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Pani Grahan Sanskar : The groom vows to look after his wife The groom stands up and takes his bride's hand in his and chants mantras, promising to look after her till her old age and keep her happy at all times. He accepts her as his 'poshya' (meaning that he will provide for all her needs). The bride and groom now take one 'parikrama' (circumvention) around the fire. ....................................................................................... Shilarohan : Using the rock as a symbol of permanence The bridegroom chants a 'mantra' and the bride's mother places her daughter's right foot on a stone. The rock is a symbol of stability, permanence and firmness. The bride's position in the groom's home is now permanent and together, the couple will face all of life's challenges like two solid rocks. ....................................................................................... Lajahom : Sacrifice offered to the sacred fire 'Laja' is puffed rice, a symbol of prosperity. The bride's brother stands behind the couple while the couple faces each other. The bride places both her hands into the groom's and her brother then puts the puffed rice into them. Together they offer this 'laja' as an 'ahuti' or sacrifice into the fire amidst the chanting of mantras. This ritual is performed three times and each time the mantras chanted have a different meaning. ....................................................................................... Parikrama : Circumventions around the sacred fire The couple goes around the sacred fire four times, each 'parikrama' (circumvention) strengthening the bond between them. The first three times the bride must lead the groom, as she is the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. It is only after the fourth 'parikrama' that she becomes the 'ardhangani' (wife) and is now her husband's responsibility. After the completion of the 'parikramas' the 'pujari' ties the bride's sari 'pallav' to the groom's 'angavastra' (a scarf tied around the shoulders), with three knots. ....................................................................................... Saptapadi : Seven steps around the sacred fire These are seven steps taken by the bride and groom together, each step has significance. After the 'saptapadi' the couple takes one 'parikrama' around the fire together with neither of them leading. ....................................................................................... Sprinkling water on the couple : Invoking blessings from deities Older members of the groom's family sprinkle water on the couple while four 'mantras' are chanted by the 'pujari'. These prayers are recited to invoke the blessings of all the deities in the couple. ....................................................................................... Suryanamaskar Suryanamaskar is an indigenous rite, in which people pray to the Sun with folded hands. Sun is the source of all living creation on earth. Hence, he is also regarded as god. The newly married couple pray for good health and prosperity for their conjugal life. ....................................................................................... Hriday Sparshmantra : Vows taken The bride and groom place one hand on each other's hearts and chant 'mantras' together. The meaning of these 'mantras' is - ' I am installing you in my heart from this day onwards; I will be loyal to you; this alliance is made in Heaven; let us ask the Almighty for His blessings' ....................................................................................... Sindoor : The groom applies vermilion on the bride 'Sindoor' or vermilion powder is the sign of a married Hindu lady. The groom applies 'sindoor' in the center parting of the bride's hair and also ties the 'mangalsutra' around her neck. The bride and groom feed each other sweets and the 'mantras' chanted at this time hold good for both and are not one sided. It is not only the wife's duty to ensure that her husband is fed; he in turn also has to see that she has been looked after. ....................................................................................... Sindoor Daan Arya Samaj incorporates the sindoor daan ceremony. It is a very common ritual wherein the groom applies sindoor or vermillion on the wife's hair parting by her husband.Rituals After Marriage ....................................................................................... Mangalsutra ....................................................................................... Ashirwaad : The blessing Now that the marriage rites have been completed, the newly weds are blessed by all the elders. Everyone present showers coloured rice or 'akshat' on the couple. |
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