A Hindu wedding, also known as Vivaha (Devanagari: विवाह; Vivaaha), Marathi: Lagna (लग्न), Bengali: Bibaho (বিবাহ), Kalyanam (Devanagari: कल्याणम्; Telugu: కళ్యాణం), Kannada script: ಮದುವೆ (Maduve), Tamil: திருமணம் (Tirumanam), or Pelli (Telugu: పెళ్లి), is a traditional wedding ceremony for Hindus. These ceremonies are vibrant and colorful, often extending over several days with a large number of guests attending the functions. The homes of the bride and groom—entrance, doors, walls, floors, and roof—are often adorned with colors, flowers, and other decorations.
Origin and Significance
The word Vivaha originated as a sacred union of two people according to Vedic traditions, akin to what many call marriage, but rooted in cosmic laws and ancient practices. In Vedic Hindu traditions, marriage is considered one of the saṃskāras performed during a human’s life, representing a lifelong commitment between one wife and one husband. In India, marriage is viewed as a cosmic design and is considered a “sacred oneness witnessed by fire itself.” Traditionally, Hindu families have been patrilocal.
Historical Background
The Arya Samaj movement popularized the term Vedic wedding among Hindu expatriates in the north during the colonial era, though it was already prevalent in southern India. The roots of this tradition can be found in hymn 10.85 of the Rigveda Shakala Samhita, known as the “Rigvedic wedding hymn.”
Rituals and Processes
The rituals and processes of a Hindu wedding vary widely by region and community. However, at its core, the Hindu wedding ceremony is essentially a Vedic yajna ritual, with three key rituals that are almost universal:
- Kanyadana: The giving away of the daughter by the father.
- Panigrahana: Voluntarily holding hands near the fire to signify union.
- Saptapadi: Taking seven steps before the fire, with each step representing a complete circuit around the fire, making promises to each other.
The primary witness of a Hindu marriage is the fire-deity Agni, in the presence of family and friends. The ceremony is traditionally conducted entirely or at least partially in Sanskrit, considered the language of holy ceremonies by Hindus. The local language of the bride and groom may also be used.
Key Rituals Explained
Kanyadana
In this key ritual, the father gives away his daughter to the groom. If the father is deceased, a guardian of the bride’s choice performs the ritual. The father places the bride’s hand in the groom’s hand, marking the beginning of the ceremony of giving away the bride. The groom accepts the bride’s hand while the Kama-Sukta hymn is recited.
Panigrahana
After Kanyadana, the ritual of Panigrahana is performed, where the groom holds the bride’s hand as a symbol of their union. The groom acknowledges responsibility to four deities: Bhaga (wealth), Aryama (heavens), Savita (radiance), and Purandhi (wisdom). The groom faces west, and the bride sits in front of him facing east, holding hands while a Rigvedic mantra is recited.
Saptapadi
Saptapadi is the most crucial ritual. The couple takes seven steps around the Holy Fire, making vows to each other. Each circuit is led alternately by the bride and groom, symbolizing their shared journey and responsibilities. After completing the seven steps, they are considered husband and wife.
Pre-Wedding and Post-Wedding Ceremonies
Pre-wedding ceremonies vary by region, preference, and resources. They can include engagements, arrival of the groom’s party (Varyatra), and other rituals like Abhisheka, Anna Prashashana, Aashirvadah, and Grihapravesa (welcoming the bride to her new home).
Legal and Cultural Significance
In India, by law and tradition, no Hindu marriage is binding or complete unless the ritual of Saptapadi in the presence of fire is completed. This requirement is under debate, given that several Hindu communities do not observe these rites.
Marriage as a Social and Spiritual Union
According to the Vedas, marriage is a union between a masculine and feminine entity with commitments to pursue Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation) together. It is seen as a celebration of sensual pleasure, progress, prosperity, and joy, and an elevation to the next level of one’s Karmic experience. Society recognizes this and implements quality controls as it influences social and cultural growth. The Manusmriti outlines eight types of marriages, not all of which are approved by scriptures.
Conclusion
A Hindu wedding is a rich and meaningful ceremony with deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is a vibrant celebration involving numerous rituals and traditions that unite two individuals and their families, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The ceremony emphasizes lifelong commitment, unity, and the pursuit of spiritual and worldly goals together.
