HINDU MARRIAGE CUSTOMS
HINDU MARRIAGE CUSTOMS
INTRODUCTION In Hindu culture, marriage is one of the
most important sanskaras or rites of passage that a Hindu observes during his or her lifetime. The Hindu marriage ceremony is primarily based on the marriage of Surya, the daughter of Savita (The Sun) to Soma, as described in the Rig-Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, written about 1500 BC. Savita gives away the bride to the groom in a splendid ceremony. The ceremony is written in Sanskrit, one of the oldest language in the world and is described in Grihya sutras, with many verses directly taken from Rigveda.
SWAGATAM - WELCOMING GROOM & HIS FAMILY
The Barat,the singing and dancing procession of the groom and his family, reaches the wedding venue. The bride’s family welcomes them with Aarati and sweets, as a symbol of happiness and good tidings to come and escort them to the
wedding hall.
SHRI GANESH PRAYERS & POONYAHVACHANAM
After all are seated, we start the ceremony with prayers to Lord Ganesh to bless this occasion and make the marriage ceremony free of obstacles. We solicit the blessings of elders and our forefathers, and pray for this to be an auspicious day for the marriage ceremony.
VADHU AAGMAN – ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDE
Bride is brought to the mandap typically by her maternal uncle, along with bridesmaids, and grooms’ men.An antarpat, an auspicious cloth, separates Bride and Groom as a symbol of their separate existence prior to the marriage.
MANGALASHTAKAM & SANKALPA - MUTUAL APPROVAL
After the
Mangalmantras are recited,
Bride and Groom garland
each other, indicating their
mutual approval to proceed
with the ceremony. The
Pandit explains them the
objectives of the Vivaah
Samskar and then they
propose to marry each other
and enter the
Grahasthashrama as a
married couple.
KANNYADAAN - GIVING AWAY THE BRIDE Bride's parents:
Today, the bride is Laxmi and the groom is Vishnu. By joining their hands in marriage, we will repay the debt to our forefathers by continuing the next life cycle.
Bride and Groom to each other:While pursuing Dharma, Artha and Kama, I will always remain faithful to you.
AKSHATROPANAM & PANIGRAHANAM- EXPECTATIONS FROM
MARRIED LIFE I take thy hand in mine,
yearning for happinessI ask thee, to live with me, till both of us, with age, grow oldKnow this, as I declare, that the Gods have bestowed thy person, upon me That I may fulfill, my Dharma of the householder, with thee !
MANGALSUTRABANDHANAM – MARRIAGE COMMITMENT TO EACH OTHER
Groom adorns Bride’s neck with the Mangalsutra, a necklace symbolizing good luck, love and friendship. Groom applies kumkum on Bride’s forehead, now as a Soubhagyavati. Bride applies chandan tilak on Groom’s forehead, now as a Grahastha. With the wedding ring exchange, they commit to support each other, in good times and bad times, in happiness and sorrow, with unending love. They are joined together in a marriage knot by the Groom’s sister or mother, as a symbol of their permanent bond.
WORSHIPPING THE SACRED FIRE
Vivaah Homa is the start of the Grahasthashrama for the couple. The couple lights the Agni, the holy fire that symbolizes light, power and knowledge, and acts as a witness to the ceremony. Bride and Groom repeat the sacred pledge of marriage and request Agni to be the messenger for their prayers to various Gods, for Santati (children), Sampatti (wealth & prosperity) and Deergharogya (long & healthy lives).
LAJA HOMA & AGNI PRADAKSHINA -STARTING THE MARRIAGE JOURNEY
They circle the sacred fire four times, starting their transition into married life, supported by Bride’s brother, as he lifelong supporter. As they circle the fire, Groom poetically describes to Bride their complementary relationship.
SAPTAPADI – TAKING THE MARRIAGE VOWS WITH SEVEN STEPS
With the first step, we will provide for and support each other.With the second step, we will develop mental, physical & spiritual strength.With the third step, we will share the worldly possessions.With the fourth step, we will acquire knowledge, happiness and peace.With the fifth step, we will raise strong and virtuous children.With the sixth step, we will enjoy the fruits of all seasons.With the seventh step, we will always remain friends and cherish each other.
ASHIRVAD – BLESSINGS We all offer our blessings to the couple for long
and happy lives together. After being declared as Husband and Wife, Groom and Bride bow to all invited guests and leave the mandap as a newly married couple as the guests shower them with flower petals.
BRIDES
wedding planner in Kerala,Wedding Planner in Kochi,Wedding Planner in Cochin,Best wedding planner in cochin,Cochin weddings planner,event management in KochiWedding Planner in Angamaly,Wedding Planners in Kochi Kerala, Kochi Weddings Planner
THANKYOUSCENARIO WEDDING PLANNERKERALA:Priyadarshini Complex,Behind Hotel Airlink Castle.Athani, Nedumbassery P.O - 683585.
BENGALURU:43- 1st Floor Above Malabar Bay Restaurant,Krishna Nagar, SG Pallya Road,Near Christ College, Koramangala,Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560029
PHONE+91 8547855652+91 9946490002