Together with their families
✦Raya Mahal, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu✦
Time Remaining
"Two souls, one path — may your union be as sacred and eternal as the waters of the Kaveri that have graced Kumbakonam for ages."
— A blessing for the journey aheadCeremonies & Events
A celebration spanning three sacred days in Kumbakonam
All timings are approximate and subject to change in accordance with auspicious muhurtham timings.
EVENING
Arrival & Settling In
Family and guests arrive in Kumbakonam. An evening for the two families to meet, rest, and begin the celebrations together in this sacred temple town.
EVENING
Temple Visits & Blessings
Families are encouraged to visit nearby temples for evening prayers and divine blessings ahead of the ceremonies beginning the next morning.
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Vratham
The groom's sacred pre-wedding vow ceremony. Aneesh undertakes ritual prayers before a sacred fire, seeking divine blessings and preparing spiritually for married life.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Mappilai Azhappu
The joyful formal invitation of the groom to the wedding. The bride's family ceremonially welcomes Aneesh with honours, gifts, nadaswaram music and auspicious rituals.
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Nichayathartham BETROTHAL
The formal engagement ceremony — a joyful exchange of gifts, sweets and blessings between both families, officially confirming the auspicious alliance.
FOLLOWING
Nathanar Madi Kattuthuthal
The sacred cloth is ceremonially tied, an act of family blessing and binding. Followed by a festive dinner for all guests.
5:00 AM
Mappilai Wake-Up
Aneesh is ceremonially awakened with a traditional teeth-brush set (Pul Koothupadi) and Paruppu Thenkai — a charming, auspicious start to the wedding morning.
5:30 AM
Mangalasnanam Preparation
The sacred ritual bath preparation for both bride and groom, with sacred oils and herbs, purifying them for the ceremonies ahead.
7:00 AM
Nathanar Alattal
The bride's family performs a beautiful Arati (waving of the sacred flame) for the groom, welcoming him with love and protecting him from the evil eye.
7:30 AM
Kasiyatra
In this beloved ritual, the groom sets off on a mock pilgrimage to Kashi, staff and umbrella in hand. The bride's father intercedes, convincing him that married life is the noblest path — one of the most endearing and humorous moments of a Tamil wedding.
8:00 AM
Varapravesamam
The formal ceremonial entry of the groom into the wedding venue, welcomed by the bride's family with full honours.
8:00 AM
Mala Maaruthal — Exchange of Garlands
Nityasri and Aneesh exchange fresh flower garlands, signifying mutual acceptance. Accompanied by joyful nadaswaram music and cheers from the gathered family.
8:30 AM
Oonjal
The couple is seated on a flower-adorned swing while women sing traditional Kummi songs and wave the Arati flame — a serene ritual symbolising the gentle rhythm of life's journey together.
9:00 AM
Entering the Mandapam & Ganesh Puja
The couple proceeds to the sacred wedding pavilion. Prayers to Lord Ganesha — remover of all obstacles — are offered to ensure a blessed and unhindered ceremony.
9:30 AM
Kanyadanam
One of the most moving moments: the bride's father places Nityasri's hand in Aneesh's — the sacred gift of a daughter, carrying the weight of a father's deepest love and blessing.
9:45 AM
Koorai Oothuthal
Aneesh presents the auspicious Koorai silk saree to Nityasri. She is dressed by the women of the family in this sacred bridal garment before the Muhurtham.
10:00 AM
Mangalya Pooja
Prayers are offered over the sacred Mangalyam (thali), consecrating it with Vedic mantras before the most auspicious moment.
10:15 AM
Mangalya Dharanam — Thali Tying ✦ MUHURTHAM
The sacred pinnacle of the wedding. Aneesh ties the Mangalyam around Nityasri's neck as priests chant Vedic mantras and flowers are showered upon the couple. This is the auspicious Muhurtham moment — witnessed with joy and devotion by all.
10:30 AM
Panigrahanam
Aneesh holds Nityasri's hand as sacred mantras are recited — a ritual of commitment, symbolising that he will always protect and cherish her.
10:30 AM
Gatbandan
The sisters from both families tie the edge of Aneesh's veshti to Nityasri's saree pallu — a beautiful symbol of two families becoming one. (Both sides' sisters participate.)
FOLLOWING
Saptha Padi — Seven Sacred Steps
The couple takes seven steps together around the sacred fire, each a vow — for nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, long life, and lifelong friendship. With the seventh step they are bound as husband and wife.
10:45 AM
Vivaha Homam
Sacred fire oblations are offered as the couple prays together, with Agni (fire) as divine witness to their union.
11:00 AM
Laja Homam
The bride's brother pours puffed rice into the sacred fire while the couple holds hands — a ritual of purification and shared intention.
11:30 AM
Prayachittha Homam
The concluding fire ritual, offering prayers of purification and gratitude to the divine for a blessed union.
1:00 PM
Arathy & Family Blessings
The Arati flame is waved for the newly married couple by the elders, followed by showers of flowers and heartfelt blessings from all.
1:30 PM
Wedding Lunch
A traditional feast on banana leaf for all guests — the first meal celebrated with Nityasri and Aneesh as husband and wife.
6:00 PM
Nalungu
The delightful post-wedding games! The couple plays traditional fun rituals — full of laughter, teasing and joy. A beloved Tamil wedding tradition.
7:00 PM
Evening Dinner
A final evening meal with family and guests before the couple begins their journey home.
8:00 PM
Departure to Madurai
The couple and family depart Kumbakonam, arriving in Madurai at approximately 11:30 PM.
11:30 PM
Grahapravesam — Entry into the Home
The sacred ritual welcoming of Nityasri into her new home in Madurai. She steps over the threshold with her right foot, marking the beautiful beginning of their life together.
Sacred Sites Near Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam is the temple town of South India — we warmly invite guests to explore its ancient shrines
Garbhambika Temple (Amrithagateswarar)
THIRUKADAIYUR · ~60 KM FROM KUMBAKONAM
One of Tamil Nadu's most celebrated temples, Thirukadaiyur is sacred to Lord Shiva as Amrithagateswarar and Goddess Parvati as Garbhambika. The presiding deity granted the boy-saint Markandeya eternal life, defeating death itself — making this a temple of life, victory and divine grace. Revered for the Shashtiabdhapoorthi and Sathabhishekam rituals.
Supremely auspicious for newly married couples. Goddess Garbhambika bestows long life, marital bliss and prosperity. Visiting here during the wedding period carries immense spiritual merit and is a cherished tradition for Tamil families celebrating new beginnings.
~60 km · ~1.5 hrs driveAdi Kumbeswarar Temple
KUMBAKONAM TOWN CENTRE · IN WALKING DISTANCE
The principal temple of Kumbakonam, this great Shiva shrine gives the city its name. Kumbha refers to the primordial pot of nectar that Shiva sent to Earth, which settled here — making this the sacred source of creation's essence. The towering Rajagopuram and the holy Mahamaham tank are its most celebrated features.
Being married in the same town as this great Shiva temple is deeply auspicious. A visit connects the couple and their families to centuries of unbroken devotion at the seat of the Lord.
In town · 5–10 minsAiravatesvara Temple
DARASURAM · ~3 KM FROM KUMBAKONAM
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and crown jewel of Chola craftsmanship, built in the 12th century by Raja Raja Chola II. Dedicated to Shiva as Airavatesvara — named because the divine white elephant Airavata of Lord Indra worshipped Shiva here. Every surface is covered in extraordinary sculptural narratives.
The story of Airavata (the sacred elephant) worshipping here holds special resonance — elephants welcome our guests at the wedding, and this temple is the ancient source of that same sacred tradition.
~3 km · 10 minsSarangapani Temple
KUMBAKONAM · MINUTES FROM RAYA MAHAL
One of the 108 Divya Desams — the holiest Vishnu shrines — Lord Vishnu is enshrined here in a reclining posture of supreme grace. The magnificent eleven-tiered Rajagopuram is one of Kumbakonam's most iconic landmarks.
A Divya Desam visit is believed to bestow liberation, lasting peace and divine blessings — particularly auspicious at the threshold of a new married life.
In town · 5 minsNavagraha Temple Circuit
SURROUNDINGS OF KUMBAKONAM · 15–40 KM
Kumbakonam is the sacred centre of the Navagraha Temples — nine ancient shrines each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu). All nine lie within 40 km — the only place on Earth where the complete circuit can be done in a single day.
Completing the Navagraha circuit neutralises negative planetary influences and brings health, prosperity and harmony — especially meaningful for newlyweds beginning a new chapter of life together.
15–40 km · half-day circuitBrihadeeswara Temple (The Big Temple)
THANJAVUR · ~36 KM FROM KUMBAKONAM
A UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE. The towering Vimana rises 66 metres and famously casts no shadow at noon. It houses the world's largest Shivalingam and breathtaking Chola-era frescoes.
To be in Kumbakonam for a wedding and not visit the Big Temple is a rare opportunity missed. Just 45 minutes away — its sheer grandeur puts all of life's celebrations in beautiful perspective.
~36 km · ~45 minsEverything You Need
We want your journey to Kumbakonam to be seamless and joyful
Wedding Venue
Raya Mahal
73, Gandhi Adigal Salai
Kumbakonam – 612001
Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu
Accommodation
Rayas Grand
23–25, Mahamaham Tank West Bank
Kumbakonam – 612001
Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu
Hotel bookings have been arranged. Confirmation details will be shared personally by the family.
Getting to Kumbakonam
By Air
Nearest airports: Trichy International (TRZ) — ~90 km, or Chennai International (MAA) — ~280 km. Pre-booked taxis recommended.
By Train
Kumbakonam Railway Station is well-connected from Chennai, Trichy, Thanjavur and across South India.
By Road
NH 67 connects to Thanjavur (36 km) and Trichy (~100 km).
Dress Code
Ladies
Silk sarees are warmly encouraged — Kanjivaram and Mysore silks in jewel tones are ideal. Salwar kameez or lehenga are equally welcome.
Gentlemen
Veshti (dhoti) with angavastram is most traditional. Kurta with trousers is equally appropriate.
Food & Meals
All wedding events include traditional South Indian meals served on banana leaf — a time-honoured Tamil custom.
Kumbakonam is famed for its degree filter coffee, crispy dosas and temple prasadam. Do explore the local cuisine!
Please inform the family of any dietary requirements.
Weather in June
June is warm and humid in Tamil Nadu — early monsoon season. Expect temperatures around 28–35°C.
Light, breathable fabrics are recommended. All ceremony venues will be covered and well-ventilated.
A light umbrella or shawl may be handy for outdoor moments.
Emergency Contacts
Aneesh B · Groom
Aneesh's Mom