Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Hindu Wedding Rituals and Traditions


Wedding is one of the most important phases of a person’s life. It brings about a whole new revolution. The most customary of all is a Hindu wedding, which comprises of a long list of rituals and traditions that range from one day to multi-day events. Although the rituals vary widely from state-to-state and caste-to-caste, there are a few basic customs that are common in every Hindu wedding, which include Ganesh Puja, Kanyadaan, Hast Melap, Mangalsutra Bandhan and Saat Phere. If you are to marry in the near future, it is important that you understand these rituals beforehand to know how significant they are. But, if you are already married, you may already have undergone each of these rituals. However, for attaining success in your marital relationship and maintaining peace, harmony and love throughout, you can opt for getting an Uma Maheshwari / Swayamvara Parvati Puja done by professional MakeMyPuja Pandits that will help in obtaining divine blessings of the deities for the success of your marital relationship.


Ganesh Puja – Worshipping Lord Ganesha
As every auspicious work begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha, so does the wedding ceremony. This is because Lord Ganesha is believed to be the remover of all obstacles. He is thus worshipped to help in beginning the auspicious ceremony of having the bride and groom married to each other without any hindrance.

Kanyadaan – Giving away the bride
This ritual is considered the most pious and dignified of all, where the father of the daughter gives away the bride to the groom and his family forever. The father takes the hand of his daughter and places it into the groom’s hand while the Pandit recites the required Mantras, which marks the beginning of the ceremony of ‘Kanyadaan’ or giving away the bride. The groom promises the bride’s father that he will never fail his daughter in his pursuit of law, wealth and love.

Hast Melap – Holding the hand
This is the ritual where the bride and groom hold each other’s hand as a symbol of marital union. Their hands are tied together with a sacred thread called ‘Sutrabandhanam’. The groom accepts his responsibility to the deities while the Pandit recites the required Mantras.

Mangalsutra Bandhan – Tying the Mangalsutra
The most important jewellery for a married woman – the Mangalsutra – is tied to the bride’s neck by the groom in holy matrimony, signifying the longevity of the husband. This ritual symbolizes love, commitment and good luck.

Saat Phere – The seven promises
This is where the bride and groom promise each other seven vows for their entire life to come. Both bride and groom take seven rounds around the holy fire or Agni, after which they are legally declared husband and wife. The seven vows are as follows –

First step – They will care for and support each other.
Second step – They will grow one in mental, physical and spiritual strength.
Third step – They will share joy and sorrow together.
Fourth step – They will strengthen and maintain all family relationships.
Fifth step – They will be responsible parents to raise children of value.
Sixth step – They will enjoy a balanced and harmonious life together.
Seventh step - They will always lead a life of love, friendship and mutual trust.




No comments:

Post a Comment