Brahmin weddings are the traditional Hindu ceremony that symbolizes the customs and practices passed down through generations. They always have the layout for such ceremonies like prayer, sacred fire ritual, and the passing of garlands. These Hindu wedding customs highlight strong cultural values and belief which includes all the respect from their elders, family harmony, and the importance of their customs.
Tamil Brahmin weddings are highly rooted with their rituals, ceremonies, costumes and practices. This ceremony is not just joining of two people but also a union of two families. Let's explore the various parts of the Brahmin wedding ceremony.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Some of the major part of wedding rituals for Brahmin wedding take place before to their wedding day. Especially one custom called "Janam Kundali Milan," or a horoscope matching ceremony, which guarantees them as bride and groom. Following this is the "Mangni" or "Nischitartham," or engagement ritual, where the families exchange their plates filled with betel leaves, bananas, fruits and dresses; In this day they also confirm their wedding day.
Engagement
In Hindu culture, especially for Brahmin wedding, Brahmin engagement ceremony is commonly considered as pre-wedding event. Where the bride and groom exchange rings and get blessings from everyone, especially from their family members and close friends.
In this Brahmin engagement ceremony, the Brahmin couple pledges their commitment to each other for a lifetime commitment, which consists of rituals, prayers, and maybe a small feast. It is the happiest occasion that is full of laughter, love, and cultural value for the upcoming wedding.
Janavasa
The Brahmin wedding groom's procession, also known as Jaana vaasam, it is an important custom in Brahmin marriages. this symbolizes the groom's happy journey from his house to the wedding spot, which usually occurs on the bride's house or a wedding hall. On this day, the groom is accompanied along with music, dancing, crackers and carried in a decorated vehicle, probably a car, royal carriage, or even a horse, accompanied along by their close family members, friends, and relations.
This colorful occasion serves as an introduction to the Brahmin wedding rituals and shows the groom's willingness to start on his new married life. This cultural custom, group happiness, and family coordination that are essential to Brahmin marriage.
Gowri Poojaa
In Brahmin marriages, the importance of the pre-wedding ceremony is carried out. This pooja is particularly dedicated to Goddess Gowri (an example of Goddess Parvati) who represents purity, severity, and blissful marriage. In order to obtain their blessings for a happy and wealthy married life, the bride will perform the Gowri Pooja on the day before her wedding.
It involves chanting particular mantras, offering betel leaves, betel packs, mango leaves, flowers, fruits, sweets, and also thorough her prayers. This ceremony symbolizes the value of marriage in Brahmin customs and the cultural value of receiving divine blessings from elderly married couples.
Kasi Yatra
Kashi Yatra or Kasi Yatrai is a very interesting and memorable ritual. The bride's brother or sister interrupts the groom as he travels to Kashi to learn more about religion and spirituality. Then the bride's brother or sister offers him/her hand, the Groom stops and returns to the mandapam to marry!
Muhurtham
In a Brahmin wedding ritual, the auspicious time, or Muhurtham, is very important. The family astrologer makes the decision, which is considered as very important. In the early morning, the wedding day starts with the purification bath, called "Purusha Suktam". Then the bride and groom enters the main wedding ceremony dressed in their Brahmin wedding dress.
Mangal Sutra
The "Mangal Sutra" ceremony is an important post-wedding custom. During this tradition, the groom ties a sacred turmeric thread around the bride's neck, along with a Mangal Sutra, which is typically made of gold or Manjal verali katti. This thread indicates as the bride is officially married. In Brahmin weddings, the Mangal Sutra ceremony is very important and is typically observed by close friends and family.
Paanigrahanam
During the chanting of this mantra, the groom holds the bride's hand and tells her that the gods have chosen them as husband and wife to live together happily and harmoniously throughout their lifetime, and then the groom should lead their family till his end of his life.
Saptapadi
The bride and groom go seven steps hand in hand. It represents the process of marriage as a whole. According to the chants, every step represents the components of a peaceful life: food, strength, money and success, love and affection, children, good timing, and everlasting friendship.
Ammi Midithal
In this process, the bride is supposed to step on a grinding stone, signifying that her mind should be as solid as rock during her hardship of their life ups and downs.
ARUNDHATI Nakshatram
The groom shows Vashista and Arundhati to the bride as an ideal pair, representing marital fulfillment and loyalty. In this rituals, married couples were advised to search for the constellation that represents love and harmony in their upcoming marriage life.
Conclusion:
Finally, Brahmin marriages play an important role in Indian culture, as they are deeply rooted in history and traditions. Despite modern influences and changes, Brahmin weddings continue to maintain the essential principles of respect, responsibility, and purity, representing the everlasting cultural heritage and the importance of marriage.
FAQ
what is Brahmin wedding photography?
Brahmin wedding photography portrays the essence of a traditional Brahmin wedding, highlighting its traditions, cultural importance, and celebration of their events, always focused on posed photos and capturing the key moments of their ceremony and reception.
What are the rituals of Brahmin weddings?
Well, Brahmin wedding rituals start with welcoming the groom to the wedding location. As soon as the groom walks in, the bride's family members and friends welcome him with sandal paste or perform some rituals. Once the groom's welcome ceremony is completed, he wears the wedding attire.
How long is a Brahmin wedding?
A traditional Brahmin wedding usually lasts up to 2-5 days, which includes pre-wedding ceremonies, wedding day rituals, and post-wedding functions.
Why do Brahmins marry in day time?
Early morning is considered as the more auspicious for Brahmin marriage and it is said to bestow blessings and good fortune on the couple.
