Sumangali Pooja

Sumangali denotes a married woman whose husband is still alive. This Pooja is performed to invoke the blessings of ancestral women of the family who have departed the earth plane. Performing the Pooja satisfies the unfulfilled yearnings of these women, and they in turn bless the family. This function is performed when a daughter of the house is getting married or when a daughter-in-law enters the family. Men are strictly excluded from the ceremony, and the ritual is not performed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is presided over by the elderly woman members of the family who ensure the preparations are done, keeping in mind the sanctity of the ritual. Women pray to the departed souls for the good health and longevity of their husbands and to bless the family with abundance.

Specialty of the Sumangali Pooja

The Sumangali Pooja is a very important and sacred function, which is performed according to certain traditions and procedures. Ascertaining the Kudumba Sampradayam (family tradition) and following it strictly is vital before performing this ritual. The sumangalies should be in numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9 and be given til (sesame seed) oil, shikhakai (traditional shrub used for head bath) and thaila chhakkai to prepare for the Pooja. All of them are required to have an oil bath and wear 9 yards of madi-saree before joining the proceedings. A kuthu vilakku (5-faced lamp) is lit just before the Pooja is performed, and after the ceremony, the family members offer prayers to the departed souls. This ritual is also considered a thanksgiving and group prarthanai (prayer) for the mother.

Description and Priest Services

The Sumangali Pooja is performed by Vedic specialists with thorough knowledge of the procedure. These priests follow strict guidelines and adhere to the nuances of the ceremony. The Pooja can be performed at the temple or at your residence. The priests observe strict austerity and recite powerful mantras to reach out to the departed souls.