A Hindu marriage in the union of two individuals for life and which further leads the couple to pursue dharma (duty), artha (possessions), kama (physical desires), and moksa (ultimate spiritual release) together. The marriage ceremony in Hinduism consists of several steps. A number of religious rites are there before and during the nuptials. Every marriage ritual has varying degrees of significance. However, there are regional and community variations. Hindu Wedding Rituals are mostly performed in the presence of family deities. A Hindu marriage is incomplete without the blessings of a spiritual or divine element.
Hindu Wedding Rituals have emerged from the ceremonies and customs that were practised since ancient times, the Vedic period. Hindu wedding ceremonies are, thus, traditionally conducted in Sanskrit and also at times the local language of the people is also used. Ancient system of Hindu-Vedic-marriages is of scientific base. According to Vedic tradition, the rite practised emphasised the basis of happy and fulfilling married life which lay in the sense of unity, intimacy and love between husband and wife. Therefore marriage is not for self-indulgence but it is considered a life long social and spiritual responsibility. Married life is, thus, an opportunity for two people to grow from life partners into soul mates.
However, modern Hinduism has the essence in worship of devas, described in the Purana. The Hindu Wedding Rituals have their core essentially in the Vedic yajna or fire-sacrifice. In a Hindu marriage the fire-deity (or the Sacred Fire) Agni holds a prominent position. He is the sacred God and is regarded to be the primary witness. During the Aryan period a custom was followed to invoke the Agni and other significant deities. This custom, of praying to deities in the Indo-Aryan style had a deep origin in the ancient ceremony of cementing the bonds of friendship and alliance. Although at present, this tradition survives in the context of weddings. In contemporary Hindi marriage, tradition of seven encirclements around the fire by the bride and the groom together is considered to be significant.
Even though, the customs and traditions differ from region to region yet, there are thirteen basic Hindu Wedding Rituals. The essential pre nuptial Hindu Wedding Rituals begin with the misri or ring ceremony. The other vital customs include Mehendi ceremony, sangeet, Sagri (acquaintance), Nav-Graha Puja (Worship to the Nine Planets) and Ghari Puja. Vara Satkaarah, Hathialo (Joining of the Hands), Kanyadaan and Vivah-Homa are the ceremonies conducted during the marriage. Other important rituals follow Pani-Grahan, Pratigna-Karan, walking round the fire, Shila Arohan and Laja-Homah. Parikrama, Saptapadi, Abhishek, Anna Praashan, Aashirvadah
The most important of them all is the "Saptapadi " or the "seven steps" which the couple takes together after tying the Mangalsutra (sacred thread). The manners in which these seven steps are taken may vary from region to region. For instance, in South Indian marriages, these seven steps are taken towards the Southern direction with the groom holding the right toe of the bride and then going round the sacred fire. In certain other marriages, the groom holds the hand of the bride and leads her around the fire seven times. Every step is taken invoking the Gods to shower their blessings on the couple.
The foremost ritual called misri or ring ceremony, is a pre wedding ceremony and involves oral agreement and `lagna patra` or written declaration. It proceeds with the Mehendi ceremony and Sangeet. The custom of sangeet and mehendi has certain resemblance in the northern and western regions of the country. However, a marked difference is witnessed in the eastern and southern parts of India. Further, pre marriage customs of Sagri (acquaintance) provides opportunity for the kith and kin of the bride and grooms to build a close bond. Each family member, who belong to the bride`s relations adorn the groom`s relatives with perfume, costumes and flowers.
Nav-Graha Puja (Worship to the Nine Planets) which is performed to ask for blessings from the Gods associated with the nine planets. Ghari Puja is the other essential pre -marital ritual where the priest performs prayers with rice, coconut, wheat grains, oil, betel nut , turmeric and other spices. The major custom of marriage starts with the reception of the bridegroom and his kinsmen at the entrance gate of the wedding hall called Vara Satkaarah. The officiating priest chants mantras and the bride`s mother blesses the groom. Madhuparka Ceremony continues with rice and trefoil, tilak of vermilion and turmeric powder play a vital role in the rituals of Hindu marriage.
The marriage continues with the Hathialo (Joining of the Hands), Kanyadaan and Vivah-Homa. Each of the custom is regarded important for healthy conjugal life of the bride and the groom. The groom takes the right hand of the bride in his left hand and accepts her as his lawfully wedded wife. This ritual is called Pani-Grahan. Other important rituals follow Pratigna-Karan, walking round the fire, Shila Arohan and Laja-Homah. Parikrama or Pradakshina or Mangal Fera legalizes the marriage according to the Hindu Marriage Act as well custom. Saptapadi is essential in a Hindu marriage ceremony; this is symbolised by the marriage knot, tying one end of the groom`s scarf with the bride`s dress. This is further carried with the seven steps representing nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, long life, harmony and understanding respectively.
The later process in the Hindu Wedding Rituals include Abhishek or Sprinkling of water, meditating on the sun and the pole star, Anna Praashan or food offerings into the fire then feeding each other the morsel of food expressing mutual love and affection and Aashirvadah or Benediction by the elders. All these customs complete a Hindu marriage ceremony with religious and traditional importance.
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