The
marriage ceremony will be conducted in the traditional
vedic way. The Hindu scriptures, Vedas, describe the
philosophy and the rituals of the marriage Sanskaras.
The marriage is not a mere legal contract but a moral
binding and spiritual union of the two souls for their
own betterment, betterment of their progeny and of society.
-
Dwarpooja :
The Groom arrives for the wedding along with his
family and friends. They are received by the Bride's
family. The Bride's mother performs a welcoming
ritual at the entrance and the Groom is then escorted
to the Mandapa.
-
Sri Ganesh Pooja :
All Hindu ceremonies begin with worship of the God
Ganesh seeking his blessings. We firmly believe
that Lord Ganesh removes all obstacles and brings
success to the ceremony.
-
Vadhu Aagmana :
Bride's Arrival. The Bride is escorted to the Mandapa
by her maternal uncles.
-
Mangalashtaka :
Relatives and friends sing special wedding songs/poems
for the Bride and Groom.
-
Varamala : Priest
recites a hymn in Sanskrit. The prayer invokes the
blessings of God. At the end of the hymn, Bride
and Groom exchange garlands.
-
Sankalpa : Bride
and Groom express to the priest and parents their
desire to marry and attain Dharma (righteous life),
Artha (prosperity), Kama (fulfillment of desires),
and Moksha (salvation).
-
Punyaha-wachana :
Kalash Pooja, then all invited guests are asked
to bless Bride and Groom.
-
Kanya Daan :
Parents of the Bride express their desire to offer
their daughter to the Groom for a life-long union.
-
Hasta-melap :
Bride and Groom hold each other's right hand and
promise each other righteous life, love, devotion
and respect throughout their life.
-
Vivaha Homa :
Invocation and prayers are offered to the sacred
fire (Agni) that represents power in the form of
light and heat energy.
-
Mangalphera :
The couple walks around the Homa expressing their
thoughts about their health, wealth, progeny and
happiness with Agni as their witness.
-
Sapta-Padi :
Bride and Groom take seven symbolic steps to represent
the beginning of their journey through life together.
With each step they make vows for harmony, strength,
love, pleasure, prosperity, health, long-lived children,
joys of four seasons and everlasting friendship.
-
Mangalasutra-Bandhan
: The Groom adorns the Bride by tying a
sacred gold necklace with black beads. The black
beads are specifically used to ward off evil. Traditionally
both the Mangalsutra and Kumkum on the forehead
signify a married woman.
- Saubhagyavati Bhava : The Bride
is blessed by married women from both families.
-
Mithai Bhojan :
Bride and Groom feed each other sweets symbolizing
that from now on they will share everything in their
life.
-
Aashirvad :
New Husband and Wife seek blessings from their parents,
priest, and the elders in the family, and then from
all the invited guests.
