Wedding Significance

TAMIL IYENGAR MARRIAGE (Compiled by Shri.Deevalur N.V.Srinivasachariyar M.A, M.Phil) MARRIAGE - Grahastashrma Dharma: The vedas describes the marriage as Grahasthasramam. Rushis (Saints) , who are Avtaras (incarnation ) of God formulated the vedic ceremonies for the marriage. The core ceremony of the Vedic marriage is a prayerful ritual seeking the blessings of the Lord. In this marriage ceremony, Agni, Varunan, Soman and all important Devtas are invoked to be present while the vows taken by the couple and to shower their blessings on them. Nitchayadhartham: It is a commitment to the forthcoming marriage. "All aspects like family background, compatibility, etc. being fine, then the "Lagnapathrika" is preapred infront of elders of both family, detailing date, time and venue of the marriage signed and exchanged with vedic chanting. Vradham to B.G (Bride Groom): The proposed B.G should come out of Brahmacharya Vradham to accept the Gruhasta Ashram with a Bride. Salutations to the four (Prajapathya', `Sowmya', `Aagneya' & `Vaisvadeva') Khaanda rushis will be done in the form of Homam with respective vedha mantras. Jaadhakarma to B (Bride): The basic samskaras like Jaadhakarma, Namakaranam, Annaprasanam and Chowlam (if boy) or Chooda karma (if Girl) is mandatory to become brahmin as per shastrs. These karmas have been done at Upanayanam for a boy, but these are being done on the day of marriage for a Girl. Kasi Yatra : As per shastram, after coming out Brahmacharya, the brahmachary has to decide about his taking up next stage in life viz. Grahastha, Vanaprastha or Sanyasa. For this he visits ‘Punyasthalams’ to understand about them. During his journey from south to north (called Kasi Yatra), by nature he carries things like chappel, umbrella, Visiri, some spiritual books, a food pocket and a stick in the hand to protect from animals . Once he decides to get in to the "Grahastha Ashramam' he sends few Brahmins to the bride's father to state about him. Sastram stresses "Kulam, Seelam, Sareeram, Vayadhu, Vidhyai, Dhanam, Pandhukkal are the only seven things scrutinized while selecting a BG. A Swing of Joy and Garlends : The exchange of garlands, a non vedic ritual, is emanated from the `Kalyana Uthsavam' of Lord Vishnu. All this is done only to ease the tension and bring the two different groups closer. After the exchange of garlands the bride and the groom sit on the Oonjal. Oonjal is a symbol of joyful moments. A minimum of five ladies carry water & go round the

oonjal to clear the surroundings and light lamps to invoke the Goddess SHRI there. Rice balls are thrown in all directions to eliminate negative vibrations. By rounding with the lighted lamps `positive vibrations' occupies to the entire area Kanyakaa Dhaanam : Kanya means a girl for wedding and Dhaanam - offering. The prospective father-in-law seats the bridegroom facing the east and washes his feet considering him as Lord Vishnu Himself. All honours are given and offered madhuparka (a mixture of yogurt, honey and ghee). “With a desire to attain Brahmaloka, (the world of celestials) I give this girl adorned with golden ornaments, unto you, who is Lord Vishnu himself”. With all the Gods who support this world as present here, I give this girl to you. Having received the bride as a gift, the bridegroom prays to various Gods seeking their grace. In the following ritual, the BG prays to devtas Varuna, Bruhaspati, Indra and Surya to nullify all (doshas) defects and make the bride fit for a harmonious long married life blessed with progeny and happiness and offers her a new silk saree. Nadaswaram (Mangala Vadhyam) is played to avoid negative vibrations. The evil devatas dislikes the Vadhyams and bell sounds. Thus, positive vibrations with happy thoughts are created for a divine atmosphere during the wedding day. Maangalya Dhaaranam : The BG fastens the first knot of Mangalyam around bride’s neck and his sister completes other two knots. Though it is a familiar event, it is not at all described in the prayoga shastra, hence it is a latest insertion. Paanigrahanam - Adding the bride to himself as a treasure. Holding all the five (right hand) fingers of the bride with his right hand and recites mantras in praise of Bhaga, Aryama, Savita, Indra , Agni, Surya, Vayu and Saraswati for blessing this girl as his wife. He prays for long life, progeny, prosperity and harmony with the bride during their married life. As per Shastras, this moment is considered most significant than the Maangalya Dhaaranam. Sapthapadhi - The Seven Steps During this ritual, the groom walks with the bride to the north side of the sacred fire. All along, he holds his wife's right hand as was held during the paanigrahanam ceremony. He bends down and holds the right toe of of her, with his right hand to helps her move seven steps. He recites at each step that; May Lord Vishnu follow us to give us with 1. Plenty of food, 2.strength, 3.Things to do yagnyams. 4.happiness, 5.cattle and wealth, 6.make all the six seasons favourable to us, 7.help us perform all vedic sacrifices. Next mantram describes well about how the couple are blended with (made for) each other. Note:- Here very few points of significance only indicated. Lot more to describe.