Marriage ceremony as per Vedic rites binds the Bride and Bridegroom in marital bond of love and respect for each other and also lay down a code of conduct towards their family and the society.Every phase of the ceremony has its own symbolic meaning & spiritual significance.
The Ceremonial Procedure:
The auspicious Marriage Ceremony begins with the Bride and Bridegroom exchanging garlands symbolizing their acceptance of each other as their life partner. After welcoming the Bridegroom the Bride requests him to be seated. She offers him water to sprinkle on his feet and face to refresh him. She then offers water to him to drink.
Madhuparaka Ritual:
The Bride offers the Madhuparka {A combination of honey, ghee & curd} to the Bridegroom . Before taking a part of this madhuparka, the Bridegroom sprinkles it in all directions, expressing his hospitality to the all guests participating the ceremony. It also expresses the determination of the Bride to turn any sourness in their relationship into sweetness.
Kanya Pratigrahan/Kanya Daan:
Kanya Daan is an emotional moment when the Bride is given away in marriage to the Bridegroom by her parents. The groom avers that he is happily accepting her hand.
The formal pledge:
The Bride and the Groom addresses the guests witnessing the ceremony that their hearts will always be united just as water from two separate tapes or glasses when poured in one bowl becomes one and can not be separated, similarly their hearts will be united and never to be differentiated.
Agnihotra:
Now the time comes for Agnihotra /Havan before the Panigrahan Sansakar. Havan is performed by chanting Holy Ved Mantras ,oblations are made to fire and prayers to The Almighty God to bless the couple.
Panigrahan Sanskar:
The Bridegroom holds the Brides right hand for trust, co-operation and promises to keep her happy by giving her marital status of a wife in his life.
The Bride and Groom go round the fire once and stand in their respective places. The Groom chants a mantra defining their relationship in a poetic language.
Shilarohan:
The Bride places her right foot on piece of rocky stone , symbolizes for steadfastness events may occur in married life.
Laja Home:
The Bride offers puffed rise (Laja) as oblation to fire with special prayers for the longevity and well being of the Groom. It is followed by three parikrama round the fire in which the Bride holds the Groom”s right hand. In the fourth round the Groom holds the Brides hand and perform the parikrama, symbolizes taking the Bride to his own house.
Saptapadi:
The seven steps taken together by Bride and the Groom symbolizes the seven vows taken by them to make their marriage sanctified and success.
Ist. Step is for ISHA---It is for the fulfillment of the material needs of the family and for Prosperity.
2nd. Step is for URJA---It is for the development of physical, mental and spiritual strength.
3rd step is for RAYASPOSHA---To acquire wealth by pure and righteous means and to spend it wisely .
4th.step is MAYOBHAV---To develop harmonious relationship and be happy.
5th. Step is PRAJA---(progeny)To excel in raising strong & virtuous children.
6th. Step is for RITU---For togetherness in all times and compatibility.
7th. Step is for SAKHA---means friendship-to be dependable and faithful to each other and life long companionship.
After taking the seven steps the Bride and Groom go round the fire together and water is Sprinkled on couple”s head by Grooms mother.
Suryadarshan:
Prayers to SUN , symbolizes to get energy from the Sun.
Hirdaya Sparsh:
Bride and Groom placing their right hand on each others hearts avowing to be loyal to each other.
Sindoor Daan:
Sindoor (vermillion powder) is applied by the Groom in the parting line of Brides hair to signify their sanctified marital relationship, and feed sweets to each other symbolizing their sweet relationship.
Dhruva Darshan:
For strong, steady relationship and togetherness.
Blessings to newly wedded couple:
Showering the flower petals on the newly wedded couple by the Priest, family members and the guests for their happy, healthy and prosperous life.