What is pariharam?
Pariharam (பரிகாரம்) means remedy. When a horoscope shows a dosham, or when a match is good in most respects but has a point of concern, many Tamil families perform a pariharam — a prayer, pooja, temple visit, fast or act of charity — seeking blessings and peace of mind before the wedding.
Pariharams are matters of faith and family tradition. They are offered with devotion, not as a transaction, and different families, communities and astrologers follow different practices. What follows is an overview of practices that are widely followed in Tamil Nadu, not a prescription.
For Sevvai (Mars) dosham
Sevvai is traditionally associated with Lord Murugan, and Tuesday (செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை) is the day of Mars. Common practices include:
- Worship at Vaitheeswaran Koil near Sirkazhi, the Navagraha temple of Angarakan (Mars).
- Prayers at Murugan temples, especially on Tuesdays, and reciting hymns such as Kanda Sashti Kavasam.
- Observing a fast or simple vratham on Tuesdays.
- Offering or donating thuvarai (toor dal), the grain traditionally associated with Mars, and red cloth.
- In some communities, a symbolic ceremony such as kumbha vivaham before the wedding. Whether this is followed depends entirely on family custom.
For Rahu–Ketu (Naga / Sarpa) dosham
Rahu and Ketu are associated with serpents, and many of their pariharams involve Naga worship. Common practices include:
- Worship at Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam, the Navagraha temple of Rahu, often during Rahu kalam.
- Worship at Keezhperumpallam near Poompuhar, the Navagraha temple of Ketu.
- The Rahu–Ketu sarpa dosha pooja at Sri Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh, which many Tamil families travel to perform, also for Kala Sarpa dosham.
- Lighting lamps for Goddess Durga during Rahu kalam, commonly on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Worship of Naga idols beneath peepal and neem trees, and Naga prathishtai at temples.
- Offering or donating ulundhu (black gram) for Rahu and kollu (horse gram) for Ketu, the grains traditionally associated with them.
General practices
Beyond remedies for a specific planet, families commonly turn to practices that are believed to bring overall harmony:
- Navagraha pooja or homam at a local temple.
- Regular worship at the family deity's temple (kula deivam), often the first place families go before a wedding.
- Reciting prayers such as the Navagraha stotram.
- Feeding the needy, supporting elders and other acts of charity (dhanam).
- Fasting on the day associated with the planet concerned.
Choosing a pariharam with care
The right pariharam, and whether one is needed at all, is best decided with a trusted family astrologer or temple priest who can see the full horoscope. They can also tell you the right day, the appropriate pooja and what your family tradition recommends.
A few gentle reminders help keep the focus where it belongs:
- A pariharam is an act of devotion. It does not need to be expensive, and a simple, sincere prayer is honoured in every tradition.
- No remedy can promise a particular outcome. Be cautious of anyone who claims otherwise or applies pressure.
- Health, legal and financial matters should be discussed with the right professionals, alongside any spiritual practice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is pariharam done before or after the wedding?
- It is usually done before the wedding, often before or soon after the engagement. Some families continue certain prayers afterwards as well.
- Do both families need to perform pariharam?
- Usually the family of the person whose chart shows the dosham performs it, but practices vary. Many families choose to pray together.
- Is a temple visit required?
- Not always. Many astrologers suggest prayers at a local temple or at home. Temple pilgrimages are a cherished tradition but not the only path.