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Hindu Wedding Rites

In grace and gain the home excels
Where love with virtue always dwells - Thirukural

Marriage is elevated to the level of a sacrament in the Hindu religion. A traditional Hindu wedding ceremony is performed according to the tenets prescribed over three thousand years ago. The rites and the rituals in the ceremony symbolize a union that is a spiritual partnership between two souls bonded in love, mutual respect and lasting commitment.

Varevetpu (Welcome): a Tamil Hindu wedding ceremony commences with the arrival of the groom and the tholan (usually the bride’s brother). The groom is welcomed by two ladies waving lighted lamps and the bride’s party garlanding the groom. The tholan sprinkles water on the groom’s feet as a symbol of respect and is rewarded with a gift for this humble gesture

Ganesh puja (Invocation to Lord Ganesh): Once the groom and the tholan are seated in the manavarai (decorated dais) the priest starts the ceremony, with the worship of lord ganesh, who is the remover of all obstacles. A talisman in the form of a thread is tied around the wrist of the groom. Married ladies perform palikai ceremony, where they sow nine varieties of grain in an earthen pot, signifying a life of abundance for the couple.

Kanyadhanam (The giving away of the bride): Once the bride arrives with her retinue. After the priest performs Ganesh puja for the bride, her father or designee performs the rite of giving away the bride by placing her hand in that of the groom to accept, cherish and protect. The priest proclaims the lineage of the couple in keeping with the Hindu tradition of paying homage to elders.

Agni (Sacred Fire) is lit to represent cosmic energy and it is also a purifier. Offerings are made to the sacred fire during the ceremony, in a sprit of sacrifice and equal partnership.

Thali Ceremony: This is the highlight of a Hindu wedding. After the Thali (a sacred necklace) is blessed by the priest and the congregation, the groom places it around the bride’s neck. Nadhaswaram (a wind instrument) and the drums which are played throughout rise to a crescendo; A family member breaks a coconut to reveal the inner white kernel that is said to represent purity. The priest invokes the Agni and the assembly to stand witness to the marriage. The bride and groom exchange garlands.

Saptapadi: having god as their guide, the couple walk seven steps together to pledge their commitment towards the seven goals:

1 st for health, wealth and prosperity.

2 nd to flourish through righteous means.

3 rd for physical, mental and spiritual strength.

4 th for happiness and harmony through mutual love and trust.

5 th for blessing of progeny.

6 th to remain in a lasting union with peace and tranquillity.

7 th for spiritual union and merger of souls.

As they go round the Agni certain rituals are performed in keeping with tradition. The groom places the right foot of the bride on a grinding stone to remind her to be steadfast and strong as the stone. The priest points to the star Arundhathi who was known to be the ideal wife. The couple make offerings to the Agni, seeking divine blessings.

Asirvatham (Blessing): The priest, the parents, and the guests bless the couple by sprinkling them with grains of rice to wish them prosperity and happiness. The blessing is completed by the performance of Alathi – the circular movement of a tray with lighted wicks – by two ladies. A new era dawns in the life of the married couple.