Key Rituals in Brahmin Wedding

01

Janavasam

The bride and groom's party, minus the bride, assembles at a nearby temple where the groom is offered a new dress befitting the occasion. He is then taken in a grand procession, often in an open car, to the mandapam. This function is becoming extinct nowadays. In earlier times, this procession would be a vibrant, community-centered event with music, dancing, and joyous celebrations. Elders from both families would accompany the groom, blessing him as he embarked on his marital journey. Traditionally, this ceremony symbolized the groom’s transition from bachelorhood to family life. Though less common today, some families still cherish and revive this ritual to maintain cultural continuity.

02

Vritham

The groom performs sacred religious rites that mark his transition from the Brahmacharya Ashram (the stage of student life) to the Grihastha Ashram (the stage of married life). These rituals symbolize his readiness to take on family responsibilities and household duties. The ceremony typically involves prayers, homams (sacred fire rituals), and the wearing of a new sacred thread. It is an important step that spiritually prepares the groom for marriage. Through this, he seeks the blessings of his ancestors, deities, and elders to begin this new chapter of life.

03

Kasi Yatra

In this symbolic ritual, the groom pretends to renounce worldly life and sets out on a spiritual journey to Kashi, carrying a walking stick, an umbrella, and scriptures. On his way, he is gently stopped by the bride’s father, who persuades him to return and accept the responsibilities of married life instead. The bride’s father offers his daughter’s hand in marriage as a noble alternative to asceticism. This playful yet meaningful tradition highlights the transition from a life of learning to one of family and duty. It also signifies the importance of family and societal roles over solitary pursuits.

04

Exchange of garlands ( Malaai matruthal)

The groom accepts the proposal and he is brought to the mandapam where the bride awaits in brilliant clothes and ornaments, flowers. In addition to a big garland she will be wearing three garlands. The groom will be in two garlands besides the big one. The bride removes one of the three garlands and puts it around the neck of the groom. The groom in his turn removes one of his garlands and puts it round the bride’s neck. This is done three times. In performing this both the bride and the groom are helped by their respective maternal uncles. This function used to be full of fun and frolic in the olden days. The girl and the boys used to be young. The uncles lift them on their shoulders and it is the skill, how the garland is put around the neck of each other. Now-a-days it is enacted in a lack lustre way. The awkwardness being felt by the couple especially the bride owing to their age stands out. This may also fade away as “Janavasams” did.

05

Oonjal

The couple is made to sit on the Oonjal (swing), which is gently rocked back and forth. This marks a joyful and symbolic moment in the wedding. Relatives and friends gather around and use this occasion to showcase their musical talents by singing traditional songs. In earlier times, these songs were echoed by the Nadaswaram players, reinforcing the celebratory mood—but this practice has faded, likely due to time constraints. While the songs are sung, the couple is served milk and plantains as a symbol of nourishment and prosperity. Meanwhile, elderly women from both families participate in a protective ritual. They throw coloured rice balls (called arisi urundai) in four directions. This is done to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the couple. The Oonjal ceremony beautifully blends joy, music, tradition, and blessings.

06

Kannika Dhanam

After the couple is led to the platform where preliminary religious rites are performed, the groom is referred to by the father of the bride as “matavishnuswarupi” ie., resembling Lord Maha Vishnu- After washing his feet the groom is invited to accept the bride as ” Kannika Dhanam” In this the bride sits on the lap of her father. Her hands twined upward are placed on the upward turned hands of the groom. A coconut, betel leaves, nuts are placed on the hands of the bride. In the olden days gold coins used to be placed. (This is because any Dhanam is to accompanied by some Sambavanai in cash.) This aspect no longer exists. It is possible that this ” Sambavanai” turned into “dowry” which used to be taken in advance. ——- is not offered in kannika dhanam now-a-days. Water is poured on the brides’hands by her mother. Then the father releases his hand from that of his daughter thus placing the hand of the bride over the hands of the groom who accepts the Dhanam.

07

Mangalya Dharanam

The groom offers new clothes to the bride after accepting her. While she changes, prayers are offered to the Tirumangalyam, which is then taken around the hall for elders’ blessings. Traditionally, elders bless it, but now everyone touches it. When the bride returns, she sits on her father's lap. The groom performs rites and ties the Mangalyam with one knot; his sister completes the remaining two knots. Flowers are showered, often falling on nearby relatives. Interestingly, no Vedic mantras are recited for this sacred act—only a slokam is chanted. There's a modern misconception that tying the Mangalyam completes the marriage, prompting premature dispersal. This disrupts vital rituals that follow. After tying, the couple sits by the homagundam to perform Panigrahanam, where the groom holds the bride’s hand with mantras, marking official acceptance. This is a key ritual. Following this, ceremonies like Anupasanam, Lajya Homam, and Saptapadi are performed as noted in the groom's invitation.

08

Saptha sathu

In this function the groom lifts the right foot of the bride and helps her to stand over a stone placed on the north side of the homa kundam to the recital of mantras. Then the couple comes round the homa kundam fire. This is performed seven times. The marriage is complete only after the performance of this Saptha Sathi. No one is expected to intervene from the tying of the magalyam and saptha sathi by shaking hands. After panigrahanam the groom performs aupasanam for the first time. This recital is one every individual is required to perform daily in the morning and evening. To enable such performance the “agni” from this homam is placed inside a mud pot in which rice husks are already placed. The fire has to be rekindled every time aupasanam is performed and after the aupasanam the fire is again placed inside the pot. This is not being done since no one (perhaps a few) performs aupasanam these days. A pot is, however, carried when the groom leaves for his home.

09

Arundhadhi darsanam

After the marriage rituals are completed, the groom takes the bride—now his wife—outside the pandal or mandapam after nightfall. There, he shows her the star Arundhathi (part of the Vasishta–Arundhathi pair in the Saptarishi constellation), which shines brightly in the night sky. This ritual is deeply symbolic. Arundhathi is considered the epitome of chastity, devotion, and loyalty in Hindu tradition. She is revered for her unwavering faithfulness and support to her husband, Sage Vasishta. The act of showing this star to the bride is to remind her of Arundhathi’s virtues and to inspire similar qualities in her married life. It symbolizes the bond of mutual respect, trust, and moral strength between husband and wife. The Sanskrit phrase “Pativratha Dharma” or “Pathi Vratha Sthri Lakshanam” is often associated with this. It sets a guiding example for the new couple on the values of commitment and harmony in marriage. This simple yet meaningful gesture emphasizes not just companionship, but spiritual unity.

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