The significance of Ashtamangalyam

Ashtamangalyam consists of a group of eight auspicious materials which are carried on a large bronze vessel for offerings. “Ashta” literally means “eight” and “Mangalyam” literally means “marriage or other holy occasions”. Ashtamangalyam is an important component of various Hindu rituals and poojas. Marriage in Kerala always had ashta mangalyam associated with it. The ingredients of Ashtamangalyam vary according to different occasions. The eight items specified in the ancient book Suddhi Thatvam are Brahmin, cow, fire, gold, ghee, sun, water and king.

In Hindu marriages, just before the marriage, a group of young girls encircle the groom with a bronze vessel containing eight auspicious items. This symbolizes that we are giving our loving sister to you with all her essentials as dowry. Ashtamangalyam means eight auspicious items for marriage. It is also sometimes a gift given to the new couple, and associated with mangalyam as in a wedding as far as Kerala is concerned. Girls from the bride’s family go around with brass plates containing Ashtamangalyam. This is done to honour the bridegroom and his family. So Ashtamangalyam symbolizes a lot. It is important to note that no gold or money is using in Ashtamangalyam which indicates that, these have no value in marriage life.