Hindu wedding in India means lot of rituals and customs to be followed. And these wedding rituals and customs have been truthfully observed for the last many centuries by Hundus in India. Hindu wedding rituals include number of materials, which symbolize cultural and religious significance. Everything has a meaning behind its use in wedding. Here are some important rituals observed and religious stuff used in a Hindu wedding.

Varmala

Though Varmala did not find place in Vedic wedding rituals, it has become a part and parcel today in Hindu marriages. The traditional meaning of Varmala (bride and groom put garland around each other’s neck) is a proposal by the bride and then the acceptance of the same. Pundits believe that the ritual has been originated from the Swayamvara practice prevalent in Middle Ages and the ideal example of this is the famous couple – Prithvi Raj Chauhan and Sanyukta.

Kanyadan

Most commonly, the term Kanyadan is used to describe the most highly valued form of Hindu marriage. More specifically, Kanyadan is a Hindu wedding ritual and it means Gift of Virgin or Gift of Maiden. According to contemporary, traditional Hindu belief, giving their virgin daughter to the husband’s family not only increases and ensures the parents’ prestige, but it is also believed to purify them of sin.

Saat Phere

Wedding ritual comes in the most important phase with Saptapadi or Saat Phere. These are seven vows taken in front of Holy Fire (Agni Devta). These vows taken in front of Agni are considered unbreakable. This ritual consists of circumambulation around fire for seven times and with each round bride and groom recites vows.

What are the vows?

During the first round, bride and groom prays to the Gods for the plenty of pure and healthful food and a life that is noble and respectful. In second round, the couple pleads for physical and mental strength and to lead a healthy and peaceful life. Fulfilment of spiritual obligations is the key of the third phera. Couple invokes the Gods to bless them with spiritual power. The fourth phera denotes achievement of joy and harmony through mutual love and trust and a long happy life together. In the fifth phera, bride and groom wishes welfare of all living creatures in the universe and for begetting noble children. During the sixth phera, couples pray for abundance of crops all over the world. With the last phera they pray for a life of understanding, loyalty, unity and companionship not only for themselves but also for the peace of the Universe.

After exchanging these vows of love, duty, respect and fidelity the couple agree to be life-partners forever.

Mangalsutra

A married Hindu woman is recognized by five symbols – Mangalsutra, Toe Rings, Kumkum, Bangles and a Nose Ring – and Mangalsutra is the most important for any married woman because it remains around her neck until the death of her husband. The word Mangalsutra means an auspicious thread or cord. It is made of black beads and gold; the black beads of Mangalsutra are supposed to protect the marriage from evil eyes.

According to Hindu scriptures, Mangalsutra plays a major role in Hindu woman’s life. She is considered married once her husband puts this sacred thread around her neck. This tradition runs through generations after generations; but these days, the trend has been changed. Earlier, women prefer long thread, and now they prefer short one.

Significance of a Betel Leaf

A leaf gives leverage to the life of bride and groom.  Betel leaf is given a great deal of importance in Hindu wedding. The leaf signifies freshness and prosperity. Also known as Tambool, the betel leaf marks the beginning of all auspicious events. In Hindu tradition, marriages are confirmed by exchanging betel leaves. Even while invitations are sent to relatives, betel leaves play an important role. Betel also signifies three main Hindu Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Areca is Brahma, Betel is Vishnu and Lime is Shiva.

Marriage procession led by groom is given a warm reception with betel leaves and then every ritual is performed with betel leaves.

Thus Hindu weddings are accomplished with many rituals and pious materials.

Jayesh