The Wedding Ceremony of

XXX
and
YYY

June 10, 2006

                       Introduction

According to our traditions and cultural beliefs, a person goes through 16 ceremonies from birth to death.  Marriage is the 13th ceremony and the focal point of one’s life.  It is the bringing together of two souls so firmly that after marriage although their bodies seem to remain separate, the souls in them are one harmonious whole as they embark upon a new life as husband and wife.  The question of equality between men and women therefore does not arise, as they become spiritually one.  Sages have declared that man is not man alone.  He is the man, women and progeny.

                   Barat Procession
                (Arrival of the Groom)

XXX arrives at the doorstep of his bride on a decorated white horse, with a procession of family and friends celebrating the joyous occasion.

Swagat
(Welcoming of the Groom)

Adhar and his family are welcomed by YYY family.  YYY mother warmly greets XXX by offering red sandalwood (tilak) on his forehead and sacred flame (aarti), symbolizing the happiness and joy that will come from the joining of the Jain and Seth families.
 

Milni
(Meeting of the Families)

XXX and YYY relatives exchange flower garlands and coconuts as an expression of auspicious blessings between the two families.  A Hindu wedding not only commits the bride and groom to each other for the rest of their lives, but also binds the family and friends of the couple to share in both joyful and difficult times.  XXX and his family are then escorted by YYY family to the decorated mandap where the ceremony will take place.  The mandap’s four pillars signify each of the four parents and the important role they have played in raising their children.

Kanyagaman and Jaiamala

(Arrival of the Bride and
Exchange of Garlands)

Following a procession of bridesmaids, XXX enters the mandap where she greets YYY and acknowledges him as her betrothed in the presence of everyone, by placing a garland around his neck. XXX then reciprocates this symbolic commitment.  This exchange signifies their unification as one soul in two bodies.

Puja : Ganesh, Kalash, and Navagraha
(Invocation)

The priest (pundit) begins the wedding ceremony under the mandap, by invoking the blessings of God to accept our prayers, to bless the assembly of family and friends, and to bless the couple to be married.  The mother of the bride is then requested to join the ceremony.  The priest first worships Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles and continues with invocations and offerings to the copper vessel (Kalash) containing sacred water, flowers, and a coconut symbolizing the universe.  In this part of the ceremony, the five universal elements: earth, air, fire, water, and sky are worshipped.  The nine planets of the solar system (Navagraha) are also invoked for their blessings.

Madhuparka Vidhi

XXX mother offers YYY a glass of a mixture of honey, yogurt, ghee and saffron (Madhuparka), which he accepts with a Mantra, the meaning of which is, “I will always cultivate in me the sweetness of the Madhuparka in all my dealings.”

Kanyadaan and
Hastamelap
(Joining of the Hands)

In the Hindu way of life, a married woman is given a special status and respect in society.  This is a very special moment for the bride, as she accepts her change of status from an unmarried girl to a wife.  XXX mother gives away (Daan) her daughter (Kanya) to YYY, who affirms his commitment to the marriage.  She jointly places XXX hand in YYY hand, symbolizing XXX acceptance of responsibility to love, respect, and protect YYY forever.

Granthibandhan
(Tying of the Knot)

The priest ties a knot to bind XXX and YYY for life.  The ends of their scarves are tied together along with betel nuts, copper coins, and rice, signifying unity, prosperity, and happiness (Granthibandhan).  The couple is advised to remember the Divine; look upon others with sympathy, love, and compassion; be strong and righteous; and show goodwill and affection toward each other’s families.  Such are the teachings of Dharma, the right way of living.
 

Vivah Havan
(Lighting of the Fire)

XXX and YYY offer oblations to the sacred fire (Agni), who will serve as witness of the marriage.  Together, they make offerings of crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, rice, ghee, camphor, and twigs to the ceremonial fire, which symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance.  Agni leads them to the world of everlasting light and knowledge.

Mangal Phera
(Circling the Divine Fire)

XXX and YYY go around the sacred fire seven times while mantras are chanted.   XXX leads YYY three times around the Agni, making offerings to God each time.  This represents a prayer for the mutual happiness, love, prosperity, and salvation with each circle.  XXX then leads YYY four times around the Agni representing liberation or oneness with God.  They throw grains in the sacred fire signifying that both will join together in performing the sacrifices and religious rites that the couple is required to perform throughout their married life.  This demonstrates their determination to stand by each in all their joys and sorrows.
 

                       Saptapadi
                   (The Seven Steps)

XXX and YYY take their first seven steps together, symbolizing the beginning of their journey through life together as a couple.  Each step represents a vow that is taken in the presence of God and their families for an auspicious start to their journey.

First, we shall cherish each other in sickness and in health, in happiness and in sorrow.

Second, we shall love, provide and pray for our healthy compassionate family.

Third, we shall be thoughtful in action and in words.

Fourth, we shall pray to prosper in spiritual wealth.

Fifth, we shall live in harmony with nature.

Sixth, we shall share our joys and lift our sorrows.

Seventh, we shall remain true friends for life.
 

Saptapratigna
(The Seven Vows)

XXX and YYY take seven vows (Saptapratigna):

Together we will share in the responsibilities of home and children.

Together we will fill our hearts with strength and courage to accomplish all the needs of the home.

Together we will prosper and share our worldly goods.

Together we will fill our hearts with great joy, peace, happiness, and spiritual values.

Together we will raise strong and virtuous children.

Together we will remain lifelong partners by this marriage.

Together we will cherish each other in sickness and health, in happiness and sorrow, and we will follow the spiritual way of living (Dharma)

                  Sindoor Daan and
                    Ring Ceremony

YYY places red powder (sindoor), the traditional mark of a married woman (suhaagwati stree) in the parting of Kopal’s hair.  Kopal and Adhar then exchange wedding rings to symbolize the continuity of their bond in marriage.
 

                      Ashirvad
                    (Blessings)

The newly united couple seeks the blessings of their parents and elders as they touch their feet.  Then they are blessed by their family, relatives, and friends by being showered with fresh flowers to wish their love and prosperity in their marriage.

We are honored by your presence and would like to thank you for blessing XXX and YYY on this special occasion.

Jain and XXX Family