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Hindu Vedic Marriage Ceremony
Conducted by Shri Murali Krishna garu
Marriage is a highly auspicious occasion in Indian culture, conducted according to the 6,000 year-old Vedic Hindu tenets. According to the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, marriage is a sacred, life long commitment between a man and a woman. Marriage is the thirteenth of the sixteen samskaras (sacraments). Marriage, considered the strongest of social bonds, is said to spiritually merge two souls opening the doors to "Grihasthashram" (household life). Of the four stages of life, Grihasthashram is believed to be the most difficult. The Hindu marriage ceremony consists of prayers, invocations and vows recited in Sanskrit, the oldest language from which most Indo-European languages have originated. Hindu marriage is sanctified by seven pledges made by the bride and groom and commenced when the bride and groom have completed seven steps around a sacred fire. Symbolic gestures and rituals encompass the ceremony and ensure that the bride and groom are united in the presence of God (Lord Vishnu), Agni (the sacred Fire) and the Pujari (Hindu priest). The ceremony is held under the canopy of the Kalyana Mandapam or wedding pavilion, which is decorated with fresh flowers. Nadaswaram (Indian wind instrument) music traditionally accompanies most South Indian weddings.
The main aspects of the Hindu Ceremony are as follows........
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Ganapathi Puja -To commence the Hindu wedding ceremony, a prayer is offered to Lord Ganesha, the elephant God, whose blessings will remove any major obstacles from the ceremony and from the couple’s new life together. Ganesha is the Lord of all circumstances, therefore no Hindu ritual or auspicious occasion is ever undertaken without Him. Jasmine garlands and the Mangalasutra (sacred wedding necklace) are placed at Ganesha’s feet to invoke his blessings. His grace will overcome all obstacles, destroy all evils, and enable the ceremony to proceed with
tranquility.
Gowri Puja - The bride offers prayers to invoke the blessings of Goddess Gowri Devi, the icon of an ideal wife. The Goddess’ own marriage is the symbol of everlasting love. Ardhanarishwara is the concept of the perfect emotional, mental and physical union between Gowri and her divine husband Lord Shiva. By invoking the Goddess’ blessings, the bride prays for a long, happy, married life with her
husband.
Vara Puja - Kashi Yatra - The bride’s parents welcome the groom with great honor and offer him gifts. The groom is persuaded by the elders to enter into holy matrimony and take his soul mate along as they journey through life pursuing their goals.
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