Sumangali Prarthana
This pooja is done to invoke the blessings
of the departed Sumangalis. It is done a few days before the wedding
and pooja is done for the Mangalya, which is to be tied around
the neck of the bride. Sumangalis are invited for a feast and
offered gifts. The sari used for the pooja is to be gifted to
one of the Sumangalis.
Samaradhanai
Venkatachalapathi, the Lord of the Seven
Hills and his spouse Alermael Manga Thayar are worshipped so that
the couple may be blessed with a prosperous life. This is done
a few days before the wedding.
The Morning before the Wedding Day Ganapathi
Puja
Ganapathi, is invoked before the wedding
to remove all obstacles.This is done the previous day before the
marriage.
Naandi Devata Puja
Naandi is a very important religious rite
done by learned Pandits. It is done to obtain the blessings of
the Pithrus for a long and prosperous life, free of diseases and
aliments and to ensure that the children get good food and education
and lead a healthy life.
Vratham
The marriage ceremonies begin with the fast
performed separately by the bride and the groom. The Kappu or
the holy thread is tied on to the bride's wrist to ward off all
evil spirits. The groom begins the Vratham with prayers involving
Indra, Soma, Chandra, Agni. From thereon, the groom prepares himself
for a new chapter in his life as a householder or Grihastha. The
days of his bachelorhood or brahmacharya are now over the acceptance
of this is all what the Vratham is about.
Paalikai - seeds sowing
In this fertility rite, Paalikais or earthen
pots with grass and betel leaves at the base are prepared. Nine
kinds of pre-soaked cereals called Vilvam are ceremonially sown
in these pots by Sumangalis. After the marriage, the sprouted
seedlings are released in a river or pool. This ritual is done
to bless the couple with progeny and a healthy life.
The Evening before the Wedding Day Ushering-in
of the Bridegroom
The bridegroom, accompanied by a procession
of people is taken to the marriage hall from a temple in a car
decorated with flowers. The bride's parents escort him, and he
is welcomed at the marriage mandap. This function is called Jaana
Vasam in South India and Baraat in North India. The idea behind
it is to seek public approval for the groom, chosen by the family.
