Vedic Ceremony

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The Vedic (Hindu) Wedding Ceremony


According to Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, wedding means the union of two souls. So firmly is this bond formed, that after marriage, though their bodies remain separate, the souls of the couple merge and become harmonious. They become spiritually one. The ceremony is performed at the bride’s location and an occasion that has a festive spirit which should be remembered and cherished for a long time. The ceremony is deeply meaningful and consists of combination of rituals and traditions. It brings both the bride and the groom’s families together. The whole ceremony is performed in Sanskrit and explained in English by the priest.

Groom’s Arrival:

The groom arrives at the hall accompanied by his family and friends collectively known as Jaan. Music and songs are played in celebration. They are received by the bride’s party at the entrance. The bride’s mother performs a welcome ritual first and then a samput (pair of clay bowls tied together) is placed on the floor which is broken by the groom with his right foot signifying the removal and triumph over evil. The groom is then escorted by the bride’s mother to the Mandap (decorated canopy)

Ganesh Pujan:

The bride’s parents perform the Ganesh puja and invite Him to bless the ceremony. The Madhupark (yogurt) is offered to the groom. While the groom is curtained with an Antarpat (shawl), eight hymns called Mangalastak (sacred verses) are recited by the Priest. Others interested may sing.







Bride’s Arrival:

The bride escorted by her maternal uncle arrives at the Mandap. The curtain is removed and both the bride and the groom are asked to see each other. Kanyadaan (giving daughter’s hand in marriage) and Wed-lock ceremony called Hastamelap is performed. The bride and the groom’s scarves are tied together symbolizing their union. A long cotton garland is placed around their necks symbolizing their union endless. Both the bride and the groom exchange the garlands to accept each other. After blessing the couple, the bride’s parents depart from the mandap.

Agni Sthapana:

The couple now is asked to sit side by side and a holy fire is lit. The name of the fire in the wedding ceremony is known as Yojak, meaning “planner”, stating that the couple should always plan ahead in order to become successful. Havan (offerings to the fire) is then performed by couple.

Mangal Fera:

The bride’s brother is called upon to present the laja (grains) to the couple to offer it to the fire. The couple walks around the fire four times with each turn representing one of the four major goals of life:

1) Dharma (right conduct/religion)
2) Arth (prosperity/monitory accomplishment)
3) Kama (Passion/energy/love)
4) Moksha (liberation/salvation)

A legendary myth suggests that whoever sits first after the last round will have the upper hand in their relationship.

Saptapadi:

In order to develop everlasting love and to live a happily married life, the groom requests the bride to take seven steps with him called saptapadi. This is a symbolic journey to the seven celestial islands to receive blessings from the ancestral religious teachers called Rishis.




Kanya Pratigya:

The bride takes seven vows in the presence of the holy fire and the priest (Brahmin) to become a true wife and then moves to the groom’s left.

1) By the grace of God, you became my husband and shall prosper my life.
2) I shall take care of the children and elderly people of our family.
3) I shall cook and serve the food in time and will be obedient to you.
4) I shall wear dresses, ornaments and shall use sweet language which will please you.
5) I shall share all the happy and sad events with you and will keep only you in my thought.
6) I shall accompany you where ever you go and shall never cheat you. I expect the same from you.
7) Being a true wife, I shall accompany you in all the rituals we perform.

In today’s society, these vows are shared by both the bride and the groom.

Kansaar Bhakshan:

The bride’s mother is called upon the stage with Kansaar (sweets). The groom feeds the bride four times and in return the bride also feeds the groom four times.

Akhand Saubhagyavati:

The groom offers Sindoor, Kum kum and mangal sutra, the three types of shringaars (like ornaments) to the bride which symbolizes a married woman. The selected ladies from both sides are invited to the Mandap to give secret advice to the bride. The ladies receive gifts in return. The couple receives blessings from the priest, parents and other elders from both the families.

Vidaay:

The couple walks out of the hall in the procession form.
A coconut breaking ceremony is performed at the decorated car and the couple departs to start their happy and prosperous new life.
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