Iyer marriage rituals, or VRTM, have been a part of the South Indian culture for centuries. These ancient ceremonies are steeped in tradition and significance, offering unique insight into the history of the Iyers. From elaborate pre-wedding rituals to intricate post-wedding celebrations, Iyer marriages are an unforgettable experience for all involved. In this article, we'll take a look at the customs surrounding Iyer marriages and explore how they've changed over time.
Iyer wedding ceremonies are full of fascinating symbolic gestures that pay homage to Hindu gods and goddesses. From traditional dress to carefully-choreographed dance performances, each element of an Iyer wedding has its own unique meaning and purpose. This makes them a truly unique and beautiful experience for those who attend.
The Iyers have their own distinct way of celebrating weddings that sets them apart from other Indian cultures. With vibrant costumes, lively music, and elaborate decorations, it's easy to see why these weddings are so popular among members of the community – and why they're often remembered as some of the most memorable events in people's lives!
## Definition Of Iyer Community
Iyer is a Hindu Brahmin community from South India. They are traditionally known as 'Aryas' or 'Dvijas'. The Iyers are known for their strict adherence to the traditional Vedic rituals and religious practices of their ancestors.
The Iyers primarily reside in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Maharashtra. They speak various dialects of Tamil such as Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu.
Iyers are divided into many sub-sects based on their geographical locations and the type of work they do. Some of the major sub-sects include Sri Vaishnavam, Vadagalai, Thenkalai, Smartha Madhwa Brahmins and others. Each sub-sect has its own unique customs and traditions which differ from each other in terms of marriage ceremonies.
Marriage is an important event in the life of an Iyer family and it is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. It involves several traditional rituals that are followed by most Iyer families all over India.
## Pre-Marriage Rituals
The Iyer community has several pre-marriage rituals that are observed in the leadup to the wedding day. The first of these is the engagement ceremony, known as ‘muhurtham’, where the bride and groom exchange flower garlands. This is followed by a ritual called ‘Kasi yatra’, in which the groom pretends to leave for a pilgrimage to Kasi, so as to test his would-be wife’s commitment. Once this is done, both families meet and exchange gifts.
Next is the ‘naandi’ ceremony, where both families gather at a temple and seek blessings from their respective gods and goddesses for a successful union of marriage. After this ritual is complete, the parents of both families perform ‘sampradhana’, which involves offering rice mixed with turmeric powder as a symbol of purity and prosperity. Finally comes the ‘Homa’ or fire ceremony, which is conducted on either side of the wedding day wherein prayers are made for longetivity in married life.
With all these rituals performed successfully, it brings joy to all family members involved and marks an auspicious start to union of two people in marriage.
## Engagement Ceremony
The engagement ceremony in a traditional Iyer marriage is an important event. It usually takes place at the bride’s residence, and the groom-to-be is formally welcomed by the bride’s family. The couple exchange garlands and rings to signify their agreement to the union. Then, they are blessed by the elders of both families in attendance.
The bride’s parents give gifts such as saris and gold ornaments to the groom as a token of their acceptance of him into their family. In turn, the groom's parents offer a dowry (known as kasi yanthram) to the bride's family which includes items such as utensils and jewelry. Both families also exchange betel leaves or coins known as 'tambulam', signifying that they have accepted each other in mutual love and respect.
Apart from these activities, there are several auspicious rituals that take place during an engagement ceremony, including homams (fire rituals), recitations from holy scriptures, and chanting of mantras. These rituals are performed with great enthusiasm by all members of both families present at the ceremony. It marks a joyous occasion, filled with happiness for both sides as they make preparations for the wedding ahead!
## Mandap Puja
Moving on from the engagement ceremony, the next step in an Iyer marriage ritual is the Mandap Puja. This involves a puja being performed at the mandap, or wedding platform. This ceremony signifies various things such as a prayer for the bride and groom's health, wealth, and success in their married life. It also symbolizes that both families and communities are coming together to bless their union.
The Mandap Puja is an elaborate affair with multiple rituals. It starts with Ganesha Puja where Ganesha is worshiped for blessings and prosperity. Then a navagrah shanti puja follows, which is to appease all nine planets so that the couple will have a blissful life together. Thereafter, a homam is conducted which involves offering oblations to divine fire as an act of purification and seeking divine blessings.
The last part of this ceremony includes kanyadanam and saptapadi or seven steps taken by the couple around the holy fire signifying seven sacred promises made between them. After this, prasadam (food offered to god) is distributed among family members as a gesture of respect towards elders and good luck to all attendees of the wedding. At the end of this ceremony, a grand feast is served to families and guests who have been part of this special occasion.
## Pre-Wedding Customs
The pre-wedding rituals and customs of an Iyer marriage are steeped in traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Amongst the most important of these rituals is the Kashi Yatra, which celebrates the groom's intellectual growth and wisdom. The groom takes a symbolic journey to Varanasi, symbolizing his spiritual quest for knowledge. He is accompanied by his father and other family members, who offer him blessings at every step.
The next ritual is the Kadavalai Thalikettu, where the groom ties a sacred thread around his wrist as a symbol of commitment towards marriage. This is followed by Nischayathartham or Upanayanam where the groom wears a sacred thread called Janeyu for the first time. The wedding attire for both bride and groom includes traditional clothing such as veshti and angavastram.
The night before the wedding day marks yet another important event - Mangala Snaanam or holy bath of both bride and groom with turmeric paste and sandalwood oil to purify their bodies. This ritual is followed by Vedic mantras chanted by priests from both sides of families in order to bless the couple's union ahead of their nuptials.
## Wedding Day Rituals
On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom are ready to embark on a new journey together. The day begins with a traditional pooja ceremony, where prayers are offered to the gods for blessings. Then, the bride is adorned with beautiful jewelry and clothing. Her family members apply turmeric paste on her body as an auspicious symbol of luck and good fortune.
The groom then arrives at the venue in a grand procession, accompanied by his brothers and friends. He is welcomed with great enthusiasm and joy by both families. Afterward, he enters the Mandap or wedding canopy to begin the wedding rituals. The couple circles around the sacred fire seven times while chanting mantras and exchanging their vows of eternal love for each other. This ritual is known as saat pheras or seven steps that signify trust, faithfulness, mutual respect, commitment, friendship and understanding between them.
Afterwards, they exchange garlands as a sign of acceptance of one another's love which marks the conclusion of their marriage ceremony. They are then crowned as husband and wife amidst much fanfare and celebration from their family members and friends who shower them with flower petals in this momentous occasion of their life.
## Marriage Procession
The marriage procession is one of the most important parts of an Iyer wedding. The groom, accompanied by his family and friends, arrive at the bride's house in a grand procession. This is typically done with music, dancing, and singing, all of which are traditional to the Iyer community.
Once they reach the bride's home, the groom is welcomed with garlands and flowers. He then enters the house and takes part in several rituals such as lighting the lamp and offering prayers. After that, he exchanges rings with his would-be bride and they exchange garlands to signify their union.
The wedding procession continues to the venue for the wedding ceremony, which usually takes place at a temple or a sacred site. The entire process culminates in a special dinner for everyone involved in the marriage celebration. At this time, both families exchange gifts as a token of appreciation for their involvement in this special event. It is also customary for them to perform several poojas as part of this occasion to invoke blessings for the couple's married life ahead.