erative nature thus surfacing the hidden traits for the other to note, thus bringing about better understanding and compatibility. The Night Time Homams are the functions performed on the evening of the wedding. Jayaathi Homam is performed to please and satisfy the Gandharvas and all other deities they believe in. The Gandharvas and other deities are the soft natured celestial beings generally associated with the finer sentiments of life, that are so necessary for a fulfilling married life.
Pravesa Homam is done to sanctify the bride's entry into the husband's home. The bride signifying that through her, new lives would be brought forth into this world brings along the sacrificial fire; same as the fact that fire brings forth new fires. Sesha Homam is the ritual of fire oblation with the residual ghee, a little of which is sprinkled on the bride's head four times. The leftover ghee is considered as the sacred, the whole of which was offered to Agni. 'Sesha' means leftover. The idea of sprinkling this residual ghee on the bride's head denotes strength to be drawn from the four vedas; which is left over from one yuga or era to another.
Thamboola Charvanam is the ritual where, the bride's brother gives the ceremonial first betel to the couple to chew. Betel leaf is usually posses several aphrodisiacal properties and to be eaten only after marriage. Other gifts are also given to bless the couple with long lives and children. Mangala Arathi is a solution of lime and turmeric powder that is prepared on a plate, circled around before the couple and thrown away to drive away evils. This is also done a number of times during the wedding ceremony. Shanthi is the ritual followed to the consummation of the marriage during the night fixed for an auspicious time for a happy, ever lasting married life that is full of understanding and affection. Two souls are united in a sacred act of fulfillment, to bring forth children as nature's best creation.
Thus the south Indian marriage rituals are vast and expansive, although each of them has special significance and importance.
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(Last Updated on : 13-12-2013)
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