ONE of the main purpose of a Hindu wedding ceremony is not only bond the hearts of the couple but also ensure their lives are entwined on a spiritual level as well.
There are many variations of the Hindu wedding ceremony because Hinduism being an ancient religion interpretation into practical methods slightly differ.
Here are main rituals and the meanings behind them in order to help you understand what is done and why.
? The Welcome This is when the groom enters with his best man beside him. The bride’s mother will welcome them either at the entrance of the venue or at the top of the aisle. She then leads them into the mandap where the bride’s father will wash the groom’s feet. This practice varies. For those who do it believe the groom is the embodiment of the Lord Vishnu.
? The bride enters The wedding prayers will begin and the priest will give the cue for the bride to enter, escorted by her maternal uncles and whoever else she chooses to be part of her grand entrance.
? Kanyadaan This is the giving away of the bride. The bride’s parents will announce that they are entrusting the groom their daughter. The bride’s parents will then place her hand in the groom’s,
? Varmala Not to be confused with the jaimala (flower garland), the varmala is a cord made up of 24 cotton threads — each one representing a different characteristic of human life. This will be placed around the couple as they prepare to enter into a new life together as one.
? Ganth bandhan Either the sister of the groom or the priest will tie the groom’s stole to the bride’s saree or churni (scarf). The knot represents that they are bound to each other in mind, body and soul for the rest of their lives.
? Agni puja The priest will light a small fire in a vessel known as an agni kund le.
? Mangal fera The couple will circle the fire four times. Each round represents one of the four ultimate goals of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire) and moksha (salvation). In some weddings the couple circle the fire seven times.
? Laaj homa – The bride’s brother brings the couple parched rice or barley which they offer into the agni kund.
? Mangal sutra and sindoor The mangal sutra is a necklace that the groom will give his bride. It is usually made of gold with small black beads which represent the sacred union between them.
? Saptapadi The couple then take seven steps together, making vows, one each for responsibility in the of providing in the household, to strengthen mind, body and soul, accomplish wealth and prosperity through righteous means, for happiness through mutual love, respect and trust, to raise strong, virtuous and courageous children, for spiritual values and longevity and lifelong wedlock.
This is followed by the blessings.
