Indian Marriage Traditions Page
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O Lord Ganesh, the One who passes the brilliance of Thousands of Suns, remove all obstacles, bless the successful completion the auspicious ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony Stages are.......
* Ganesh & Gowri Puja
* Kanyadanam
* Sumuhurtham
* Mangalasutradharana
* Thalambralu
* Exchange of Garlands
* Homam
* Agnipradakshina
* Saptapadi
* Arundhati Nakshatra Darshanam
* Ashirvadam
* Mangalarathi
 
Vivaha
The traditional Hindu Wedding customs, Vivaha, date back over 3500 Years ago. Each ceremony, each occasion, and each ritual has deep philosophical meaning and purpose. The Vivaha is performed in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language. There are four stages in life:
• Brahmacharya
• Grihastha
• Vanaprastha
• Sanyasi
Vivaha marks the beginning of the second one, Grihastha or House Holder. Hindus believe this to be the most crucial stage in the development of human beings. The wedding takes place in the kalyana mandapam or wedding pavilion and around the homam (Agni or Fire)
Wedding Ceremony Stages
While the rituals embodied in the Hindu Marriage ceremony can vary with customs of different regions of India, the key elements remain the same. The following are different stages of the ceremony followed in South India
* Ganesh & Gowri Puja
* Kanyadanam
* Sumuhurtham
* Mangalasutradharana
* Thalambralu
* Exchange of Garlands
* Homam
* Agnipradakshina
* Saptapadi
* Arundhati Nakshatra Darshanam
* Ashirvadam
* Mangalarathi
 
Ganesh & Gowri Puja

O Lord Ganesh, the One who passes the brilliance of Thousands of Suns, remove all obstacles, bless the successful completion the auspicious ceremony.

In Hindu Tradition every auspicious ceremony starts with taking blessings from Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha removes all the obstacles and shower with wisdom and knowledge.

The Groom performs this Puja in the Kalyana Mandapam. At the same time, the bride performs Gowri Puja in her private chamber. She prays to Goddess Gowri for eternal married bliss and a long successful married life.
Kanyadanam
Kanyadanam (Kanya means Bride and Danam means gift) is the giving away of the bride Escorted by her maternal Uncle, the bride enters the Kalyana Mandapam and is concealed from the groom behind a curtain, At this time the bride’s parents give her away with the blessings of their ancestors, They request that the groom care for their daughter as they did and lead the path of love, devotion, sincerity, honesty, respect and show affection to each other’s family. It is noted in the Hindu scriptures that there is no gift greater than Kanyadanam.
Sumuhurtham
Sumuhurtham is commonly known, as Subha Muhurtham is the auspicious time for the marriage decided by the priest. The priest proclaims that the Gods, Heaven and Earth are all in unity to bless the couple at this auspicious time. The bride and groom place cumin seeds and jaggery others heads to unite and share the world bittersweet experiences in life. Then the Curtin is removed and the bride and groom see each other for the first time in their wedding day,
Mangalasutradharana
The groom ties the knot three times with mangalsutra (Gold pendants) around the bride’s neck. The knots represent the Three Supreme Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Thalambralu
The bride and groom shower yellow rice on each other’s head as a symbol of health and prosperity
Exchange of Garlands
The couple now exchange flower garlands as husband and wife symbolizing their pure and sweet unity with nature’s blessing.
Homam
The couple moves from the Kalyana Mandapam to the Homam (Agni or Fire) to perform Agnipradakshina
Agnipradakshina
Keeping the Agni or sacred fire as the principal witness, bride and groom will encircle the fire three times and make a promise to God to follow in the oath of Dharmecha, Arthecha and Kamecha which means they will consult each other in their duties, agree to understand one another and always work together forgiving each other’s mistakes. Their scarves are tied together symbolizing an indivisible union of heart, body and mind.
Saptapadi
The bride and groom take seven steps symbolizing a vow for each step towards one another.
1. Together we will share the responsibilities of home and children
2. Together we will develop mental, physical and spiritual strength
3. Together we will prosper and share our worldly goods
4. Together we will fill over hearts with great joy, peace and happiness
5. Together we will raise strong and virtuous children
6. Together we will remain faithful, lifelong partners.
7. Together we will cherish each other and our families in sorrow and happiness.
Arundhati Nakshatra Darshanam
The priest directs the newlywed couple to look toward the star or Arundhati, wishing the couple a successful union.
Ashirvadam
At this time, the priest, family and friends approach the newly weds and sprinkle rice on them representing blessing for a happy life together.
Mangalaharathi
Auspicious prayer performed by the bride’s sisters to the newly weds.
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