Coimbatore: Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu marked an intimate godh bharai ceremony ahead of welcoming her first child with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru, sharing glimpses of the traditional celebration on social media.
The ceremony was held at the Linga Bhairavi temple at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore and was hosted by Samantha’s close friend, designer Shilpa Reddy. Samantha shared a series of pictures from the occasion, offering followers a glimpse of the rituals and the intimate celebration.
For the ceremony, Samantha opted for a simple mustard-coloured salwar suit, accessorised with a choker and matching earrings. She completed the look with dewy makeup, blushed cheeks and softly styled hair, keeping her festive appearance understated.
Samantha reflects on traditions
Alongside the photographs, Samantha spoke about her longstanding respect for traditional rituals and the deeper meaning she found in the ceremony.
The Maa Inti Bangaram actor said she may not understand the meaning behind every ritual but has always believed there is something deeper in the practices handed down through generations.
She referred to the sound of mantras, the energy associated with chanting and the way ancient practices have been preserved over time.
The actor said her understanding of the ceremony changed as the rituals progressed and the priest explained the significance of each step.
According to Samantha, every mantra, offering and step in the ceremony had a specific purpose.
Special Srividya ritual performed
Samantha explained that the ceremony included Kalaa Aavarana (Sri Kalpam), a specialised ritual associated with the Srividya tradition.
She said the ritual honours the 94 kalas of Devi, representing her divine qualities through the seven chakras of the mother-to-be.
As described by Samantha, sacred water and mantras are used during the ritual to symbolically cleanse and energise these centres.
She said the experience helped her understand the ceremony as more than a customary celebration, particularly because of the significance attached to the mother-to-be and the child.
Samantha wrote that the mother is honoured as Devi and as the creator through whom another life is taking shape.
The ceremony, she explained, is viewed as a blessing not only for the baby but also for the woman entering a new phase of her life.
Sri Chakra Yantram and Devi Khadgamaala
Another part of the ceremony involved Samantha being seated at the sacred centre of the Sri Chakra Yantram after the abhishekam.
She explained that the Sri Chakra comprises nine aavaranas, which represent different stages of a spiritual journey. At its centre is the bindu, described as a single point symbolising the source of creation and the blessings of Lalita Tripurasundari.
The ceremony also included the recitation of the Devi Khadgamaala.
Samantha explained that the recitation involves chanting the names of deities and divine energies associated with the nine enclosures of the Sri Chakra.
She described the movement from the outer layers towards the centre as symbolic of turning the mind inward while invoking protection and blessings.
According to her account of the tradition, the chanting is believed to create a protective spiritual environment around the mother and child and provide the baby with a sacred samskaara, or spiritual imprint, through mantra even before birth.
Shilpa Reddy hosts the celebration
Samantha’s friend Shilpa Reddy played a central role in the intimate ceremony.
For the occasion, Reddy wore a bright yellow silk sari featuring a broad golden border. She accessorised the traditional ensemble with gold jewellery and flowers in her hair.
Samantha expressed gratitude to Reddy for giving her the opportunity to experience the ceremony.
The photographs shared by Samantha captured different moments from the ritual, including Reddy’s participation and the traditional setting at the Linga Bhairavi temple.
A picture also featured Samantha with Raj Nidimoru, giving followers a glimpse of the couple during the special occasion.
Samantha says she felt blessed
Reflecting on the experience, Samantha said she initially knew very little about the ceremony but came away with a deeper understanding of its significance.
She described the experience as powerful, particularly because she understood what was being invoked for both her and the baby during the rituals.
The actor said she felt deeply blessed and protected after participating in the ceremony and expressed gratitude to Reddy for arranging the experience.
The celebration combines a traditional ritual with Samantha’s personal reflection on motherhood and the spiritual practices associated with pregnancy.
A new phase for Samantha
The ceremony comes as Samantha prepares to enter motherhood, with her relationship with Raj Nidimoru also attracting attention from fans.
Rather than focusing only on the festivities, Samantha’s social media post placed emphasis on the meaning she found in the rituals and their connection with the mother and unborn child.
Her account also highlighted how traditional ceremonies can provide a moment of reflection during a significant transition in a woman’s life.
The intimate gathering at the Linga Bhairavi temple thus became an occasion for Samantha to celebrate the next chapter of her life while exploring the spiritual significance of a ceremony that was initially unfamiliar to her.