The Barat, the singing and dancing procession of the groom and his family, reaches the wedding venue. The bride’s family welcomes them with Aarati and sweets, as a symbol of happiness and good tidings to come and escort them to the wedding hall.
jai mala or var-mala
A varmala or jaimala is an Indian wedding garland symbolic of the popular marriage ceremony. Following regional traditions, the varmala might be made of rose flowers and/or other ceremonial stuff decorating it. The additives range from Rupee notes to other flowers to other family based traditions.
After all are seated, we start the ceremony with prayers to Lord Ganesh to bless this occasion and make the marriage ceremony free of obstacles. We solicit the blessings of elders and our forefathers, and pray for this to be an auspicious day for the marriage ceremony.
Vadhu Aagman – Arrival of the Bride
Bride is brought to the mandap typically by her maternal uncle, along with bridesmaids, and grooms’ men. An antarpat, an auspicious cloth, separates Bride and Groom as a symbol of their separate existence prior to the marriage.
Mangalashtakam & Sankalpa - Mutual Approval
After the Mangalmantras are recited, Bride and Groom garland each other, indicating their mutual approval to proceed with the ceremony. The Pandit explains them the objectives of the Vivaah Sanskar and then they propose to marry each other and enter the Grahasthashrama as a married couple.
According to Hindu philosophy, a successful life requires the pursuit of Artha, Kama, Dharma and Moksha.
Artha is acquiring wealth and security for your family. Kama is enjoying your natural desires. Dharma is doing your righteous duty and Moksha is a spiritual journey towards Self Realization.
Thus, by committing to Artha, Kama and Dharma and following a spiritual life, you will bring stability, continuity, prosperity and happiness, not only to your lives but to the society and future generations as well. The Grahasthashrama you are about to enter, is the real backbone of all Societies.
Kannyadaan - Giving Away the Bride
In the Brahma Vivaah, the highest form of Hindu marriage, Bride’s parents, “give away” the Bride as one of the noblest acts they will perform in their lifetime. Bride and Groom then commit to remain faithful to each other, while pursuing Dharma, Artha and Kama. Bride’s mother pours holy water on bride’s father’s palms, which flows into Groom’s and then into Bride’s palms, symbolizing the continuity of life, repaying the debt to their forefathers and the passing of the family heritage to the next generation.
Bride's parents:
Today, the bride is Laxmi and the groom is Vishnu. By joining their hands in marriage, we will repay the debt to our forefathers by continuing the next life cycle.
Bride and Groom to each other:
While pursuing Dharma, Artha and Kama, I will always remain faithful to you.
Mangalsutrabandhanam – Marriage Commitment to Each Other
Groom adorns Bride’s neck with the Mangalsutra, a necklace symbolizing good luck, love and friendship. Groom applies kumkum on Bride’s forehead, now as a Soubhagyavati. With the wedding ring exchange, they commit to support each other, in good times and bad times, in happiness and sorrow, with unending love. They are joined together in a marriage knot by the Groom’s sister or mother, as a symbol of their permanent bond.
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Saptapadi – Taking the Marriage Vows with Seven Steps
The couple takes seven steps together to reiterate their aspirations of their married life.
With the first step, we will provide for and support each other.
With the second step, we will develop mental, physical & spiritual strength.
With the third step, we will share the worldly possessions.
With the fourth step, we will acquire knowledge, happiness and peace.
With the fifth step, we will raise strong and virtuous children.
With the sixth step, we will enjoy the fruits of all seasons.
With the seventh step, we will always remain friends and cherish each other.
Ashirvad – Blessings
We all offer our blessings to the couple for long and happy lives together. After being declared as Husband and Wife, Groom and Bride bow to all invited guests and leave the mandap as a newly married couple as the guests shower them with flower petals.
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