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Mangala Snanam
The Mangal Snanam is a sacred ritual that happens after the Pellikoduku and Pellikuthuru ceremonies. Pellikoduku/Pellikuthuru is similar to the North Indian Haldi ceremony. In some traditions, the rituals are held separately for the bride and groom in their respective homes. But the couple can choose to have the ceremony together as well. Traditionally, the family decorates a swing with flowers for the couple to sit on, while the priest prays and chants mantras. Then comes the fun part; the couple's family and friends get to apply turmeric and sandalwood paste on the bride and groom. The application of turmeric paste signifies spiritual cleansing. The paste also brightens and soothes the skin, giving the body a healthy glow just in time for their big day. The mixture is gently applied onto their skin to purify their mind, body, and soul. Following this, the couple must wash off the paste in a ceremonial shower called Mangal Snanam. Mangal Snanam literally translates to 'Holy Bath'. It is a physical as well as symbolic act. The couple is gently bathed with holy water poured from vessels adorned with flowers and leaves. Traditionally, the water would be collected from holy rivers. Washing off the turmeric paste represents the cleansing of the soul and starting a new life together. A major part of the Mangal Snanam ceremony for the groom is the Snatakam ritual. In this pre-wedding ritual, a purohit (priest) presents the groom with a sacred silver thread draped around his upper body. Snatakam literally translates to ‘graduation’. The thread marks the completion of his education and his readiness to embrace the responsibilities of married life. The thread ceremony purifies him from all sins and blesses him with a healthy body and mind for his life ahead. During Pellikoduku/ Pellikuthuru, the couple's family gifts them new wedding clothes. The bride is often gifted a traditional Kanjeevram saree, and the groom is given a kurta set. After Mangal Snannam, the couple must change into this new set of clothes. After they wear their first official wedding outfits, they perform Aarti, praying to their family gods and the Mangal Snannam ceremony is completed.
Cultural Significance
Mangal Snanam is an important ritual in many South Indian weddings and is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Washing off the turmeric-sandalwood paste is believed to wash off all impurities from the couple. In a way, it purifies the individual's mind, body, and soul. It is a symbolic cleansing, which washes away any negativity from the past so that the couple may begin their married life on a positive note.
Spirituality is certainly integral in Andhra Pradesh marriages. The Mangal Snanam is proof of that. In Andhra culture, marriage is a connection between souls, not just two physical bodies. Through the Mangal Snanam ceremony, the bride and groom are asked to acknowledge this philosophy and the sacredness of marriage. They are shown how to approach it with the reverence it deserves. The rituals surrounding the Mangal Snanam also prepare them to understand their roles as partners and future parents. It urges them to connect with each other on a deeper, spiritual level.
Fashioning Tradition
During the Mangal Snanam ceremony, the couple receives gifts of clothes and jewellery from their family, including their first official wedding outfits. Traditionally, the bride wears a Kanjeevaram saree draped in an Andhra style with a pleated pallu.
These popular silk sarees which are coveted for their bold colours and meticulous embroideries. Similarly traditional, the groom either wears a kurta and dhoti or a sherwani set that he can change into after the Mangal Snanm.
Jewellery & Accessories
Gold jewellery sets are the most popular choice for most Andhra brides. After all, traditional South Indian gold jewellery is timeless in its beauty. She will often have layered necklaces paired with earrings, maang tikkas, and rings. During the ceremony, the bride’s in-laws-to-be gift her bangles as a sign of her joining their family.
Besides this, the bride has her own jewellery that is unique to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Unique pieces like the Lakshmi Kadiyam and Vadanam are often included in the Andhra bridal jewellery set. The Lakshmi Kadiyam is a bracelet decorated with Goddess Lakshmi motifs, reflecting wealth and prosperity. The Vadanam is a waist belt or chain that also features traditional motifs like peacocks or deities. These gorgeous pieces enhance the bride’s Mangal Snanam attire to something truly unique.