Hindu Wedding Rituals. 

 

BARAT

Groom's name arrives for the wedding with his family and friends.

Bride's name's family and friends receive them.

 

JAYAMALA

Bride's name greets Groom's name and acknowledges him as her betrothed

in the presence of all assembled by garlanding him. Groom's name reciprocates.

 

GANESH POOJA

The priest commences the marriage ceremony under the mandap by invoking God to accept the wedding prayers and to bless the assembly and the couple to be married. The parents of the bride are then asked to join the ceremony.

 

MADHUPARKA

Bride's name parents offer madhuparka (a mixture of yogurt and honey) to the groom who accepts it with a prayer that he may imbibe its purity and sweetness.

 

SHAKOCHAR

The priest invokes the memory and the blessings of the respective fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers of the bride and groom for the holy matrimony.

 

PANIGRAHAN AND KANYADAAN

In the Hindu way of life, a married woman is given 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 woman to a wife. The father of the bride gives away ("daan") his daughter ("kanya") to the groom, who affirms his commitment to the marriage.

 

 

GRANTHIBANDHAN

The priest ties the knot to bind Bride's name and Groom's name together for life. Throughout the ceremony, oblations are made to God to invoke His blessings in the form of a "Havan" (ceremonial fire). Samagree (crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, and rice), Ghee (clarified butter), Camphor, and Samidha (twigs) are offered into the Agnikunda (fire pit).

 

SHILAROHAN AND LAJAHUTI

Bride's name brother gives her "Kheel" (purified rice) and she offers it to God. The brother then assists Bride's name to step upon a rock, which symbolizes strength of purpose and firmness. Groom's name asks Bride's name to be firm like a rock, to resist foes, and to help thwart undesirable forces.

 

PARIKRAMA

Bride's name leads Groom's name three times around the Agnikunda, offering oblations to God each time. Groom's name then leads Bride's name four times around the Agnikunda.

 

SAPTAPADI

Groom's name stresses to Bride's name the need for harmony and devotion in life, while the couple walks together seven steps vowing:

With God as our guide let us take:

- The first step for prosperity

- The second step for strength

- The third step for wealth

- The fourth step for happiness

- The fifth step for progeny

- The sixth step for nature's bounty

- The seventh step for companionship

 

EXCHANGE OF WEDDING VOWS (VACHAN)

 

SHUAANG

Groom's name places sindoor (red powder), the traditional mark of a suhaagwati stree (married woman) in the parting of Bride's name hair.

 

AASHIRVAAD

The couple receives the blessing of all assembled and are showered with rice and flowers.

 

You can add all rituals or just a few to combine both Buddhist and Hindu . its is flexable and can be discussed.