The Hindu Marriage Ceremony Introduction Chapter 1

Hinduism is not a religion in the sense Christianity or Islam is. Hinduism is a way of life. Thousands of year ago Samskaras or sacraments were instituted by Hinduism to bring sanctity and stability to the lives of the individuals and to integrate their personalities with the society they were born in. The ancient seers and sages gifted with light and resource tried to transform the crude animal into a refined man with the help of the Samskars. !s in "hilosophy so in rituals life is regarded as a cycle. #rom birth to death a Hindu person undergoes 1$ Samskaras% and marriage is one of the most important among them. &anu the great sage en'oins (Having spent the first )uarter of one*s life in the house of the preceptor the second )uarter in one*s own house with the wife and the third in the forest one should take Sannyas in the fourth )uarter casting away every worldly tie.* The sacrament of marriage impresses upon a person that earthly life is not to be despised% rather it should be consciously accepted and elevated to the level of a spiritual e+istence. This is the rich noble heritage of Hindu ethos. Thousands of Hindu families are settled outside India all over the world. They have strong ties with the Hindu culture and way of life and feel that should on such important occasions of life like marriage avail themselves of the rich noble heritage of Hindu thought. They like to perform the Samskara in the traditional Hindu way. However even those who are staying in India know little Sanskrit. ,o wonder those who are not born in India find it unfamiliar. #or their convenience -nana "rabodhini has translated the rites into .nglish. Similar .nglish versions of ,amakaran /naming ceremony 0 1panayana /thread ceremony 0 2anesha "oo'a Satyanarayana "oo'a are also available. 3eceptions are usually arranged to celebrate the 'oy of wedding. 2atherings of near and dear ones most certainly enhance the pleasure of the occasion. However Hindu marriage ceremony is a sacred vow an ennobling Samskara and it is advisable that the rites may be performed in the presence of a limited number in a serene )uiet atmosphere and the other celebrations follow later. "unyahavachan /calling the day auspicious0 Sankalpa /e+pressing the desire to marry0 &angalsutrabandhana /adorning bride*s neck with the auspicious necklace "anigrahan /receiving hands0 !gnisaksha "rati'na /pledge before the fire0 4a'ahoma /sacrificing popped rice0 "arikraman /perambulating the holy fire0 Shilarohan /ascending the stone0 Saptapadi /walking seven steps together0 and 5armasamapti /concluding ceremony0 are supposed to be the essential rites in marriage. ,akshatradarshan 6soliciting the blessings of seven sages /stars0 and 7hruva /pole star08 2riha "ravesh /the bride enters the in-laws* house and 4akshmipoo'an are optional rites.

The whole content of marriage ceremony is rich with noblest thoughts. In Hindu tradition marriage is not 'ust a contract between two individuals. It is a union of two souls for their own betterment for the betterment of their progeny of their relations and the society at large. 2rihasthashrama /life of the householder0 is supposed to be the backbone of the society. It shelters all other !shramas-phases of life. !shramas and "urusharthas form the fabric of Hindu life. "urusharthas are ma'or goals to be attained in the life span for the attainment of 7harma /righteous life0 !rtha /material resources0 5ama /fulfillment of natural desires0 marriage is instrumental. &oksha /self-reali9ation0 is an individual pursuit !ny gentleman or lady of good character belonging to any caste or creed can conduct the ceremony as a priest or a priestess. :e hope that this .nglish version of the Hindu marriage ceremony may give insight into the Hindu values to those who participate in it. The beauty and sublimity with which our forefathers formulated it are unmatched. :ith all the best wishes to those who are entering this noble phase of lifeRequirements for the marriage ceremony 1. ;. <. >. @. $. C. ?. D. Chapter Two

5umkum and Turmeric powder /Haladi0 3angoli Incense = !garbattis :ooden seats /if available0 = ? &etal 1rns = ; &etal glasses = > &etal bowls /small0 = > &etal dishes = ; Aig metal bowl = 1 Spoons = > Bil lamps for !arati = ; 2arlands = ; &angalasutra = ,ecklace with black beads 2old chain or a gift for the bridegroom

1E. 2rinding stone or any soft s)uare or round flat stone 11. .lectricheater or a similar arrangement for a Homa 1;. 7arbha /dry grass0 Samidhas /dry wood0 about ;@ pieces If possible a few pieces of sandle-wood 1<. Coconuts = < 1>. ! 5alash = copper pitcher filled with water decorated with &ango or similar leaves and topped with a coconut. 1@. 3ice grains /!kshata0 mi+ed with slight 5umkum. 1$. !ntarpat = The holy piece of cloth to be held between the Aride and bridegroom before &uhurta. /.+cept new-moon day and eclipse all days are considered auspicious by the Shastras.0 The place of the marriage should be decorated. The sitting arrangement should be as shown in the diagram below. The relatives of the bride and bridegroom are re)uested to sit )uietly at the assigned seats and participate in the ceremony whole-heartedly. They have a role to play in the ceremony. ASIF PL 3.#.3 TB "2 > B# TH. ABB5 #B3 SB&. 73!:I,2S

Proposa of Marriage

Chapter <

Priest F I welcome you all to this marriage ceremony. 4et us commence it with the worship of Shri 2anesh who brings success to all endeavors. Priest and the Participants ! B god with the curved trunk with the huge body shining like millions of suns make all my undertakings always obstacles. Bm. 2am. I bow to 2anapati. :e think of the one-toothed one we meditate on the one with a curved trunk. &ay the tusked one therefore inspire us. Priest ! / To the bride bridegroom and their parents0 "lease wear the "avitrakas /rings of metal or grass0 in your third finger. Take a spoonful of water from the glass holding the spoon in the left hand pour it on the plant of your right hand and sip it. This is !chamana. :ith every !chamana say with me F Priest and the Participants ! Bm. Bbeisance to 5eshava. Bm. Bbeisance to ,arayana. Bm. Bbeisance to &adhava. Bm. Bbeisance to 2ovind. Priest ! 7o "ranayama /deep breathing0 and meditate upon 2od and seek his blessings /4et the water pass from the right palm0 /1daka0. ,ow let us make the marriage proposal.

Priest and after him" the #ride" #ridegroom" and their parents ! Bn this earth in the G.. Continent HG..town HG...village today in the yearG.. in the month of G..onG..day under theG..constellation of stars $ridegroom ! I through this marriage enter the second phase of my life i.e. householder*s life in order to attain 7harma = righteous life !rtha = material resources and 5ama = fulfillment of natural desires. Priests and re ations ! 4et the ceremony be accomplished. Priest" the #ride and #ridegroom ! I pray Shri 2anesh and the family deity and seek their blessings. I also re)uest the senior relations to bless us on this occasion so that our married life would bring prosperity to us. Priest" #ride and #ridegroom ! Priest ! B Shri 2anesh the god of gods the learned among the learners of incomparable fame and glory and the protector of our inspired mantras. :e entreat you to come and reside in our home.

Priest" #ride and #ridegroom ! Priest ! B Shri 2anesh let this wedding ceremony be free of all obstacles. Priest" #ride and #ridegroom ! Priest ! B family deities we bow before you again and again. 5indly bless this auspicious occasion.

So iciting # essings of the e ders

Chapter >

Priest and parents of the groom ! &y son whose name is GGG. Priest and the groom ! I GGG. /name0 Priest and parents of the #ride ! &y daughter whose name is GGG..

Priest and the #ride ! I GGG.. /name0 Priest" #ride" #ridegroom and parents ! :e are performing the marriage ceremony. 5indly bless us and wish supreme happiness for us. Priest and the re ations ! 4et this day be auspicious for your marriage. Priest" #ride" groom and parents ! :e are performing the marriage ceremony. 5indly bless us and speak out the beatitudes. Priest and the re ations ! 4et this ceremony bring the best to you. Priest" #ride" groom and parents ! :e are performing the marriage ceremony. 5indly bless us that may this ceremony be fruitful in every sense. Priest and the Re ations ! 4et this marriage be fruitful in every sense. /,ow the bride and bridegroom are given new clothes and ornaments. They are garlanded. "arents of the bride and groom greet each other. The bride and the groom and their parents are given &adhuparka i.e. fruit salad with honey yogurt ghee and milk.0 Handing o%er the daughter Chapter @

Priest and the parents of the #ride ! #riends in your noble presence I offer my daughter to Shri GG.. Priest and the re ations ! Ae it so. Priest ! I re)uest the bride and her parents and the groom and his parents to stand up. /The groom holds the bride*s palms together over his palms all facing up. Then the bride*s mother pours water on the palms and the bride*s father says -0

Priest and $ride&s father ! To you Shri GG*s great-grandson Shri GG.*s grandson Shri GG*s son the groom named GG. I offer this bride named GG.great-grand-daughter of GGGgranddaughter of GG..daughter of me GGG..for the achievement of 7harma /merit0 !rtha /:orldly prosperity0 and 5ama /con'ugal love0 by accepting her as your mistress. Priest and the groom ! /2room touches right shoulder of the bride.0 $ridegroom ! Ies I accept her as my wife. /The bride whose parents or near relations are not present at the time of the marriage could say the following--0 Priest and the #ride ! ShriGG*s great-grandson ShriGG*s grandson ShriGG..* son B young man called GG.. Shri GG.*great-grand-daughter Shri GG*s grand-daughter ShriGG.*daughter I namedGGGselect you as my husband. !ccept me as your wife. Priest and the #ridegroom ! Iou gave me my beloved. However who bestowed this grace upon whomJ 4ove gave it to love. 4ove gives and love receives. &y dearest enter this fathomless sea of love. I accept you with love. B 2od of love the world belongs to you. B my beloved you are a shower of love. &ay sky offer you and may earth accept you. 'room ! I accept you as my wife. Priest ! #riends in your presence the groom and the bride have accepted each other. ,ow let us give blessings to this newly wedded couple. Re ations ! B bride and bridegroom you have accepted each other as wife and husband. &ay your family life be for the good of your people and for the society at large. :e bless you in every way. Priest and the #ride ! In the pursuit of righteous life material resources and natural desires B dear take a vow that you will be faithful to me. Priest and the groom ! &y dear in pursuing righteous life material resources and natural desires I will ever be faithful to you.

Priest and thee #ride ! "lease take the vow once again. &y dearest in the pursuit of righteous life material resources and natural desires assure me that you will be faithful to me. Priest and the groom ! &y dear in the pursuit of righteous life material resources and natural desires I assure you once again that I will ever be faithful to you. Priest and the #ride ! &y dearest I am grateful to you. However to confirm what you say please repeat the vow the third time. &y dear in the pursuit of righteous life material resources and natural desires reassure me the third time that you will be faithful to me. Priest and the groom ! B beloved in the pursuit of righteous life material resources and natural desires I will ever be faithful to you. $ride ! I am overwhelmed with love. I too will be faithful to you. I will be devoted to you as Seeta was to Shree3am. I will protect you as Savitri protected Satyawan% and I will accompany you in all your endeavors as !rundhati accompanied Kasishtha.

()pressing e)pectations from married ife

Chapter $

/for every wish the rice grains = !kshata = are showered.0 Priest and the #ride ! &ay my desire for glory be fulfilled. /Sprinkles rice grains.0 Priest and the groom ! Ae it so. Priest and the groom ! &ay my desires for sacrifice be fulfilled. Priest and the #ride ! Ae it so. Priest and the #ride ! &ay my desires for prosperity be fulfilled.

Priest and the groom ! Ae it so. Priest and the groom ! &ay my desires for righteous life be fulfilled. Priest and the #ride ! Ae it so. Priest and the #ride ! &ay my desires for progeny be fulfilled. Priest and the groom ! Iour desire will be fulfilled. Priest and the groom ! &ay my desires for success be fulfilled. Priest and the #ride ! Ae it so. Priest ! #riends. 4et us now bless the young couple. Priest and re ations ! B bride and bridegroom all your e+pectations of married life will be happily fulfilled. &ay 2od bless you.

Adorning #ride&s nec* +ith Manga asutra

Chapter C

The auspicious ornament Priest ! B groom please adorn the bride with &angalasutra. B bride "lease put this golden necklace around the neck of the groom. Priest and the #ridegroom ! I put this auspicious ornament around your neck as a symbol of good luck love and friendship. I hope you like it. Priest and the #ride ! It is beautiful. "lease let me put this golden necklace around your neck which too is a symbol of good luck love and friendship. 'room ! the necklace is lovely. I appreciate your gift. /The bridegroom applies kumkum on the forehead of the bride. The bride applies chandan tilak on the forehead of the groom.0 Recei%ing the hand Priest ! /To the couple0 "lease 'oin your right hands. Priest and the groom ! B Aride L I accept this hand of yours for it will bring me good fortune. Ae with me till we get old. Iou have been given to me by 2ods like Ahaga !ryama Sun and "urandhi so that I may perform the duties of the householder in the right manner.

The sacrifice for marriage ceremony

Chapter ?

Priest ! In Hindu tradition marriage is a sacred pledge and not 'ust a contract. Iou have taken the pledge. ,ow please repeat it in the presence of the holy fire. /The priest enkindles the fire on the altar. The couple sits by the altar. ! stone is kept to the west an urn filled with water is to the northeast and > kusha grass blades / 7arbhas 0 are spread to the north of the fire. Bn them two small metal bowls and an urn containing ghee are kept. Bne is to be filled with water and the other with ghee already melted on fire.0

Priest and the #ridegroom ! Here I install the fire called Io'aka. Priest ! Take two 7arbhas dip them in the water in the small bowl and sprinkle that water on the bowl of ghee and on all other things near the alter. This is a purifying gesture. ,ow all the material brought for sacrifice has been purified. 5eep the 7arbhas in your hand. Priest and the groom ! B sacred fire your family comes from the sage Shandilya your banner bears the sign of !ries. "lease grace me. Priest ! Bffer the "avitrak of the 7arbhas to the holy fire. Priest and the groom ! /!fter having offered the 7arbhas0 This is offered to Skanda the heroic deity. This now belongs to Skanda and not to me. B fire this fuel is your very self. Ala9e up with all your radiance. 4et our progeny wealth and glory increase with your blessings. 4et us have abundant harvests and monsoons. :e offer this fuel to you. ,ow this belongs to the wealth-bestower fire and not to me. Priest ! Take the ghee container in your hand and offer the ghee to the fire. 4et the flames come out freely. ,ow give the oblations one by one. Priest and the #ridegroom ! / Bffering a spoonful of ghee 0 This is offered to "ra'apati- god of creation. This belongs to him and not to me. This is offered to the sacred fire. This belongs to the holy fire not to me. This is offered to Soma. This belongs to Soma not to me. /Bffers ghee to the south of the fire.0

Main Sacrifice Priest and the #ridegroom !

Chapter D

B fire you purify the course of life. 2ive us abundant harvests and 'oys on the earth. 5eep our adversaries away from us destroy them. This belongs to the fire that purifies and not to me.

Priest and the #ridegroom ! &ay !gni the foremost of gods come here. &ay he protect my progeny from the clutches of death. &ay Karuna the god of showers grace us. Save her from the sorrow of parting with her sons. I offer this to the fire called 2arhapatya. It belongs to that fire and not to me. Priest and the #ridegroom ! &ay the fire called 2arhapatya M protect my wife. &ay he give long life to her sons and daughters. 4et her see her sons and grandsons happy healthy and prosperous. This belongs to the fire called 2arhapatya not to me. Priest and the groom ! B fire glowing with the spirit of the self you are the controller of the e+istence. Tour secret name is Kaishwanara. The couples greet you like a friend and offer you the sweet milk of the cow. Iou make the husband and wife think and feel harmoniously. This belongs to the holy fire and not to me. Sacrifice of popped rice" #eing +edded to each other And ascending the stone Priest ! ,ow please stand up. The bride will 'oin her palms. The groom will take a spoonful of ghee and pour it on her palms. Then he will take a handful of popped rice twice and put them on the palms of the bride. !gain he will pour a spoonful of ghee on it. Then he will hold the bride*s palms in his and offer the popped rice in the fire. Priest and the #ridegroom ! &y wife has worshipped the fire called !ryaman. He may guide her to develop the same amount of affinity to her in laws as she has for her parents and may further strengthen her ties with the in laws. This belongs to the holy fire called !ryaman and not to me. Priest ! B groom please hold the hand of the bride and take a round around the fire and the water pitcher /5alasha0. Priest and the groom ! 'room ! I am the "urusha. Iou are the "rakriti that binds me. I am the sky you are the earth. I am a song of the Samaveda and you are the 3ik the 3igvedic verse. 4et us make a loving family. 4et us bring up our progeny and live a 'oyful life of a hundred years.

Priest and the groom ! /to the bride0 B bride ascend this stone. Ae firm like this stone. &ake your enemies prostrate on the ground. 7efeat them one and all. Priest ! 2o to your former place once again and offer the oblation of popped rice as you have offered earlier. Priest and the groom ! /!fter the oblation0 &y wife has worshipped the fire called Karuna. He may guide her to develop the same amount of affinity to her in laws as she has for her parents and may further strengthen her ties with the in laws. This belongs to Karuna and the sacred fire and not to me. Priest and the groom ! 'room ! I am the "urusha. Iou are the "rakriti that binds me. I am the sky you are the earth. I am a song of the Samaveda you are a 3ik a couplet of the 3igveda. 4et us live together lovingly bring up our progeny. 4et us lead a 'oyful life of a hundred years. /to the bride-0 B bride ascend this stone. Ae firm like this stone. 4et the enemies prostrate before you. 7efeat them one and all. Priest ! ,ow come back to your former place. 2ive an oblation of popped rice as you did twice. Priest and the groom ! &y wife has worshipped the fire called "ooshan. He may guide her to develop the same amount of affinity to her in laws as she has for her parents and may further strengthen her ties with the in laws. I offer the oblations. It belongs to 2od "ooshan not to me. Priest ! /To the groom0 Hold the right hand of the bride and take a round around the altar and say'room ! I am the "urusha. Iou are the "rakriti that binds me. I am the sky you are the earth. I am a song of the Samaveda you are a 3ik a couplet of the 3igveda. 4et us make a loving family let us being up our progeny and live a 'oyful life of a hundred years. B bride ascend this stone. Ae firm like this stone. 4et your enemies prostrate before you and defeat them one and all. Priest ! ,ow offer the rest of the popped rice in the fire. Priest and groom ! I offer this to "ra'apati = the god of creation. This belongs to him and not to me.

,a *ing se%en steps together

Chapter 1E

/The groom holds the left hand of the bride in his right hand and takes seven steps in the south-east direction. The right foot first and then the left foot to be 'oined with the right then chanting of the mantras and proceeding further. This is the way Saptapadi is performed. There should be a distance of 1.@ to ; feet between two steps. ! handful of rice grains is kept at every step-making a small heap. The bride and groom are to put their feet on them.0 Priest and the groom ! B my dear we have stared on the course of a householder*s life. 4et us walk together. B my beloved walk one step with me for getting our livelihood. "lease follow me. Priest and the re ations ! 7ear ones you have walked one step together. &ay you support each other in the 'ourney of life. Priest and the groom ! B my beloved walk with me the second step for attaining strength. "lease follow me. Priest and the re ations ! 7ear ones you have walked two steps together. &ay peace and harmony prevail in your life. Priest and the groom ! B my dear walk with me the third step for getting wealth and prosperity. "lease follow me. Priest and the re ations ! 7ear ones you have walked three steps together. Iour love may help both of you blossom in your life together. Priest and the groom ! B my dear for pleasure and happiness walk with me the fourth step. "lease follow me. Priest and the re ations ! 7ear ones you have walked four steps together. The ties of your love have grown stronger. &ay the course of life become smoother for you because of your love.

Priest and the #ridegroom ! B my beloved walk with the fifth step for progeny enough and long-living. Priest and the re ations ! 7ear ones you have walked five steps together. &ay your love grow stronger and mutually satisfying. Priest and the groom ! &y darling walk with me the si+th step for the 'oys of all seasons. Priest and the re ations ! 7ear ones you have walked si+ steps together. &ay your lives be woven together in an e+cellent fabric. Priest and the groom ! B my dearest walk with me the seventh step for the ever-lasting friendship. Priest and the re ations ! B bride and bridegroom you have walked seven steps together. 4et your lives be one one soul residing in two bodies. &ay 2od bless you. The atter part of the sacrifice Priest and the groom ! If there are any flaws in this sacrifice may the fire called Swishtakrit forgive me. The fire that brings about all the sacrifices in the right way and gives fruits to everyone may accept my humble oblations. This belongs to the fire called Swishtakrit and not to me. Priest ! Bffer the rest of the ghee spoon by spoon in the fire. Priest and the groom ! I offer oblations to all the deities in the world. This belongs to them not to me. Priest ! Hold the large bowl of water in hands and perambulate the fire anticlockwise. 5eep the container = "raneetapatra = near the altar. Priest and the groom ! B god of water you are perfect. 3emain perfect for me. /&ake my deeds perfect.0 Iou are supremely perfect. "lease be supremely perfect for me. Iou are omnipotent. Ae my life itself. Iou are eternal. 3emain eternal for me.

Priest ! Sprinkle the water from the "raneetapatra in all the directions and above also on your own head on the head of the bride. Take a little holy ash from the fire with the end of the spoon and apply it to your own forehead and that of your wife.

The Comp etion Prayer

Chapter 11

Priest ! ,ow we will offer the completion prayer. Priest" #ride and #ridegroom ! B god in the form of the Ia'na. :e offer you all our consents and words. :e humbly bow at your feet. If we have offered something less to you. Br something superfluous to you forgive us for that. 2ive us faith knowledge intelligence strength wealth health and a long life. $ essing the coup e #y sprin* ing ho y +ater Priest ! 7ear friends let us sprinkle the holy water from Ia'na on the newly-weeded couple and bless them. :ith the inspiration of the god Savita with the arms of the twin gods !shwinikumar with the glory of fire-god !gni with the glow of sun god and with the vitality of god Indra we offer this !bhisheka to you. &ay strength wealth success and glory come to you. &ay this shower the shower of ambrosia-bring you peace love and prosperity. Comp etion of the Ceremony Priest ! 4et us complete this marriage ceremony. /Aride*s father sits near the altar and mother sits on his right side. Aride*s father takes a spoonful of water in his left hand and lets it pass from the palm of the right hand.0 Priest and the #ride&s father ! &ay the almighty 2od be pleased by the marriage ceremony of my daughter. Priest" #ride and #ridegroom ! &ay the almighty 2od be pleased by our marriage ceremony. /The couple takes a spoonful of water in the left hand and after rectifying the statement above let it pass from the palm of the right hand.0

Singing marriage hymns and remo%ing the Antarpat -n the auspicious moment The bridegroom stands on a wooden seat with a garland in his hands. Two senior personsHpriest hold the !ntarpat = a shawl. The bride after worshipping 2auri and Hara /2oddess "arvati and 4ord Shiva0 is brought by her maternal uncle to the marriage place. She wears a yellow sari if possible and has a garland in her hands. She stands facing the groom. The shawl is between them keeping them away from each other*s sight. The following hymns are sung by the priest andHor relations. 3ice grains mi+ed with slight kumkum /!kshata0 are distributed to all attending the marriage. .very time the priest says they sprinkle !kshatas on the bride and bridegroom.

Meaning of the sacred hymns

Chapter 1;

The first stan9a describes Shri 2anesh. Bn all auspicious occasions 2anapati is venerated first because he is supposed to remove obstacles. The second stan9a is in praise of 4ord 5rishna. The third stan9a invites all the holy rivers in India to bless the couple. The fourth stan9a reveres the almighty the ultimate the supreme. The fifth stan9a venerates all the luminaries stars and planets and re)uests them to grace the marriage. The si+th stan9a says that so far as the 2anges is flowing through its course so far as the sun is shining in the sky so far as &eru mountain is adorned with blue marble rocks you en'oy life with sons and grandsons. The seventh stan9a says F &ay the couple be blessed with the fortunes of 4ord Indra. The last stan9a F &ay this day prove to be auspicious for the marriage. &ay all cosmic energies be in favor of the couple and make their marriage a success. !fter the hymns are sung on the auspicious moment the shawl separating the bride from the bridegroom is removed. Aoth of them garland each other. Aride*s sister stands behind the bride and bridegroom*s sister stands behind him. They hold urns filled with water and with mango leaves. They sprinkle water on bride and bridegroom with mango leaves. They make an !arati. /&oving the oil lamps in a circular motion around the face of the person.0 !fter this the marriage ceremony is over. Sweets are distributed to all. 5umkum and Haldi are applied to the foreheads of the ladies. Aetel-leaves and betel nuts are distributed to gents. The couple and the parents are now ready to greet the relations and friends who have come for the marriage. Prayers to the se%en stars sym#o i.ing sages And the po e star Chapter 1<

Priest and the groom ! There are the seven sages who helped !rundhati the foremost among the seven 5rittikas /stars0 to reach permanent position :hen I see her I feel that my wife is the eighth krittika B pole star you are called 7hruva because you are ever stable in this position. Iou are stability incarnate steadiness itself. Ay your stability it seems as if you arrest the movements of other starts. In the circular constellations of stars you stand out with your triangular neighborhood. B 7hruva please protect me from my enemies. $enedictions Priest and the parents of the #ride ! /To the bride-0 &y dear daughter by your love and good conduct earn the love of your father-inlaw mother-in-law and brothers-and sisters-in-law. 4ead a happy life in this house. B dear ones stay together with abiding love. 4et not even a trace of dissent appear between you. 4ead a full life of 'oy with children and grandchildren.

(ntering the house

Chapter 1>

The bride and the groom enter the house with the right foot first followed by the left foot. Priest and groom ! I enter this blessed home happily with my wife. This home gives long life to its brave sons is always crowded with loving people rich with wealth. This house produces sons of great valor. I will stay in this house with my wife en'oying the best things in life. &y dear wife in this family you will live blissfully with your children. !s a housewife be alert about your duties. .ven in old age we would admire this house of ours in the company of our friends.

,orship of goddess La*shmi

Priest ! The bridegroom is going to rename his wife. /To groom-0 "lease take a spoonful of water with your left hand and pour it on your right palm /!chaman0. 7o the pranayam /deep breathing0 and meditate upon 2od for a minute. Priest and the groom ! Bn this auspicious day I rename my newly wedded wife. /In a metal dish a dishful of rice grains is kept. The groom writes with his ring the name of the family deity and the new name of the bride on the grains.0 I sing the glory of 4ord 2anapati. If one remembers his lotus feet all the adversities fade away as the darkness fades away with the rise of the sun. The family deities and other revered deities we bow before you. &ay all know my wife*s name as GGGGGG.. Priest and the groom ! B Seniors and eldersL :ith my wife I bow before you. Priest and the re ations ! The bride namedGGGGG may en'oy long married life and desired children. Priest and the groom ! &ay the new nameGGGGof my wife be known to all. Priest and the re ations ! The new nameGGGG..will be known to all. Priest and the groom ! Ay this rite may 2od the almighty be pleased. The bride and bridegroom make !chamanas and complete the rite. Bm. Bbeisance to 5eshava. Bm. Bbeisance to ,arayana. Bm. Bbeisance to &adhava. Bm. Bbeisance to 2ovind. ASIF /-0 1((2 T- SCA1 P'S 34 A12 <1

"lease note that the ceremonies are verbatim from the books of -nana "rabodhini. 4ong 4ive Sanatan 7haram .mail feedback to esamskritiNsuryaconsulting.net