed in holy water by married women. This rite depicts the purification of the body and soul for the big day.

 

 

 

12. Ganapathi Puja

 

Just like any other event, Tamil Brahmin weddings also begin with a Ganapathi Puja to ensure that the whole celebration goes on smoothly without obstacles.

 

13. Navagraha Puja

 

Prayers are offered to appease the nine astral planets, seek blessings, and avoid any bad omens.

 

14. Gauri Puja

 

This is performed by the bride. She seeks blessings from Goddess Gauri, for a happy marriage.

 

 

 

15. Kasi Yathra

 

A continuation of the vratham ceremony, Kasi yatra is a common ritual in Tamil Brahmin weddings. In this rite, the groom pretends to leave for Kasi in an ascetic with his humble belongings, such as slippers, a bamboo fan, an umbrella, and a holy scripture. He is then convinced by the bride’s father and he agrees to the marriage. This also indicates the commencement of the marriage rituals.

 

 

 

16. Vaaku Nischaya Muhurtham

 

Both the fathers of the bride and groom chant the Vedic hymns recited by the priest. This formalises the wedding ceremony.

 

17. Maalai Matral

 

A fun-filled ceremony where the bride and groom exchange their garlands three times. The friends and families of the couple help them or make it a little tough to exchange garlands.

 

 

18. Oonjal

 

One of the most popular and unique rituals at Tamil Brahmin weddings is oonjal. The bride and groom sit on a decorated swing (oonjal) and are given bananas and milk, which are considered to be a way of showering blessings on the couple.

 

 

19. Vara Puja

 

The groom worship (vara puja) ceremony involves the groom’s feet being washed in milk and dried with silk.

 

20. Mangala Aarathi

 

The bride and groom are circled with a mixture of turmeric powder and lime, which is then thrown away. It is done to protect them from the evil eye.

 

 

21. Kanya Dhaanam

 

Like most other cultures in India, Tamil Brahmin weddings also have a ceremony of “giving away the daughter,"  or kanyadaanam. The bride’s hand, who is seated on her father’s lap, is given to the groom while her mother pours water over it, symbolising the giving away of their daughter.

 

22. Kankana Dhaaranam

 

In Tamil Brahmin weddings, the bride ties a string dipped in turmeric around the groom’s wrist, symbolising a religious vow binding them together. Afterward, the groom also does the same to the bride.

 

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23. Maangalya Dhaaranam

 

The groom ties a ‘thali’ or ‘maangalyam’ around the bride’s neck, in the backdrop of ‘Nadaswaram’. The bride and groom will be showered with flowers and rice.

 

 

 

24. Paani Grahanam

 

Paani grahanam, translated to ‘holding hands’, is a ritual where the bride and groom hold each other’s hands while mantras are recited. 

 

25. Saptha Padhi

 

A marriage is said to be complete when the bride and groom take the seven steps, or saptha paadhi. They take seven steps together, which represents their companionship for life.

 

 

26. Pradhaana Homam

 

In this ceremony, the new couple pays their respects to Agni Devata, or the God of Fire. They walk around the fire while pouring ghee and twigs into it. Agni is treated as the witness of the holy union of the couple.

 

27. Ammi Midithal

 

This is a Tamil wedding rite in which the groom places the bride’s feet on a grindstone. This represents the ideology of preparing the bride to be strong as a rock to handle the challenges of married life.

 

 

28. Arundhathi Star

 

A unique Tamil Brahmin wedding ritual in which the groom points towards the Saptarishi constellation, showing the bride the Arundathi and Vashishta stars.

 

29. Sammandhi Mariyaadhai

 

The two families exchange gifts, such as clothes and sweets, to celebrate the union of the couple.

 

30. Laaja Homam

 

The bride offers parched rice grains to the fire, praying for the long and healthy life of her husband. 

 

 

31. Akshadai Shower

 

The bride and groom are showered with akshadai, or turmeric-coated rice grains, as a symbol of blessings from the elders.

 

32. Paladhaanam

 

The newlywed couple seeks blessings from the elders by touching their feet and offering one rupee coin as a token and fruits.

 

33. Nalungu

 

On the wedding afternoon, there are many fun activities that the couple participates in, together with the guests. This includes activities like fanning, a mirror show, wrestling for a betel pack, breaking papads, rolling a coconut, etc., showcasing their cooperativeness, sporting spirit, etc.

 

 

34. The 3 Homams

 

Performed during night time, the bride and groom participate in three havanas, including Jayanthi Homam, Pravesa Homam, and Sesha Homam.

 

35. Thaamboola Charvanam

 

After the marriage, the bride’s brother offers the couple their first betel leaf to chew. This is followed by giving gifts to the couple and blessing them with good luck and prosperity.

 

 

 

36. Griha Pravesham

 

The ceremony of the bride entering her new home, and leaving her maternal house. She is given a warm welcome at the groom’s home by his family.

 

37. Wedding Reception

 

During the ceremonies, it may not be possible for the couple to meet every guest. The wedding reception is a casual and informal occasion where the guests meet the couple and congratulate them and their families.

 

38. Kattu Saadham

 

The day after the wedding, the bride’s family sends condiments like rice, dal, coffee powder, pickles, etc. to her new home. 

 

Celebrate the Rich Culture of Tamil Brahmin Weddings with Mysore Saree Udyog

 

Steeped in customs and traditions, Indian weddings are vibrant celebrations filled with deep significance. Embodying India’s rich cultural heritage, Tamil Brahmin weddings effortlessly blend beauty and tradition into their ceremonies.

 

Transform each moment into a joyous celebration with exquisite outfits from Mysore Saree Udyog. MSU offers a vast collection of Kanchipuram, Pochampally, and Chettinad sarees perfect for any occasion, ensuring you look stunning every time you wear them. Embrace the vibrancy of every event with Mysore Saree Udyog's finest saree collection.