Wedding Ceremony

Vivaaha (Wedding) - May 26, 2002 at 10:30am

The four principles that form the foundation of marriage are:

Dharma - Path of Righteousness
Artha - Pursuit of Prosperity
Kama - Fulfillment of Worldly Pleasures
Moksha - Salvation

Through Dharma, Artha and Kama, one may attain Moksha.

The priest begins the ceremony with an offering of prayers to God and all his representations. The groom then enters the wedding area where the bride's mother welcomes him. The bride soon enters while her siblings and close friends stand behind her.

The Kanya Daan (giving away of the bride) is the highest gift that you can offer to the Lord in the Hindu religion. This takes place next as the priest recalls the names of the bride and groom's ancestors. The bride's father offers the hands of his daughter to the groom as he asks for assurance from the groom that he will be able to take care of his daughter.

The right hand of the bride is placed in the right hand of the groom as the priest prays for stability and longevity in their married life. The Hasta Melap (joining of the bride and groom) signifies that the couple is united and will live as though they are one body, mind and soul.

The Agni (sacred fire) is the witness in all Hindu weddings. The brother of the bride helps the couple make offerings of puffed rice and ghee to Agni. The couple then circles the fire while friends of the bride and groom stand by.

The Sapta Padi (seven steps) is one of the most important rituals in the Hindu wedding ceremony because it symbolizes the meaning of marriage and life as a couple. The first step for prosperity, the second for strength, the third for wealth, the fourth for happiness, the fifth for children, the sixth for longevity, and the seventh for companionship.

Ashirvad (blessings) is the final step of the wedding ceremony where the priest gives his formal blessing to the newlyweds and asks them to follow the path of Dharma as well as the remaining three ancient principles of marriage. The couple agrees and then receives the blessings of their elders.