Dear All :
Srimathy Yamini Suresh of Bombay has assembled
valuable information on the observance of Sumangali
PraarTanai and sent it to me . It is my pleasure to forward
this artcile to you for use in your families by Sumangalis .
V.Sadagopan
Sumangali PrArTanai : Why is it done?
***************************************
To honour all the departed Sumangalis of the family.
It is not necesary that all families follow this
custom. There are families where this Sumangali
Prarthanai is not done - my own Father's family does
not have this practice.
When is it done ?
*****************
Preferably Friday, Wednesday, Monday,Sunday (in that
order) - definitely not to be held on Saturdays and
Tuesdays and Amavasai.
Normally held before major functions like Weddings,
Seemandham, Poonal etc. Some families have a it once
in a year.
Sumangali Prarthanai in a family is never done more
than once in a year. ie if there are 2 Weddings in a
year then SP is done before one only.
Not held within a year of a death in the family.
How and what is to be done?
*********************************
The married girl(Sumangali) of the house is the main**
person for this function and needs to be there. 5
people sit for the feast which includes one kanya girl
too.
A 9 yards saree is bought for the main** person. A
dress or pavadai chattai for the kanya ponnu. for the
other 3 ladies, blouse pieces, sarees, mirror, comb
etc along with the thambolam are given.
The Karta- Sumangalis of a family.
Normally all ladies wear 9 yards sari for the
function.
The new saree for the main** is dipped in water and
dried. The the 'madi' sari is pleted (koshuvi - in
tamil)beautifully and put on a maNai/palaga and a
Tirumangalyam - thali is put on the podavai. It is
also decorated with chains and some flowers. All the
tamboolams and gifts offered to the sumangalis are
kept in front of the decorated sari. Mahalakshmi's
photo can be kept beside too.
The main** has an oil bath in the morning. All the
ladies should be in madi clothes only. Nothing should
be eaten before the function.
Special food is cooked - some houses manja pongal,
gotsu, other houses kalyana sapadu etc. (specific to
family). Ellu urundai or ellu podi is also prepared.
A banana leaf is put in front of the sari and all
these dishes made are served . The sari is supposed to
represent the departed sumangalis. A glass of water
also is kept.
After this, the door of the room/ puja room where the
food is served is closed.( The departed Sumangalis are
supposed to come and partake of the meal served and
bless the family).
After 5-10 minutes. The karta the puja just claps
their hands outside the room and then opens the door.
The 4 sumangalis and kanya are called in and turmeric
is applied to their feet. they are given water to wash
their feet.
Now the 4 sumangalis and kanya are seated and offered
food. A little portion of the food from the departed
Sumangalis banana leaf is distributed to each of the 5
ladies/girl. The meal is served. After they finish ,
they wash their hands and they are given the gifts and
tamboolam. They change into their new saris if they
are given. If they are elders, then namaskarams are
done to them.
That evening the Sumangalis who sat for the Sumangali
Prarthanai should have tiffin only and should not have
a full meal with rice etc.
We all need to learn the age old customs and follow them
in earnest to the best of our ability. Any more information on this
is Welcome.
Ramanuja dasi
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