Thirumanam

Before the thirumanam (wedding) there is the parisam or the engagement ceremony. It is a main pre marriage ritual. To begin this ritual the families of groom and bride pray for an ininturrupted wedding ceremony. The date of teh marriage will be annouced by the priest and the parents are asked to give their consent formally. The girl is then gifted a silk saree and the boy is given cash or clothes by their respective in-laws. Then there is the formal engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings and formally annouce the wedding, informing everyone of their alliance.

On the wedding day the bride and the groom takes a bath to purify themselves. The groom is the first one led to the marriage mandap. Then the bride and groom exchange one of their garlands to symbolize their unification. it symbolises the equality and the mutual respect btween the bride and groom. then the groom hold the right foot of his bride lifts her leg and places it on a flat granite griding stone, standing at the right side of the sacred fire. the priest veda mantra when he places a silver toering on the secound toe on her right foot. After this muhurthum ritual takes place where the groom ties mangalustra and puts vermillion on the bride. Next they take seven symbolic steps together around the fire. Each of these steps represent a diffrent blessing of marriage these are nourishment, strength, prosperity, happines, progeny and the last step is for long life, harmony and understanding.The ceremony ends with the blessing from their elders