Vivah is one of the 16 sacraments of Hindu life. It is meant to unite two persons so firmly that, although they retain two separate bodies, they become one in spirit. Vivah is the sacred, spiritual partnership between two individuals in mind, body, spirit, and soul.
The ceremony takes place in the Mandap, a wedding pavilion (canopy built to represent the universe). Each of the five elements – fire, water, air, earth, and space – are represented within the Mandap. Agni (the Holy fire) exists as a divine witness to this sacred union and symbolizes the illumination of knowledge and happiness. Agni’s smoke, coupled with the recitation of Mantras (hymns), is believed to convey the message to God for a blessing of the spiritual union.
Varaagaman – The Groom’s Arrival
The groom arrives for the wedding with his family and friends and they are greeted by the bride’s family. The bride’s parents welcome and lead the groom to the Mandap.
Ganesh Pooja – Worshipping Lord Ganesh
The wedding ceremony begins by offering a prayer to Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesh is worshipped, so he will remove all obstacles and bless the couple.
Raksha Bandhanam
Mantras are chanted by the priest to protect the bride and groom against any evil spirits during the ceremony. A yellow thread (Raksha) is tied to the wrists of the bride and the groom to offer them protection.
Tera -Divider
A cloth Screen is held before the groom as bride makes her entrance. This symbolizes the separate lives of the bride and groom and reminds them to avoid ideological differences with their union.
Kanya Aagaman – The Bride’s Arrival
The bride arrives with her sister and bridesmaids to the site of the ceremony and is escorted by her maternal uncle. The bride’s parents receive the bride, who arrives with a purnakumbha ( a coconut decorated with pasupu – yellow tumeric and kumkum ) and will be seated between her parents in front of the bridegroom. The couple is separated by the screen, which is lowered when the Priest invokes prayer for the couple
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Kanya Daanam – Giving away the Bride
The parents of the bride place her hand in the bridegroom’s in marriage, thereby placing the care of their cherished daughter in his hands. The groom takes the hand of the bride as his equal partner.
Sumuhurtham –Auspicious time
At the exact auspicious moment, a paste made from cumin seed and brown sugar is placed by the bride and the groom on each other’s head, with the cloth screen still in place. Following this, the screen is removed, and they look at each other. The couple is now married. The paste is believed to signify a harmonious mental union.
Garland Exchange
The bride and groom proclaim their mutual, love, respect, and acceptance of each other by bestowing a garland of fresh flowers on each other. The sweet scent of fresh flowers symbolizes happiness of married life.
Maangalya Dharanam – Tying of the Sacred Thread & Rings Exchange
A gold pendant ( Mangala sutra) strung on a sacred thread is tied around the neck of the bride with three knots in Maangalyadharana. This symbolizes their marriage and the three knots represent the Trimurthis, or the Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara). Lastly, the couple exchange wedding rings.
Talambraalu – Showering of yellow rice
The bride and the groom joyously shower each other with turmeric mixed rice with pearls and corals to ensure long life, prosperity, and happiness.
Brahma Mudi
The ends of the saree pallu of the bride and the uttariya of the groom are tied together, signifying the union of their souls in the presence of elders
Agnihotra, Paani Grahan, Pradakshinaa – Circling of the Holy Fire
Priest kindles the sacramental fire and the couple circles around the holy fire. Circling around fire symbolizes the four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.
• Dharma – Religion and Ethics
• Artha – Wealth and Prosperity
• Kama – Love, Fertility and Family
• Moksha – Spiritual Liberation and Salvation.
Saptapadi – Seven Steps (Wedding Vows)
The bride and groom holding hands walk around the holy fire seven times making a promise to each other after each step:
1. Together , we shall nourish each other, avoid what is harmful to healthy living, and cherish each other in sickness and in health.
2. Together, we shall develop physical, mental, and spiritual powers to attain peace, happiness, and spirituality.
3. Together, we shall aim to increase our wealth by righteous means, prosper and share worldly goods, and conquer all obstacles that we may encounter.
4. Together , we shall acquire knowledge, courage, strength, happiness, and live in harmony with mutual love and respect.
5. Together, we shall be blessed with strong and virtuous children and share responsibilities of home and children.
6. Together, we shall always be true to each other, work together forprosperity and happiness, and cherish this world.
7. Together, we shall strive for longevity and remain life-long partners forever.
Arundhati Darshanam
The priest points out in the sky to the bride and the groom the seven stars representing seven Rishis and the star Arundhathi. The couple prays to obtain their blessings.
Ashirvad (Prayer and Blessings)
Once the wedding rituals have been completed, the couple takes blessing from the Priest and their parents.