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4. KANYA SAMPRADAN: Giving away the daughter to the bridegroom
The bride’s father will give away his daughter to the
groom. The priest puts the bride’s right hand into the groom’s right
hand and recites the sacred “mantras” from the Vedas, and thus joins
them together.
5.HOMA: Lighting of the sacred fire
ASHMAROHAN: Mounting the stone
The bridegroom ignites the holy fire and recites “mantras”. Then each
puts a foot on a stone which is symbolic of steadfastness, righteousness
and fidelity in married life. They go round the fire three times
offering puffed rice to the fire. The “mantras” they recite are prayers
for long life, happiness and prosperity.
Hindus used fire as the symbol of God during the Vedic period. Since God
is present everywhere, anything existing in the universe can be chosen
as His symbol. They chose fire, the dispeller of darkness, the symbol of
purity, the giver of warmth, as the symbol of God. The lighting of fire
as the symbol of God is a necessity during a Hindu wedding because
Hindus believe God is the principal witness to the wedding. The marriage
is a sacrament and thus indissoluble.
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6. SAPTAPADI: The seven step walking ritual
The couple walk seven steps together reciting “mantras”.
This ritual expresses the sharing and equality within their marriage.
7. PANIGRAHAN/SINDOOR: Holding hands and taking marriage
vows; vermillion ceremony
The bridegroom holds the bride’s hands and marriage vows
are taken. They pray to God for the union of two souls. Furthermore, the
bridegroom asks the invited guests to bless his newly wedded wife.
The sacred fire is now extinguished and the priest blesses the couple by
putting “tilak” on the foreheads of the bride and bridegroom. And,
finally, the bridegroom puts “sindoor” into the parting of the bride’s
hair. This symbolises that she is a married woman.
The Wedding Party
Parents of the bride: XXX and YYY
Parents of the groom: XXX and YYY
Sisters of the bride: XXX
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