[ Chennai trip - 1 ]
Sunday, March 6
ARYA SAMAJ WEDDING
Today morning was the wedding of my friend's daughter. The nuptial ceremony was in accordance with Arya Samaj customs. It was the first time I was seeing such a wedding.
Arya Samaj is a social reform movement started by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.
What I liked the most in this ceremony was how the priest explained the meaning of Vedic chants, hymns and prayers (which are in Sanskrit) in very simple terms, especially for the bride and groom.
This is a distinguishing feature of Arya Samaj weddings. This is so different from other Hindu religious ceremonies wherein no one explains the significance of the elaborate rituals, and as a result most people don't understand anything.
DAKSHIN CHITRA
The wedding was held at Dakshin Chitra, a centre of cultural heritage, arts, and architecture of South India, located at Muthukadu on the East Coast Road.
After the wedding we went around this place. A treasure trove of south India's history and traditions, it takes us back in time as we see buildings constructed in old architectural styles. Various artefacts give us a glimpse of the different facets of life in those times.
(Click on the photos below to get an enlarged view)
There are plenty of stalls where work of artisans are put up for sale.
Before the pandemic struck this centre was a beehive of activities like art performances, seminars, etc. Now, they are gradually returning as life fast limps back to normality.
To know more about it go to:
https://www.dakshinachitra.net/
CHINMAYA TARANGINI MATSYA NARAYANA TEMPLE
The place we went to next in the evening will be of interest to my blog pal Yamini MacLean. This place is about 15 mins drive to the north of Dakshin Chitra on the ECR.
It's an open air temple, which doubles up as a meditation park, constructed by the Chinmaya Mission, Chennai, in 2015, the birth centenary of Swami Chinmayananda.
The main deity is Vishnu in Matsya Narayana avatar. The 12 foot tall idol is surrounded by 108 granite pillars, each 9 ft tall, with spiritual inscriptions on them. After sunset the whole place is beautifully illuminated.
After spending about a couple of hours there, we headed back to our hotel by around 7 pm. Checking out tomorrow, and heading to Mamallapuram, or what used to be called Mahabalipuram.
(To be continued)
Thanks for sharing these photos. I am impressed. You have been to some interesting places that I have never been to. I will remember these places when I visit Chennai next time.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteInteresting to witness a different ceremony; much to admire, if a little wary of the proselytising nature of Arya Samaj. There is much to unpick in that tapestry...
Thank you for the nod to CMs beautiful "saagaratat mandir". I hope you won't mind if I provide this link to a video which shows it nicely - for others of your readers who may wish to glimpse. It is an official video of CM.
Safe travels to next destination! YAM xx
I appreciate this post and the link from Yamini MacLean! What a rich culture.
DeleteSounds like you're having a good time.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - sounds an interesting trip and you're learning much ... you've so much history in India. Just delighted to see your post and to see the photos ... thank you - Hilary
ReplyDeleteI have never been to an Arya Samaj wedding, but have heard many gud things about it. Dakshina Chitra is an awesome place where we can take many photos :)
ReplyDeleteThanks to your blog, I now have a sense of an Arya Samaj wedding :)
ReplyDeleteYour posts are rekindling my old and fond memories of Chennai. I absolutely love Daskhin Chitra. Putting the Matsaya Narayan temple on my to be visited list :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a nice place to visit! The items are so interesting and ornate.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this very much. I wish I could have seen it as well. I am deeply interested in all things cultural in India. I have many Indian friends through the years.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds as if it was a lovely wedding. And the place is beautiful. So elegant!
ReplyDelete