Sumangali Pooja

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This pooja is done to invoke to seeking the blessings of the

ancestral women of the family who enjoyed a long and prosperous

family life and left this world as sumangalies. In each family there

exists a set pattern of tradition and procedures regarding the pooja

as well as items to be cooked and served. Before performing the

Sumangali prarthanai, one should first ascertain what is his Kudumba

Sampradayam and follow the same strictly.

 

The total number of Sumangalies should be 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 or 15,

depending on how many sumangalies are available in the house and the

balance are invited from outside. All the sumangalies invited for the

pooja are given til oil, shikhakai, and thaila chhakkai, in advance

or on the early hours of the day of pooja. They are then instructed

to take an oil bath, wear 9 yards madi-pudvai and assemble around 9

a.m.

 

After the arrival of the sumangalies, one kuthu villakku is lit and

kept carefully. The pooja is then performed and the entire family

members offer prayers to the ancestral women of the family and seek

their blessings.

 

This pooja is usually done a few days before the wedding and for the

Mangalya, which is to be tied around the neck of the bride.

Sumangalis are invited for a feast and offered gifts. The sari used

for the pooja is to be gifted to one of the Sumangalis.

 

As for the Sumangali Poojas conducted in the temple it is done

strictly by women to pray for their spouses' longevity and a blissful

marriage life. It is said Mother is the guardian of a woman's

thirumangalyam ( mangalsutra). So its also a kind of thanksgiving and

a group prathanai for Mother.

 

Om veda-jananai Namah

Salutations to HER who is the source of the world.