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Satyanarayana Vratam
Andhra Pradesh weddings have a series of post-wedding rituals, including Gruhapravesam, Satyanarayana Vratam, and Mangalasutram. Each ritual is meant to bless the newlyweds' future together. Gruhapravesam is the first post-wedding ritual, marking the formal entry of the bride into her new home. As she steps over the threshold, the bride gently kicks a vessel of rice placed at the door. This signifies the prosperity she brings with her. The following day, the couple performs the Satyanarayana Vratam. This is the main pooja, where they pray to Lord Vishnu. The pooja begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha, where they sing religious mantras and offer him his favourite sweets, such as modak or laddoo. Then, they pray to nine celestial beings in Hindu mythology known as the Navagraha. These include the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. For the main pooja, the couple pray to an idol or image of Lord Satyanarayan. They pray to him by reciting his story in a Katha, which explains the ritual's origin and significance. The Katha talks about the importance of seeking help from god during challenging times. They offer the idol ‘apada nivedya’, a sweet dish made with sugar, wheat rava, banana, milk, and ghee. The pooja ends with an Aarti, where the whole family joins in and sings bhajans or devotional songs. The last post-wedding ritual is the Mangalasutra, performed sixteen days after the wedding. The Mangalasutra is a necklace tied around the bride's neck by the groom during the wedding. In this ceremony, the Mangalasutra is connected on a common thread. This symbolises the connection between the bride and groom and the beginning of a new chapter in the couple's lives. These post-wedding rituals are moments of spiritual reflection for the newlyweds and help them start their married life on a good note.
Cultural Significance
According to legend, thousands of years ago, a poor Brahim boy met Lord Satyanarayan, who was in disguise. The boy was facing desperate times and prayed to the god for help. Satyanarayan was moved by the child’s pleas and helped him. This story is written in the Skanda Purana, a holy Hindu scripture, and also includes protocols for the pooja.
The Satyanarayan Pooja in Andhra Pradesh weddings is a simple, popular ritual. Here, the couple prays for good fortune, prosperity, and health. It can be performed by anyone regardless of age, gender, or social status. In this sense, it transcends social barriers and emphasises the importance of faith, sincerity, and devotion. It can also be held any day, although certain occasions like Purnima (full moon) and Ekadashi are considered particularly auspicious.
Fashioning Tradition
During the Satyanarayan pooja, men usually wear simple, traditional attire. They can wear kurtas with dhotis or pajamas, often in neutral colours like white, blue, or beige.
Women prefer traditional sarees for poojas. Sometimes, younger women may opt for bright kurta or skirt sets, often adorned with gold embroidery.
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. For more lavish options, brides go for the traditional temple jewellery or intricate Nakshi jewellery.
Image Credits
Tumblr | Desi Wedding Bells | Focuz Studios | CKP Wedding Planner | Boldsky | Hotstar | Hindustan Times | Avishnubhotla | Wedding Bazaar