Three knots in marriage
“The 3 Knots symbolizes belief, speaking it and executing it“
There are many different celebrations at the wedding and 3knot is one of the most important celebrations at the wedding.
Tying the three knots in the sacred thread (Thaali) called Mangalyam is the most important ritual in the wedding celebration.
- Thaali is called ‘ Thirumangalyam’ in South India.
- Thali is Called ‘Magalsutra’ in North India.
During that time the priest chants the mantra (Vedic chants) and the Katimalam is played.
“Mangalyam tantunanena mama Jeevana Hetuna Kanthe Bandhami subbaage twam jeeva sarada shatam”
Meaning “ I am tying this sacred yellow thread around your neck, which is essential for my long life. May we have many auspicious attributes for a long and happy life for a hundred years.
3 Knot is tied in front of the fire as fire is considered the holy and pure one.
When the groom ties the Mangalam around the neck Bride, the families and friends bless the couple with flowers and rice for their everlasting happiness and prosperity in their life husband and wife.
Tying the Managalam around the bride’s neck is referred to as ‘Mangalya Dhaaram’ and the three knots is referred to as ‘moondru mudichi’
Mangalayam Dharanam is the most essential part of the Hindu weddings , the word ‘Mangalayam’ means ‘good things’ and the ‘Dharanam’ means ‘wearing’.Mangalyam is tied to the wife for the long life of the husband.
History of Thalli:
Dating back to the 11th century the word ‘ Thalli’ was first mentioned in the Kanthapuram by the poet Katchiappa Sivachariar and later in 12th-century poet Seikizhar and Kamban in the book Periyapuranam. So the practice of the Thaali and the 3 knots was a century-old tradition followed in India.
Significant of the 3 knots in Thaali:
Thaali has a great ceremonial significance and the holy thread in Thaali reflect the true meaning of Hindu marriage.
In a Hindu marriage ceremony after the 3 knots are tied, the couple is considered married.
Among the 3 Knots, the first 2 knots are tied by the groom and the remaining one by the groom’s sister or anyone related to the groom.
The first two knots by the groom signify the importance of commitment between the couple and assurances for the well-being of the bride.
The third knot tied by the groom’s sister signifies the importance of the commitment between both the families.
In some Hindu-based communities, all the 3 Knots are tied by the groom himself.
- The there knots also signify the importance of promises to the wife by the husband.
- The 3 knots secure the thread with each knot representing aspects of the physical, subtle, and causal body.
- The 3 knots in Hindu marriage symbolize the importance of the vows and sanctity between the couples undertaken.
First Knot – Manasa:
The first knot is tied by the groom as is known as ‘Manasa’ which means ‘beliving it’. It is the representation between the couple as they eme in uniting the individual lives together as a family. Manasa is the act performed by the groom as a commitment towards the wife and wishing her a long life through which they can practice the devotion to each other. The groom with the bride to live 100 years with him.
Second Knot – Vaacha:
The Second-knot tie by the groom is called ‘Vaacha’ means ‘saying it’ and this act was done by the groom as it symbolizes the commitment between the two families as developing into one. Announcing the world to recognize each other families as one.
Third knot – Karmena:
The third-knot tie by the groom or groom’s sister is called ‘Karmena’ means ‘executing it’. The third knot symbolizes the groom’s family commitment to take care of the bride’s well-being and support her for a long happy life with the groom. It also symbolizes respect for the elders and taking care of them. After this final and third knot, the couples are considered married.
Hindu Meaning of Mangalyam in Knot ceremony:
In Mangalyam the thread symbolizes the groom is giving his life to the bride. In Hindu culture, in different ways, the Mangalyam thread is made and it symbolizes different meanings. In gold ornament Mangalyam the chain is held by gold thread compressed of black beads holding together the holy sigil or womanhood symbols.
Different color strings convey different meanings:
Red Thread(Kalava) :
Red Thread is tied to the left hand or neck of the married woman for the promoting long life and protect the family and her with the blessing of God’s
Yellow Thread:
Yellow Thread is tied in the 3 Knot ceremony around the bride’s neck or armlet by the groom for the long life of the couple and for the happy marriage.
The sacred thread symbolizes the groom’s commitment, safety, and security to the bride for the long happy married life.
Different cultures around have various looks in the Mangalsutra , but the core bottom of the rituals values the same meanings.