ANCIENT DIVINE MARRIAGES INTRODUCTION Similar to the marriages of human beings, marriages of the immortals also takes place before few thousand years. Among the marriages of the deities, marriage function of Lord Sundareswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, and Mata Meenakshi, a form of Ma Parvati, is considered as theRead More →
Contents Introduction Hindu Sanskaras Vivaha in Smrutigrantha Marriage Rituals References Introduction Indian society strongly believes in the institution of marriage and lifetime commitment. Most Indian marriage forms are based on the ancient philosophies of Vedas and Upanishads. The symbolic union of two persons in holy matrimony has remained virtually unblemishedRead More →
Contents Invitations Invitations The Gifts received by the married couple, on their marriage, are opened on or a few days after the Chowthari day. All the close members of the family are invited on this occasion and the gifts are opened and displayed in front of them. The gifts offeredRead More →
Contents · The Ritual · The Mantra The Ritual Also known as Abhimantrana, the Hridaya Sparsa or Touching the Heart rite is performed by both the bride and the bridegroom. It is performed by the husband first, by placing his right hand on the right shoulder of the bride. ThisRead More →
Contents Dharma Sutras in Scriptures Dharma Sutras in Scriptures The Dharma Sutras and the Grihya Sutras are considered to be two very important sources of knowledge in Hinduism. While the Grihya Sutras describe the duties of the householder and the domestic rites, the Dharma Sutras describe the rules and regulationRead More →
Contents · Why Rites are Important? · Various Crucial Stages Why Rites are Important? All the major religions and civilizations have a certain number of traditional rites associated with them. These rites signify the transitions into a new phase of life, as is elaborated in the different Ashrams of life.Read More →
Contents Differences between the Aryan and the European marriage The Early Third Race of Men The Secret of Conjugal Compatibility References Differences between the Aryan and the European marriage What distinguishes the Hindu or Aryan civilization from the European is a thorough recognition, given by the former,to the three planesRead More →
Tamil Nadu is a southeastern state of India, situated on the Bay of Bengal. It is specifically famous for its natural beauty. Apart from the backwaters, coffee plantations and luscious South Indian delicacies, the state is also known for its rich tradition and culture which dates back to the eraRead More →
Marriage is considered the most auspicious and noble amongst all Hindu occasions. According to the Hindu scripture Vedas, marriage is a sacred knot between two souls and an initiation into lifelong togetherness. Marriage is thus considered strongest of all social bonds. India is a land of diversity. Hence, marriage ritualsRead More →
After the navagrahas (nine planets) exercise, Snataka ceremony in the Hindu marriage is performed. The would-be bridegroom performs the Snataka ceremony, which marks the close of his studies under a guru with rigid Brahmacharya. A number of Brahmans are fed, and they wish him good. He then stands forth, andRead More →
Introduction After the completion of Ganesh Puja on the wedding day, several other Gods are worshipped. These Gods are known as Nandi Devatas. Who are Nandi Devatas? The Nandi Devatas are the holy Pitris, who live in the lokas of Bhuvash and Suvah. They are the builders of the subtleRead More →
Introduction KasiYatra ritual in a Hindu marriage traditionally comes after Snataka ceremonywhich is performed by the bridegroom giving due respect to his guru. The Snataka makes up his mind to complete his education by travel, and sets out for holy Kasi or Benares. Background and Tradition On the way heRead More →
Introduction Saptapadi ritual in a Hindu marriage comes afterKankanaBandhana. Taking the bride’s hand to lead her to the Saptapadi ceremony, the bridegroom says, “Thy hand do I take to get good progeny! Mayest thou live with me, thy protector, till thou gettest old and feeble! Bhaga, Aryama, Savita, (names ofRead More →
Meaning Kankanabandhana in Hindu marriage comes after Kanyadana, the Bridegroom’s promise to marry and accept the bride as his wife. The Kankanabandhana ceremony is of great significance, for from this time forth until the samavesana (sexual union) ceremony is performed, the bride and the bridegroom can suffer from no pollution,Read More →
The preliminary part of the marriage ceremonies consists of the Vagdanam (Betrothal) or oral giving away of the bride to the bridegroom. In early times, the selection of the bride and the bridegroom was mutual either for love or other considerations, and in the majority of cases love formed theRead More →
Why is it performed? A few days before the wedding as per SanatanDharma, the ceremony of Mridaharana(bringing some earth or clay) ceremony is performed. The origin of this ceremony is popular though it does not find mention in the ancient scriptures of the Hindus. How is it performed? This ceremony is foundRead More →
Introduction Kanyadanaceremony in a Hindu wedding comes after the Sankalpaceremony. Kanyadana ceremony is a highly complex one, and rightly it is so; for marriage makes or mars a life. The bride’s parents, glad in their hearts, that they have secured a Vedavit for their daughter, treat him with due respect.Read More →
Significance of the Puja The performance of the GanapatiPuja is essential at the commencement of every important undertaking. A traditional Hindu marriage cannot take off without performing a GaneshPujaby the bride’s parents. Through this Puja, unwanted obstacles and inauspicious elements are disposed off before tyingthe lifetime knot. Who is Ganapati? He is theRead More →
Precondition to Marriage Ancient marriages gaverelative importance to days and hemispheres while fixing a marriage day. After the betrothal an auspicious day was fixed for the wedding ceremonies. Astrological considerations did not seem to play an important part in ancient times. As the union of the bride and the bridegroomRead More →
Popular rites in Indian Scriptures Indian rituals are one of the most ancient rituals, running down the contemporary era as crucial customs and practices. Many of these rituals are therefore not properly documented. During the earlier period,the scriptures were anxious to record only Vedic rituals and did not givea properRead More →