Pelli Choopulu

Brahmamudi, Saptapadi and Sthalipakam

Brahmamudi, the knot by Brahma, is when the saree of the bride and the upper Pai Pancha(Used to cover the body of the groom, comes along with Dhoti) are tied in a knot by the sister of the groom signifying the union and strengthening of their bond.

Saptapadi, literally means Seven Steps. All over the country Saptapadi is done in different ways. It is seven steps in some part, it is Saath Phere in some part. But it is significant as each step is considered as a promise and also a blessing from the god for the new couple. 

Seven is a very significant number in hindu culture. Vaikunt, the abode of Lord Vishnu has seven doors(Dwar), As per Hindu Mythology, a human has seven birth. The rishis responsible for the birth of human are seven, Saptarishi. There are seven chakras in Human body responsible for various metabolism and mental and emotional control.  Gayatri Mantra has seven words. Week has seven days. Surya Deva's chariot has seven horses. There are seven worlds above earth and below. And many more. 

In wedding, the Seven steps, There are seven because, in a circle, which has 360 deg angle, cannot be divided by seven. Only by seven in the numbers from 0 to 9. So the Seven steps also signifies that in the cycle of life, the couple are to have a bond that is unbreakable, live undivided. 

similarly, stepping on a grindstone signifies the rock solid bond a couple should have while facing rock like hurdles. Toe rings are used to control the chakras of the body, mainly the desire and regulate them paving path for a healthy progeny. 

Earlier toe ring was worn by married males too where, the brother of the groom, makes him wear. But as times changed, Males wearing toe ring was considered insignificant.