About Hindu Weddings

Beauty, pageantry and deep religious overtones fill Hindu weddings. The vows and commitment to life together as equals traveling on life's journey together are taken quite seriously. The lavish ceremonies also expand upon the incredible joy shared by all at these events. Whether you are planning a Hindu wedding or are just curious about this deeply revered ceremony, read on to find out more about this tradition.

History

Marriage is strongly viewed as a sacrament in Indian culture (Sanskara). The Hindu wedding ceremony and the symbolism surrounding it are believed to have originated in Vedic times.
A traditional Vedic/Hindu wedding ceremony include thirteen steps. Each step is symbolic of various acts. These include acceptance of the bridegroom by the bride's family, purity, acceptance of the bride by the groom, including vows and counsel by the bride's mother, plus legalization of the marriage. The marriage knot, in which the groom's scarf is tied to the bride's dress (actually a scarf laid over her dress) is a very meaningful step that represents good health, strength, honest gain, happiness, fruitfulness, lifelong mutual respect and a promise to strive to live a long life. Other steps include meditation, food offerings (to one another) and a blessing bestowed on the bride and groom.

Types

Under the laws of the Manava Dharma Shastra, Hindus can take part in one of eight types of marriage:
Brahma--A well-respected man is extended an invitation by a young woman's father, then she is presented to him in marriage after the groom bestows numerous jewels and expensive garments upon her.
Daiva--After being decked with ornamentation, the bride is received by the priest who administers the service while a sacrifice is made.
Arsha--Upon receiving a cow and bull from a man, the father gives his daughter in marriage.
Prajapatya--The father of the bride blesses the prospective bride and groom with a words that encourage them to perform their duties in life together then gives her hand in marriage.
Demons--Of his own accord, a man bestows great wealth to relatives and to the bride so he may receive her hand in marriage.
Rite of Gandharva--Through mutual attraction, a union is consummated for the sole purpose of making it a legally binding marriage.
Rite of Takshasa--The abduction of an unwilling bride, which usually includes killing her family.
Rite of Pisaka--This is the unseemly practice of seducing a woman who is either asleep or intoxicated or, worse yet, mentally handicapped.

Function

The most common type of Hindu wedding ceremony consists of the following phases:
Ganesh Pooja--Takes place when the priest prays that the wedding ceremony will run smoothly and all hindrances removed.
Swagat--In which the bride's family welcomes the wedding party.
Tilak--In which the bride's family shows their acceptance of the groom by placing a red power dot on his forehead to honor him.
Jayamala--Where the bride and groom welcome one another by placing garlands of fresh flowers over each other under the Mandap (sacred tent).
Madurparka--A member of the bride's family washes the hands and feet of the groom--a rare honor.
Kanyadaan--Takes place when the bride's parents give her away.
Hast Milap--Is the point in the ceremony when the bride's family joins the couple's hands in honor of their commitment to one another. Interestingly, at this time the groom promises to respect and honor his bride for eternity.
Mangal Fera--The couple pray to Agni while, hands joined, they throw rice, ghee and flowers into the flame, then walk around it four times.

Significance

After going through the rituals indicated above, the bride and groom take part in the ritual of the marriage knot. This is a very significant part of the wedding in which they make their lasting commitment to one another through a series of seven steps.
The first step is a promise to keep a pure household that includes the ritual of eating only clean foods.
The second step involves a vow to develop mental, physical and spiritual prowess.
The third step is a commitment to obtain wealth by honest means.
The fourth step includes the quest for knowledge, happiness and respect.
The fifth step is a prayer for intelligent and pure children.
The sixth step is a hope for a long life.
The seventh and final step is a vow to stay together for a lifetime.

Considerations

For all the pageantry and seemingly endless rituals, the Hindu wedding ceremony is one of the most beautiful in the world. Very few religious ceremonies place such a high level of commitment by the groom to respect and honor his bride. The ultimate goal of a Hindu wedding is to insure a life of peaceful cohabitation that will leave a positive footprint on the world around the blessed couple.