PANDAL PRADAKSHINAM

In a traditional south Indian marriage, after marriage the couple do 3 pradakshinams (rounds) of the wedding pandal (which is decorated with mango leaves, flowers etc). The things kept in the pandal are said to be divine images according to Indian culture. The 4 legs of the pandal are 4 Vedas. The marriage is celebrated in the presence of Lord Vinayaka and Agni (holy fire). In Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna is telling that He is Arasa Maram (tree), considered to be the holy tree compared to all other trees. The wooden pieces of Arasa Maram (holy tree) is used for putting marriage pandal i.e. known as the legs of the pandal (Pandakkal). The nine grains kept in the pandal are referred to ‘Kubera’, the owner of the entire wealth. The groom’s friend, the bride’s friend and purohits are referred to three of the “Ashtadigbalagargal’(8 divine saints). So, in a south Indian marriage, if the couple made 3 pradakshinams of the marriage pandal, it seems that the couple will get all the benefits of worshiping God, ‘Kuthuvilakku’ (the traditional lamp), Agni (holy fire), Nature and ‘Arasa Maram’ (the holy tree).