The Hindu ceremony is comprised of rituals with specific meanings and symbolism in accordance with the scriptures know as Vedas. The ceremony is conducted with verses recited in Sanskrit, the ancient language spoken in the Vedic times. The vows are exchanged in the presence of Agni-fire symbolizing guiding light and sanctifier of the ceremony. The ceremony so performed bears a Divine Seal and ensures the couple to be united with the mutual love and respect forever.
Swagatam and Madhuparka
The bride's parents welcome the groom and his parents with garlands and sweets, as a symbol of happiness and good tidings to come and escort them to the stage.
Ganesha Puja, Swasthivachana, and Vivaha Sankalpa
The ceremony begins with seeking the blessings of the familities' elders and forefathers and offering paryers to Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom and remover of obstacles. A "Kalasha" containing water, flowers, and coconut is worshipped. The materials and the site of the ceremony are sanctified by sprinkling holy water from the Kalasha while chanting the scriptural hymns. Arathi's parents invoke God's blessings and assembled guests' best wishes. The bride's parents vow to give their daughter in marriage to the groom.
Vadhu Aagmana - Arrival of the Bride
Bridesmaids carrying lights, sweets, symbolic coconuts, and gejje walk in procession. Another walks up carrying the Mangalyasutra (auspicious pendant) walks up to the stage. The Bride walks up to the wedding altar. An antarpata, an auspicious cloth, symbolizing the Bride and Groom as two "separate" individuals prior to marriage, separates the couple.
Mangalashtaka and Mutual Approval
Auspicious verses (Mangalashtaka) extolling the illustrious married lives of couples of the past are recited and prayers are offered to make the married life of the couple as illustrious as that of the famous couples of the past. The antarpata is removed, Bride and Groom put colored rice on each other, and garland each other, indicating their mutual approval of the marriage. The principal elements of the marriage ritual (Vivaha Samskara) are explained. The Bride and Groom begin their first step of Grahasthashrama - married life.
Kannyadaanam
The Bride's parents give their daughter in marriage to the Groom, as one of the noblest acts they perform in their lifetime. The Bride and Groom commit to remain faithful to each other, while pursuing Dharma, Artha and Kama. The Bride's mother pours holy water on the Bride's father's palms, which flows into the Groom's and then into the Bride's palms, symbolizing the continuity of life, repaying the debt to their forefathers and the passing of the family heritage to the next generation.
Mangalsutra Dhaaranam - Marriage Commitment
The couple worship the Mangalasutra - an auspicious pendant symbolizing the good luck, love, and friendship in their married life and seek the blessings of all assembled. The Groom adorns the Bride's neck with the Mangalasutra. The groom's mother ties the marriage knot and welcomes the bride into the family.
Vivaha Homa - Worshipping the Sacred Fire
The couple lights the Agni, the holy fire that symbolizes light, power and knowledge, and acts as a witness to the ceremony. The Bride and Groom repeat the sacred pledge of marriage and request Agni to be the messenger for their prayers to various Gods.
Agni Pradakshina - Starting the Marriage Journey
Bride and Groom circle the sacred fire four times, the bride moves to the left side of the groom, and start the transition into the groom's family and married life.
Saptapadi - Taking the Marriage Vows with Seven Steps
The couple takes seven steps together to reiterate their aspirations of their married life.
With the first step, we will provide for and support each other.
With the second step, we will develop mental, physical and 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.
Ashirvada - Blessings
The assembled guests offer blessings to the couple for a long and happy married life. After being declared husband and wife, the couple bow to all invited guests and leave the mantapa as a newly married couple.
Swagatam and Madhuparka
The bride's parents welcome the groom and his parents with garlands and sweets, as a symbol of happiness and good tidings to come and escort them to the stage.
Ganesha Puja, Swasthivachana, and Vivaha Sankalpa
The ceremony begins with seeking the blessings of the familities' elders and forefathers and offering paryers to Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom and remover of obstacles. A "Kalasha" containing water, flowers, and coconut is worshipped. The materials and the site of the ceremony are sanctified by sprinkling holy water from the Kalasha while chanting the scriptural hymns. Arathi's parents invoke God's blessings and assembled guests' best wishes. The bride's parents vow to give their daughter in marriage to the groom.
Vadhu Aagmana - Arrival of the Bride
Bridesmaids carrying lights, sweets, symbolic coconuts, and gejje walk in procession. Another walks up carrying the Mangalyasutra (auspicious pendant) walks up to the stage. The Bride walks up to the wedding altar. An antarpata, an auspicious cloth, symbolizing the Bride and Groom as two "separate" individuals prior to marriage, separates the couple.
Mangalashtaka and Mutual Approval
Auspicious verses (Mangalashtaka) extolling the illustrious married lives of couples of the past are recited and prayers are offered to make the married life of the couple as illustrious as that of the famous couples of the past. The antarpata is removed, Bride and Groom put colored rice on each other, and garland each other, indicating their mutual approval of the marriage. The principal elements of the marriage ritual (Vivaha Samskara) are explained. The Bride and Groom begin their first step of Grahasthashrama - married life.
Kannyadaanam
The Bride's parents give their daughter in marriage to the Groom, as one of the noblest acts they perform in their lifetime. The Bride and Groom commit to remain faithful to each other, while pursuing Dharma, Artha and Kama. The Bride's mother pours holy water on the Bride's father's palms, which flows into the Groom's and then into the Bride's palms, symbolizing the continuity of life, repaying the debt to their forefathers and the passing of the family heritage to the next generation.
Mangalsutra Dhaaranam - Marriage Commitment
The couple worship the Mangalasutra - an auspicious pendant symbolizing the good luck, love, and friendship in their married life and seek the blessings of all assembled. The Groom adorns the Bride's neck with the Mangalasutra. The groom's mother ties the marriage knot and welcomes the bride into the family.
Vivaha Homa - Worshipping the Sacred Fire
The couple lights the Agni, the holy fire that symbolizes light, power and knowledge, and acts as a witness to the ceremony. The Bride and Groom repeat the sacred pledge of marriage and request Agni to be the messenger for their prayers to various Gods.
Agni Pradakshina - Starting the Marriage Journey
Bride and Groom circle the sacred fire four times, the bride moves to the left side of the groom, and start the transition into the groom's family and married life.
Saptapadi - Taking the Marriage Vows with Seven Steps
The couple takes seven steps together to reiterate their aspirations of their married life.
With the first step, we will provide for and support each other.
With the second step, we will develop mental, physical and 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.
Ashirvada - Blessings
The assembled guests offer blessings to the couple for a long and happy married life. After being declared husband and wife, the couple bow to all invited guests and leave the mantapa as a newly married couple.