Every wedding has its own rhythm but in South Indian Hindu weddings, it is often the rituals and traditions that breathe life into the day. Of these traditions, the Arasani set in Singapore has a particularly considerable significance. An Arasani set is not just a grouping of brass, copper, or decorative items – it is a meaningful arrangement that conveys blessings, prosperity and continuity of culture. Couples who are preparing to wed in Singapore should know what an Arasani set is, what it consists of, and its significance for their experience as a couple so it can turn their ceremony from feeling complete to feeling incomplete.
At 8 Asthas, we have seen it first hand with couples and families who understand the significance of these essentials. An Arasani set is not merely decoration but is a tether of tradition. Let’s discuss meaning, components of the Arasani set, and just why it has significance in your wedding planning.
What Is an Arasani Set?
The Arasani set is a traditional collection of ritual items from Hindu wedding traditions. It is generally placed alongside the mandap in close proximity to the couple, who use the Arasani set during the ceremony; a process which typically symbolizes the blessings, prosperity, and harmony that they are inviting into their marriage.
The items in the Arasani set are interesting in terms of meaning – whether it is a lamp that brings divine light, or a pot filled with water to signify purity, or grains that represent abundance. While different weddings (large or small in size, style, etc.) may change from the Arasani set ritual, what remains constant is the Arasani set itself because it connects the cultural aspects of the celebration.
Why Is the Arasani Set Important in Weddings?
For many couples, a wedding is more than just an event—it’s a sacred milestone. The Arasani set in Singapore adds depth and authenticity to the wedding by:
- Honouring tradition – It keeps rituals aligned with cultural and religious practices.
- Inviting blessings – Each item is tied to prosperity, health, and harmony for the couple’s future.
- Creating ambience – The arrangement of brass, lamps, and offerings adds to the sacred atmosphere of the mandap.
- Uniting families – Often, families from both sides come together in preparing and blessing the set, making it a shared tradition.
What Does an Arasani Set Usually Include?
The components of an Arasani set may vary depending on family traditions, community practices, and the priest, but many sets conform to the following thoughtful assortment of items:
- Traditional oil lamps (Kuthuvilakku): Lighted lamps signal light, positivity and divine blessings for the pooja.
- Brass or Copper Water pots (Kumbum, Sembu): Kumbum pots are blessed with mango leaves and topped with a coconut. These pots symbolize purity, prosperity and life.
- Decorative Arasani pots: The decorative pots in numbers symbolize prosperity and abundance (they are decorative but usually go next to mandap).
- Ritual vessels: Various shapes of small pots and bowls used for holding holy water or offerings of camphor.
- Goddess lamp (Kamatchi Vilakku): Is symbolic of the reign of Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), or Kamatchi Amman, and represents blessings, wealth, and well-being.
- Traditional winnowing tray (Muram): This is the traditional dish of a grain or rice offering.
- Offering tray: An offering tray would offer turmeric, kum kum, and sandal, and anything else puja essentials added for the completion of the rituals.
- Decorative elements: Different fresh flowers or made decorative plants or embellishments can add to and enhance the sacredness and auspiciousness of an Arasani set.
While this may look like a long list, don’t worry – many temples, vendors, or wedding planners like 8 Asthas help you source and arrange the complete set.
Do Couples Need to Arrange the Arasani Set Themselves?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer: it depends.
- If your wedding is in a temple – The temple often provides the Arasani set or will guide you on what needs to be brought.
- If your wedding is in a hall or hotel – You may need to arrange for the set separately. Wedding planners (like us at 8 Asthas) can help you coordinate with trusted vendors so that everything is ready and culturally appropriate.
- If you have specific traditions – Families may prefer to bring their own items to ensure it matches their customs.
The key is to check early with your venue and priest so there are no last-minute surprises.
How Does 8 Asthas Help with the Arasani Set?
As a premium wedding planner in Singapore, we’ve seen how much stress couples can face when managing cultural details. At 8 Asthas, we make sure that the Arasani set is:
- Prepared on time – No scrambling on the wedding day.
- Complete – Every required item is included.
- Beautifully presented – Arranged with care to respect traditions while looking elegant for your ceremony photos.
- Aligned with rituals – Coordinated with the priest to ensure nothing is missed.
- Our goal is simple: you focus on the joy of your wedding while we take care of the essentials.
Final Thoughts
An Arasani set in Singapore may appear to be a minor context, however it holds greater significance. The Arasani set ties your wedding day to a set of traditions, creates sacred spaces, and provides an opportunity for your rituals to be executed in an orderly manner! At 8 Asthas, we believe every couple deserves to enjoy a ceremonious wedding in which culture, beauty, and love coexist harmoniously. The Arasani set is one of the many ways we help you honor your roots before taking the next step on your journey.
Planning your wedding and wondering how to arrange your Arasani set? Let 8 Asthas guide you through every step and contact us for wedding decoration which is absolutely custom and culture made.
