Sacred Gounder Marriage Ceremonies

The Tamil marriage ceremonies play an important role in weddings. With traditions that are deeply embedded in their culture, here’s what makes these wedding rituals so unique.  

photo courtesy of Swans Wedding

Wedding ceremonies are rituals built upon age-old beliefs and traditions and are an important part of the Tamil marriage ceremonies. A wedding is a celebration of the happiness and commitment of the bride and groom and unity between the two families. The Tamil culture is known for its simplicity and the rituals performed as part of the wedding ceremony stay true to their traditional form.

The Tamil marriage ceremonies celebrate different facets of a bride and groom’s entry into adulthood and different castes follow their own pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding ceremonies.

Here’s what makes the rituals performed by each caste so unique.

1. Ezudhingam: Before Tamil marriage ceremonies, the Arumikaarar is chosen. He is a respected male member of the community who will conduct the wedding proceedings for the newlyweds. A women member, Arumaikaari, is also chosen to perform all the rites of the wedding along with the Arumikaarar.

2. Kudimagan: The Navidhar (Barber) plays a significant role in the wedding. He assumes the role of inviting the guests for each ritual before the wedding and performs the Mangala Vaazhthu along with the Arumikaarar at the wedding. The Navithar also shaves the groom’s head before the wedding as is customary for the Gounder community Tamil marriage.

3. Naal Virundhu: The marriage festivities begin with the Naal Virundhu. It is a small feast arranged for the close family members. The families celebrate the harmony and unity of the newlyweds.

4. Mangala Vaazthu: In the Gounder community, reciting the Mangala Vaazthu is an important part of the wedding ceremony. This song was written by the Poet Kambar and the lyrics describe the events of the wedding and compare it to that of the royal family.

The song sings the praise of the institution of marriage and blesses the newlyweds.

5. Senjoru Aindhadai and Arugumanam Seidel: These rituals are performed after the Tamil marriage ceremonies aim is to remove any evil eye that may have been induced during the wedding.

6. Kalyana Virandhu: The Gounder marriage is followed by an extravagant vegetarian meal served on plantain leaves. The meal is a joyful celebration of the newlyweds.

Tamil marriage ceremonies held deep significance and cultural value. Each ritual intends to foster harmony among the two families and strengthen the bond between the bride and groom. There are various communities within the Tamil culture have their own unique wedding rituals that help the Tamilians preserve their rich heritage and stay true to their roots.

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