April 3, 2009
Hindu Wedding
Introduction
Hindu wedding joins two individuals for life, so that they can pursue dharma (duty), artha (possessions), kama (physical desires), and moksa (ultimate spiritual release) together. It also joins two families together. The ceremonies are traditionally conducted at least partially in Sanskrit, the language in which most holy Hindu ceremonies are conducted. The local language of the people involved is also used since most Hindus cannot understand Sanskrit. They have many rituals that have evolved since traditional times and differ in many ways from the modern western wedding ceremony and also it differs among the different regions, families, and castes. The Hindus attach a lot of importance to marriages and the ceremonies are very colorful and extend for several days.
Costume
Traditionally, the bride wears a red or red and white sari. The sari should be draped modestly over her hair. The groom wears a kafni (long shirt extending to the knees) with pijamo (leggings) or dhoti (sort of an overgrown loincloth). The groom might also wear a turban.
One feature of the bride’s wardrobe which has become popular abroad is the use of henna or mehndi to decorate her hands and feet. It’s said that you can tell how well a new bride is being treated by her in-laws from how long it takes for the mehndi to wear off.
Rituals
Homa (Laja) : The Oblation of Parched Grain
Here the bride offers sacrifice of food (poured into her hands by her brother or someone acting in her brother’s behalf) to the Gods for their blessings. “This
grain I spill. May it bring to me well being and unite you to me. May Agni hear us.” He then asks the bride to spill the grain into the fire, saying: “This woman scattering grain into the fire, prays: Blessings on my husband. May my relatives be prosperous”.
Kanya Danam (Giving Away of the Daughter)
The bride accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a wife by spreading turmeric powder on her hands. Kanya Danam is performed by the father (or uncle of guardian) of the bride in presence of a large gathering that is invited to witness the wedding. The father pours out a libation of sacred water symbolizing the giving away of the daughter to the bridegroom. The groom recites Vedic hymns to Kama, the God of love, for pure love and blessings. As a condition for offering his daughter for marriage, the father of the bride requests a promise from the groom for assisting the bride in realizing the three ends : dharma, artha, and kama. The groom makes the promise by repeating three times that he will not fail the bride in realizing dharma, artha and kama.
Paanigrahana (Holding the Hand)
The bridegroom stands facing west and the bride sits in front of him facing east. He seizes her hand and recites Vedic hymns for happiness, long life, and a lifelong relationship When the Bridegroom Takes the Bride’s Hand, He Says : “O Sarasvati, gracious one, rich in off spring, you whom we hymm first of all the Gods, may you prosper this marriage. “I seize your hand.”
Shaadi (Wedding)
The bride and the bridegroom face each other, and the priest ties their garments (the bride’s saree to the groom’s shirt) in a knot, symbolizing the sacred union. The bride and the bridegroom garland each other and exchange the rings. Next the nuptial fire, symbolizing the divine witness, and the sanctifier of the sacrament, is installed and worshipped. Both the bride and the groom grasp their hands together and pray to God for His blessings. Samagree, consisting of crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, rice, ghee (clarified butter), and twigs is offered into the sacred fire to seek God’s blessings for the couple.
Marriage Symbols
The bride applies sandalwood paste to the groom’s forehead, the groom then applies a red mark on the bride’s forehead to display for as long as they are married. Then puffed rice and purified butter from the hands of the bride and groom are thrown into the fire. This represents the radiant one. Then the darkness is removed by the priest chanting mantras, which are blessings.
Vows
The vows are made before the fire that represents the deity. The groom vows to always include his wife and consult her. The groom takes his brides hand and leads her around the fire he steps closer to her they walk along where rice is heaped to one side. Holding hands they take the sapta padi… a seven step symbolic journey through life. Around the sacred fire pot they agree to:
* Earn a living for their family and respect their abundance
* Live a healthy life style for each other
* Be concerned for partner’s welfare
* Live together as friends… enjoy happiness and friendship throughout their lives
* To eat and drink with each other and be with each other on special occasions
* Desire children for whom they will be responsible and love
* Adapt to the other persons at any given time and place
The groom recites traditional mantras to the bride. Cotton is tied around the bride and groom while blessings of a long happy life are given. The bride washes her hands and the bride and groom pray that their prosperity will be fulfilled.
The groom places a floral necklace around his brides neck… this represents love.
