Tamil Mudaliyar wedding traditions are well known for all the fun and frolic present. Along with maintaining cultural rituals strictly, they make space for lots of laughter and enjoyment too. The pre-wedding rituals are mostly occasions where the whole family gets together to enjoy a great reunion. The events are planned in such a way that the entire atmosphere is filled with joy and love. One such pre-wedding ritual is the famous Kasi Yatra.
\n\nWhat Happens in Kasi Yatra Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
\nAs per traditional Hindu customs, a bachelor can either choose to get married (Grihasthashramam) or can lead a pious life of a sanyasi. The Kasi Yatra rituals show an occasion where the groom plays the role of a young man who decides to leave for Kasi for becoming a sanyasi and move on to a life of pilgrimage and prayers.
The bride's brother has to persuade the groom to halt that decision and return to the wedding. He also advises the groom that to attain inner peace and ultimate wisdom, one must go through all the stages in life. Grihasthashramam is one that gives new knowledge and teaches many new chapters in life and this is necessary to attain the Almighty when the time comes. The Groom is made to change his mind and return to the wedding venue. The bride’s brother also promises to give this sister in marriage to him if he does so. As a reciprocal to his to-be brother-in-law’s love and persistence, the groom offers him a gold ring called ‘pori modiram’ as a gift. The groom is offered gifts from the bride’s family as he has decided to continue with the wedding. He is welcomed back with an Aarthi to ward off any evil eye.
\n\nThese days this ritual is accompanied by a lot of laughter and gaiety and is celebrated happily. The groom carries a Bamboo umbrella as he starts off for his Kasi yatra and also brings it back to remind him of the responsibilities he has towards his wife. The function reminds the young couple that being a supportive couple is necessary for passing through all stages of life.
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South Indian weddings are rich in rituals aimed at giving an auspicious start to the couple for a lifelong journey together. A Tamil Mudaliar Matrimony starts with a Nichayathartham or an engagement which opens the plethora of ceremonies that then take place at both the bride and groom’s houses, individually. These rituals are attended and actively participated in by all family members, making it a series of mini celebrations in itself.
\n\nEach day holds a different ceremony with a set intention. One such, is the Nalangu ceremony in which women of the family get to enjoy the most! Typically performed a night before the wedding in the homes of the bride and groom individually or together, it is considered to be a cleansing and purification ritual.
\n\nThe Procedure for Nalangu Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nThis pre-wedding ceremony starts with the bride and groom being seated on a mat. A tray is kept beside them that holds a divine pasty mix of turmeric, various lentil powders and fragrant oils. The tray also includes Kumkum and Limestone. Women in the family come forward and first apply Kumkum on the forehead followed by an application of the turmeric paste on the hands, legs, feet and cheeks of the couple. Upon completion, the elderly women of the family perform an Aarti for the couple offering their blessings. Other women attending join in by singing holy hymns that ask for the couple to be blessed with marital bliss and a long life.
While some families prefer to have this ceremony separately, others look forward to hosting this with both sides of the family together. The latter makes it an exciting affair and gives a great chance for both parties to get to know each other better. The evening is made more enjoyable with an array of games arranged for the families to participate in and have a jolly time. The Nalangu for bride and groom holds great importance for it’s main intent is to ensure that the couple is fresh, beautified and warded off any negative energy that surrounds them before their big day!
","summary":""},"path":{"alias":"/wedding-rituals/tamil/mudaliyar/pre-wedding-rituals-tamil-mudaliyar-weddings-nalangu"},"field_image":{"alt":"Nalangu Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Wedding"},"relationships":{"field_tags":[{"id":"5a8dac6a-2499-5145-abfe-4ccfe8d8634e","name":"Mudaliyar","weight":4},{"id":"b8620fe1-4b58-5a2f-b071-2c4b26e48b21","name":"Tamil","weight":0},{"id":"f7342040-b19d-5fff-a235-4e49be5a6db6","name":"Wedding Rituals","weight":34}],"field_image":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/9dc27/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/25b50/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg 75w,\n/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/aabdf/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg 150w,\n/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/9dc27/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg 300w,\n/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/32fd5/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg 450w,\n/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/4fe8c/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg 600w,\n/static/f7f1ac3a2148a913226e9f859c08d56d/ed853/Tamil%2520Mudaliyar%2520Nalangu.jpg 1042w","sizes":"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"}}}}}},{"id":"435b229c-d7c8-5efd-ab76-23100215758d","drupal_id":"5683c346-f795-4047-b170-d21de1be97ed","title":"Manai Pongal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings","created":"2020-09-01T00:35:51+00:00","body":{"processed":"Indian weddings are not restricted to just the auspicious matrimony day. Celebrations and rituals start days in advance eventually leading to the grand pre-agreed date and time for the blessed union to take place.
\n\nThe wedding rituals for Tamil Mudaliyar community include customs that are symbolic with deeper meanings and include a range of these to signify belief systems. One such is the Manai Pongal ceremony that takes place on the day of the wedding upon the arrival of the bride and groom at the venue.
\n\nSignificance of Manai Pongal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nThe word ‘Pongal’ is derived from ‘pongu,’ which has two meanings: swelling up and cooking. The swelling denotes the rise of wealth and good fortune in the family. In culinary terms pongu also translates to cooking and in this instance, it represents the milk that is boiled to which rice and other condiments are mixed.
The couple are ushered into their respective dressing areas where they prepare themselves to don their wedding attire and dress up. Tradition has it that this time is used by the parents of the groom to cook rice in the five or seven clay pots kept to perform this task. Family members surround them while the Manaivi or the wife of the house along with her husband prepare the rice over three stones.
\n\nThe key here is that the number of pots laid out must be odd in number. While Hinduism gives importance to all numbers, most rituals or auspicious moments require the use of odd numbers. This is particularly applicable when giving donations or the tradition of giving charity - the numbers are preferred odd. Legend says that since nature prefers odd given the number of plants, number of days in a week, etc, Hinduism loves odd numbers too.
\n\nOnce the rice is cooked, the groom’s parents offer them to deities who are believed to have made a symbolic presence at the marriage altar. This is followed by the eldest sumangali (married woman whose husband is alive) greeting the couple-to-be with floral garlands to escort them to the Kalyana pandal or Mandap. The marriage ritual of Manai Pongal represents the act of gratitude to the heavenly blessings through the offering while seeking abundance for the future couple and family.
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While Tamil matrimony traditions may come off as lengthy, it has some of the most profound rituals with deep meaning that have been maintained over time. The Mudaliar traditions for weddings are applicable to both bride and grooms equally and are performed separately or together. The first wedding ritual that is followed by this community on the day of the wedding is the Yennai Seekai nalangu. This purifying ritual is performed by the bride and groom in their respective rooms or on the wedding dias early in the morning.
\n\nThe Procedure for Yennai Seekai Nalangu Rituals in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nYennai Seekai Nalangu means a nalangu on the day of wedding with Yennai (oil) and seekai or shikakai (Acacia concinna). On the morning of the wedding, the bride is made to sit on a manai (a small raised wooden plank). Three or five sumangalis (married women with living husbands), come forward and each one of them takes a little yennai, to place it on the head of the bride. Then, they take the seekai and place it on the head of the bride. Once this is done by the sumangalis, they do an arathi for the bride and then send her off to have a purifying bath. The same ritual is performed for the groom as well.
The intention behind this ritual is to purify the to-be couple’s physical and spiritual body. It is believed that the purification is carried out by the medicinal properties of yennai and seekai. Apart from the ritualistic perspective, yennai seekai nalangu acts as a relaxing spa-like treatment to calm nerves. This ceremony is usually performed in the backyard of their homes, terrace or even at a mandap.
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Mudaliyars are born leaders and take their responsibilities very seriously. They are a loving community where ceremonies are conducted as per age-old traditional rituals. The Tamil Mudaliyar wedding is full of rituals and customs that bring the entire families together.
\n\nWhat Happens in Nitchayathartham Pre-Wedding Ritual in a Tamil Mudaliyar Wedding?
\nNitchayathartham or engagement is a function that takes place before the wedding. Once the two families have decided to continue with the alliance, they agree upon a date to perform the engagement. The families invite their close relatives and friends to be present during this function. It is a very interesting one where there are certain engagement rituals to be followed. The groom's family comes to the engagement venue bearing a gift for the bride and her family. There are 21 large plates which are filled with gifts. These include sarees, jewellery, fruits, dry fruits, flowers, sugar, turmeric, betel leaves, coconut, nuts, traditional snacks, sweets, etc. It is a symbol of love and prosperity on behalf of the groom’s family.
The main part of the ceremony is when the families exchange the horoscopes of the bride and groom. They then fix a convenient date for the wedding. The reading of horoscopes or Lagna Pathrikkai is a formal method of announcing the date and informing the guests of the wedding. Followed by this is the ritual known as Thambulam Matruthal. Here the bride's family offers valuable gifts to the groom's side. A marriage agreement is signed, they proceed to have a lavish feast and end the festivities of the day. The remaining days will be spent on taking care of the arrangements required for the wedding.
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The Arasan Kal is a ritual that is performed to seek blessings from the sacred Fig tree and the Bamboo Pole. The Fig tree is called Arasu or King of trees in Tamil.
\n\nSignificance of Arasanikal or Arsan Kal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nAs per Mudaliyar history, Tamil kings were invited to the wedding to bless the couple. In modern times, to show respect to the king, a bamboo pole called \"Arasan Kal\" is erected in front of the marriage platform along with a Branch/Stick from the Fig Tree. This bamboo stick represents the presence of the king. Also, a fig tree is symbolic for its immortality and thus by planting this stick, they pray for a long and happy married life. In Hindu culture, this tree is thought of as a combination of the Trimurtis namely Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara in the form of a tree who through their presence in the Mandap will bless the couple on the auspicious occasion of wedding.
Interesting Fact:
\nThe milk-cleansing is a tradition that has been in practise since the days of the Kings. Milk-cleansing of the King’s feet was part of tradition and was considered as a mark of respect to the royalty. Post the dynasty rule in India, Bamboo sticks took the place of the King but the milk-cleansing ritual still carries on.
A lighted lamp, however small or large, is an auspicious sight in all Hindu weddings. All rituals are conducted in the presence of the Holy fire. It is said that the light is proof of happiness and paves the way for a bright future for the new couple.
\n\nSignificance of Mangala Arathi Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nDuring the wedding ceremony, in various instances, you will notice a married woman performing an Arathi for the new couple. This is known as Mangala Arathi and is a sacred ritual carried out for enhancing prosperity and warding off any evil eye. Diyas or lighted lamps have always been considered auspicious and are present in all Mudaliyar marriage rituals that are carried out. The Arathi is performed by placing several auspicious items like turmeric, Kumkum, camphor, betel leaves on a silver plate. A lighted lamp is also placed in the centre of the plate. Sumangalis (married woman with a live husband) of the family are responsible for conducting the Arathi. Odd number of sumangalis take this plate and circle it, around the new couple, thrice in the clockwise direction and thrice in the anti-clockwise direction. This is to ensure that all negative energy is removed from the surroundings. It is believed that the new couple is then blessed with positive energy and high vibrations emitted from each blessing during this ritual.
Only sumangali pengal (married women whose husbands are alive) are allowed to perform the Arathi, as it is an age-old custom to inspire the young couple and set a good example of a happy married life.
\n\nMangala arati, meaning the end of rituals, is a final one on the list of wedding rituals for a Tamil Mudaliyar wedding. It implies that all the rituals have been completed successfully and show that the bride and groom are ready to leave behind their journey as singles to embark upon a wonderful ride together.
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Attend a Tamil Mudaliyar wedding to experience sacred rituals, celebrations and a divine spread of delicious South Indian vegetarian food. The bride and groom commit to each other at the kalyana mandapam through the wedding ceremony conducted by a priest amidst family members, relatives and friends. The wedding ceremony itself is marked sacred through the holy fire called Homam, lit by the chosen priest to act as a witness for the marriage and it’s proceedings. One of the key Tamil wedding customs is the Kanganam Kattudal ceremony.
\n\nThe Significance of Kanganam Kattudal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\n\nKanganam in Tamil, meaning a wristband is the main item in this ritual. Ideally, this wristband is plain white in colour and is dipped in turmeric paste. The Kanganam Kattudal ceremony has great importance as it acts as an oath taken by the couple to remain committed to complete all rituals in lieu of the marriage. The thread also acts as spiritual protection from any negative energies or obstacles that may hinder the divine union from taking place.
\n\nThe threads for the bride and groom are first tied on a coconut. The bride is then asked by the priest to tie this sacred thread, around the wrist of the groom. The groom in exchange also ties the thread on his bride’s wrist. While this is done, Mangala Urumi music is played at a high pitch using the Mirudhangam and Nathaswaram. The thread is worn until the marriage ceremony is completed. Post the ceremony, the Kanganam will be removed by the officiator from their respective wrists.
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Pattam is one of the traditional Tamil wedding rituals in a Mudaliyar wedding which is unique. Once the Thali tying ceremony also called the Mangalya Dharanam is completed this ritual takes place.
\n\nSignificance of Pattam Kattuthal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nTying this piece of gold on the forehead of the bride by the groom's relatives has great significance. It is believed that when the groom's sister ties it, she is symbolically welcoming the bride to her family and that she is ready to cooperate and help her in domestic matters. When the mother-in-law ties, it is a gesture that shows that she is ready to hand over the family management to the daughter-in-law.
In the present day and age, however, this pattam is often given as pieces of gold that the bride can wear. Some substitute it for gold pendants, earrings, etc. which the bride can use frequently. Nowadays even the maternal cousins of the bride and groom tie pattams for the new couple.
","summary":""},"path":{"alias":"/wedding-rituals/tamil/mudaliyar/pattam-kattuthal-ritual-tamil-mudaliyar-weddings"},"field_image":{"alt":"Pattam Kattuthal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings"},"relationships":{"field_tags":[{"id":"5a8dac6a-2499-5145-abfe-4ccfe8d8634e","name":"Mudaliyar","weight":4},{"id":"b8620fe1-4b58-5a2f-b071-2c4b26e48b21","name":"Tamil","weight":0},{"id":"f7342040-b19d-5fff-a235-4e49be5a6db6","name":"Wedding Rituals","weight":34}],"field_image":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/60fd3e4baf0d51402b20c6dcee547830/9dc27/pattam%2520kattuthal.jpg","srcSet":"/static/60fd3e4baf0d51402b20c6dcee547830/25b50/pattam%2520kattuthal.jpg 75w,\n/static/60fd3e4baf0d51402b20c6dcee547830/aabdf/pattam%2520kattuthal.jpg 150w,\n/static/60fd3e4baf0d51402b20c6dcee547830/9dc27/pattam%2520kattuthal.jpg 300w,\n/static/60fd3e4baf0d51402b20c6dcee547830/32fd5/pattam%2520kattuthal.jpg 450w,\n/static/60fd3e4baf0d51402b20c6dcee547830/0f3a1/pattam%2520kattuthal.jpg 500w","sizes":"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"}}}}}},{"id":"da069ec4-d6a9-5790-b9db-7bd89c7fb8ed","drupal_id":"5fffaf55-0808-479b-8373-fd90db6f431d","title":"Post-Wedding Rituals in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings – Paligai","created":"2020-09-25T00:47:50+00:00","body":{"processed":"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.
\n\nWhat is Paligai Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings ?
\nThe importance of paligai dhanyam / Navadhanyams in Tamil Mudaliyar weddings is to be specially mentioned as this has a significant meaning. If you are wondering what is paligai meaning in Tamil - it simply means navadhanyams which are sprinkled with water and used for special poojas. The ritual includes filling 5 or 7 earthen pots, which have been decorated beautifully for this purpose, with curd and Navadhanyas.
The Nine Dhanyams
Navadhanyams are a combination of Nine grains. In the Ancient Hindu belief system, these are linked to nine cosmic planets. It is believed that the nine cosmic planets have a massive influence on the destiny of every family member. This is why the rituals are carried out with great attention.
Each planet is offered special prayers during the wedding rituals. These grains remain in the pots after the ceremony. They are seen as replicas of the bride and groom. These are then packed and sent along with the auspicious items when the bride leaves for the groom’s house.
\n\nSignificance of Paligai in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nThree sumangalis (married women whose husbands are alive) perform the rituals as they are considered to be symbols of fertility and have been successful in producing healthy offspring. The Navadhanyams sprout in time and this symbolises healthy, blessed progeny for the new couple also. As the bride enters her new home, she goes bearing promises of new hope and healthy relationships. The new couple is blessed to start a life filled with joy and healthy children to take their family name forward.
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.
\n\nWhy Sesha Post-Wedding Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
\nAn interesting and meaningful ceremony held in Mudaliyar weddings is the Sesha ritual. Once the Homam is completed, the uncle, aunt and sister of the bride place or tie a token on the couple's forehead known as Pattam. After the Pattam tying, Sesha happens. The Sesha ritual is conducted to bless the couple. The bride is made to sit to the left side of the groom. All the elders of the families are allowed to give their blessings during this ritual.
What Happens During Sesha in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
\nA white cloth is placed on a tray in front of the bride and groom. There will be uncooked raw rice placed on the cloth. As the elders bless the couple, they take a handful of rice and drop it in front of the couple. This rice is later given to a washerman as per the age-old custom.
After the Sesha, the couple walk three rounds around the fire and then the groom places a metti or toe ring on the second toe of the bride while placing her feet on a grinding stone. This is known as Ammi Mithithal. All these rituals are done with a lot of care and respect. They all symbolise the beginnings of harmonious married life.
\n\nMudaliyar wedding rituals follow all the traditions that have been handed over across generations. At the same time, the ceremonies have a lot of scope for fun and games too. The families along with relatives and friends enjoy a wonderful time and relish the memories forever.
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A wedding is a joyous occasion wherein all family members come together and rejoice. Tamil Mudaliyar weddings are special events filled with traditional customs as well as lots of fun. Each ceremony is packed with meaningful rituals aimed at gaining the maximum blessings for the newly wedded couple. The post-wedding ritual of Maru veedu is an important function that is conducted mainly to welcome the bride into the Groom’s residence. Maru means another and veedu means house. It is also commonly known as Grivapravesham - the bride’s first entry into her in-law’s house.
\n\nWhat is done in Maru Veedu Rituals in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
\nThe Maru veedu ceremony is held at an auspicious time known as Muhurtham. This is calculated by astrologers and the elders of the family make sure that the time specified is kept. The Mudliyar wedding traditions and rituals are all performed early enough to ensure that the couple reaches the Groom’s residence before this Muhurtham itself.
At the proper Muhurtham, the bride is welcomed into her new family. The Groom’s whole family assembles for this event. The Groom’s mother performs an Aarathi before the new couple enters the house. A silver plate with auspicious items like Turmeric, Kumkum, camphor, etc along with lighted lamps is used for this. The Aarthi is performed to ward off any evil eye.
\n\nThen the bride is handed over a Lamp - the Vilaku, which she carries into her new home. The light emitted from the Vilaku is considered Holy and symbolises a prosperous beginning. She performs special poojas for the Ancestral Deities in the Groom's family. Then she is allowed to touch some Salt - Uppu, Tamarind - Puli and Red Chilly - Sivapu Milagai. This is a way of handing over the health, safety and well being of all the new family members to the bride.
\n\nAs a new bride, she is lovingly given the authority and responsibility of her new family. To lighten the atmosphere, the cousins of the groom arrange many games after the rituals so that the bride will get to know her new family better. The post-wedding functions help the new couple to get adjusted to their roles better and help them mingle with both the families wholeheartedly.
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The post-wedding reception in a Tamil Mudaliyar community is a time for relaxation and happiness. After conducting many rituals and customs according to their age-old beliefs, the reception comes as a time to enjoy and be light. The reception, under normal circumstances, is conducted on the evening of the wedding. After all the rituals and welcoming the bride to the new home, a time is fixed for the wedding reception. Most families decide the venue and time for the reception along with the arrangements for the wedding itself This helps them to inform their relatives and friends well in advance.
\n\nAfter looking adorable in traditional attire for the past few days, it is a chance for the couple as well as the guests to shift to modern gear at the reception. There are many receptions where a dress code is also being followed. This is just for fun and to make the photo sessions look awesome. The family arranges a grand dinner with a variety of mouth-watering dishes. A lovely stage is set where the new couple is seated. They look adorable and perfect for each other on stage.
\n\nThe reception also gives the family members a chance to personally wish the couple and bestow them with gifts and blessings. The gifts are in the form of presents or even cash. The younger generation cousins and friends utilise this event to the maximum to have a lot of entertainment activities. There are planned and unplanned group dancing, singing, playing pranks and lots of other games. The whole purpose of the reception is for the families to mingle together, get to know each other well and to have a jolly good time.
\n\nThe new couple relaxes into the jovial atmosphere and learns more about each other. They are relieved of the stress and rush of the Mudaliyar rituals as the reception is a more relaxed and informal affair. Having some time to enjoy with friends and family is considered to be a cherished gift and this is exactly what a Tamil Mudaliyar reception is meant for.
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\n\nOne special event that marks the beginning of the wedding celebrations in the Mudaliyar families is the ritual called Pandal Kaal. It takes place after the Nitchayathartham and three days before the wedding. The function is carried out in both the groom's as well as the bride's home.
\n\nWhat is Pandal Kaal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings & Why is it Significant?
\nAn auspicious date and time, known as the pandakaal muhurtham, is fixed by an astrologer for this function. A bamboo pole is erected on the ground in the area suggested and it is cleaned with water, milk, turmeric and sandalwood paste. A knot is tied at the end of the pole using a yellow or red cloth. Mango leaves are also tied around the knot as it is a symbol of prosperity. The bride and the groom offer prayers at this place to Lord Ganesha. The significance of this ceremony is to conduct the wedding without any interruption. Moreover, the presence of the Pandal Kaal is a symbol to people that there is a wedding going to happen in that particular family.
The main ritual is carried out by 9 married women in the family. They place 9 varieties of pulses in 9 vessels and leave them to soak. The pulses are kept for germination and turn into sprouts the next day. The new sprouts symbolise new fresh beginnings. This is called Mozhakattuthal and these sprouts are nurtured till the wedding day. The ceremony is ended with an Aarthi and a coconut is broken to denote a happy ending to the event.
\n\nEach of the Tamil Mudaliyar wedding rituals carries a special blessing for the new couple as they begin a fresh phase of their journey together.
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Weddings are incomplete without the use of floral decorations and garlands. The smell of pungent flowers hanging off ceilings, swaying to the tunes of a Nadaswaram are something that enhance the celebratory mood of the day. However, it is the floral garlands and the garland ceremony called Maalai Matrudhal that holds importance in the wedding rituals. Particularly, in a Tamil Mudaliyar wedding, this ceremony is believed to follow the vedic ritual of exchange of garlands between the bride and groom signifying deeper meanings.
\n\nSignificance of Maalai Matrudhal Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings
\nAs per the Vedas, it was believed that the Hindu Gods and Goddesses performed a Maalai Matrudhal at the time of their marriage. Following this act, generations followed whereby a girl of marriageable age would choose her suited husband from many suitors by putting a garland around his neck in a ceremony called Swayamvar. The act of putting a garland around the man she chooses to be her husband is a way of showing her acceptance.
A Mudaliar kalyanam too has a Malai Matrudhal ceremony similar to the Swayamvar ceremony. Once the groom arrives at the kalayana mandapam, he awaits his bride who eventually joins him with her family, who usher her onto the stage. The Malai Maatrudhal ceremony starts with the bride putting the garland around her groom first to show she accepts him as her husband. The groom mirrors the ritual to show his acceptance of her as his wife. The ceremony is enriched with the loud and special music played on the Nadaswaram. Legend has it that the malai maatrudhal ceremony empowers the belief of unification of two souls as one.
\n\nAdding the Fun Element
\nSpecial floral arrangements are carefully made using beautiful flowers when making these garlands. A fun element of this ceremony lies in the fact that families and friends make it difficult for the bride and groom to put the garland around each other’s neck by pulling each partner away playfully. Once the ceremony is completed, the couple progresses to other sacred rituals as guided by the priest. The garlands used in the ceremony are preserved carefully for as long as possible as they are considered pure.