HINDU MARRIAGE CEREMONY

 ivavaah sa\sk[ar M

VIVAAHA SANSKAARA

HINDU MARRIAGE CEREMONY

‘Sanskaara’ is translated as certain prescribed religious and purificatory rites and ceremonies for sanctifying the body, mind and intellect of an individual so that he/she becomes a fully integrated member of the community.

The Griha Sutras define the Marriage Ceremony as ‘that procedure of rites and performances in which the man and woman, having completed the perfect disciplines of continence, having acquired proficiency in the field of education, being in good health, having been found suited for each other in matchfulness and compatibility, and of good qualities, acts and nature, and having sentiments of love, join together in a bond of loving relation, to discharge the duties prescribed for householders, and to produce a good progeny.’

The Vivaaha Sanskaara can be performed on any joyous day that is convenient to both parties. However, the more auspicious time is the period referred to as the Uttaraayana, Shukla-paksha, i.e. during the Northern course of the sun and in the bright fortnight.

The traditional Hindu wedding customs were laid out more than 5,000 years ago in ancient India during the Vedic period. Although the roles of the husband and wife have evolved over time, the wedding rituals have basically remained the same. Each ceremony, each custom, each ritual has a deep philosophical meaning and purpose. Together they signify that marriage is a sacred spiritual partnership between two persons, bonded in love, mutual respect and everlasting commitment, and sanctified in the presence of God.

The Marriage Ceremony is performed is Sanskrit (as all other Hindu Rituals and Ceremonies), the most ancient surviving language. The marriage marks the beginning of Grihastha Ashrama or the Householder stage of life, the second and most important of the four stages of life.

Marriage is not a social contract, but a religious institution, a sacrament. Apart from the two parties, there is also a divine aspect in Marriage. It is on this divine aspect that the permanent relationship between husband and wife depends. Ever Hindu Marriage is a union of Lakshmee and Narayana.

The Smritis speak of eight (8) methods whereby a man and a woman are united, namely:-

(1) Brahma: Where the man and woman are both compatible and of good character; and where both parties accept each other voluntarily.

(2) Daiva: Where the marriage is performed after the holding of a Yajna.

(3) Pajapataya: Where both parties, after the performance of a religious function, receive counseling before marriage.

(4) Arsha: Acceptance of each other without taking or giving anything in return.

(5) Asura: Giving the girl away with gifts of wealth.  (Dowry).

(6) Gandharva:Coming together without any ceremony.

(7) Rakshasa: To abduct the girl.

(8) Pishacha:To defile the girl before living together as man and wife. 

The Smritis regard the first 4 types of union as the most honourable. They are free from physical force, carnal appetite, imposition of conditions and greed for wealth. The unions coming under 5-8 are despicable and should be avoided.

vaaga< dana< - VAAG DAAN

THE GIVING OF THE WORD

THE ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY

On this day, the girl’s father, along with male relatives and friends visit the boy’s home. It is the present practice where females also go. The girl’s father takes with him sweetmeat (mithai), fruits, a dry coconut, clothes, money, yellow-coloured rice and a ring. Before leaving for the boy’s home, these items are placed in the girl’s hands and prayers are offered to Sri Ganesha. The Ceremony is a simple one. The boy partakes in the Poojaa, after which, the girl’s father applies chandan on him. He then offers the items he has brought to the boy, these having been consecrated by the Pandit.

hird=a-taEla ABya\ga k[ma* ivaiDa:

Haridraa-Taila Abhyanga Karma Vidhih

THE MATTICORE AND DYE RUBBING CEREMONY

A few days before the wedding, (usually the Friday evening before a Sunday wedding), the Matticore (bringing of dirt), and the Haridraa-Taila Abhyanga Karma are performed at the boy’s and girl’s homes. This ceremony is referred to as Haldwaan. Haldi means turmeric, and Haldwaan is the ceremony in which Turmeric (dye), mixed with oil and water, is applied to the body and limbs of both the bride and the groom at their respective homes. The mother and female relatives and villagers perform the ‘Matticore’ outside of the yard.

The boy/girl sits and does Poojaa before the applying of Haldi. Poojaa is done to Gauri, Ganesha, Prithivee, Kalasha, Lakshmee/Deepa, Nava Grahaa and Agni (Havan). The boy’s/girl’s mother places the dirt brought on the Bedi and Prithivee Poojaa is performed. For Kalasha Poojaa, the Phuwa of the boy/girl fills the Kalasha with water. Yellow rice is knotted in the center of each kangan. The kangan with the pen-knife is tied on the right wrist of the boy or girl. The other six

(6) kangans are tied on the peerha, kalasha, lota, stone, at the top of the bamboo with flower and 5 mango leaves, and at the bottom to secure the banana plant, kusha grass and harisha to the bamboo. After the Poojaa, the bamboo is planted and Haldi applied on the boy or girl. It is customary for unmarried young ladies or small girls to touch the groom or bride with the Haldi, each 5 times – feet, thighs, shoulder and passing it overhead. Afterwards, older married women give the groom or bride a “bath” with the Haldi. Haldi is applied 7 times on the bride and groom before the ceremonial bath and preparing for the marriage ceremony.  

Main ingredients for the Poojaa:

Rice, sugar, dye, sindoor, supaaree, attar, camphor, coins, cotton wool, agarbatti, tulasi, flowers, paan leaves, mango leaves, bahema grass, turmeric (dye) mixed with oil, 7 kangans, small pen-knife, harish (7-step board), long bamboo, kusha grass, banana plant, kalasha, diya, ghee, havan kund, dhoop.

ivavaah sa\sk[ar ivaiDa:

VIVAAHA SANSKAARA VIDHIH

HERE BEGINS THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY

The main parties in the marriage ceremony are:

     VARA:                           The Dulha or Bridegroom.

     KANYAA:                     The Dulhan or Bride.

     KANYAA DAATAA:   The Bride’s Father.

imalaapa - MILAAP

Upon the arrival of the marriage procession (Baraat), both the fathers of the bride and the groom face each other, (East-West), while the Pandit performs “Aachman”, then recites the Swasti Vaachan and other appropriate prayers.

\ Bad=\ k[Nae*iBa: xa&Nauyaama devaa Bad=\ paxyaemaa#aiBaya*ja}aa: M

isTarErX<gaEstauSquvaa\ sastanaUiBavya*xaemaih devaihta\ yadayau: MM

Aae\ xa\ naae ima}a: xa\ vafNa: xa\ naae Bavatvaya*maa M

xa\ na wnd=ae ba&hspaita: xa\ naae ivaSNauffk=[ma:

\e\ svaista na wnd=ae va&wEavaa: svaista na paUSaa ivaxvavaeda: M

svaista nastaa#yaae* AirSqnaeima svaista naae ba&hspaitad*Daatau M

Aae\ paya: pa&iTavyaa\ paya AaeSaDaISau payaae idvyantair#ae payaaeDaa: MpayasvataI: pa=idxa: santau maHyama< MM

\ ivaSNaae rraqmaisa ivaSNaae:xnap}aesTaae ivaSNaae: syaUrisa

ivaSNaaeDa=u*vaae%isa vaESNavamaisa ivaSNavae tvaa MM

\e\ Aignade*vataa vaataae devataa saUyaae* devataa cand=maa devataa

vasavaae devataa fd=a devataa Aaidtyaa devataa maftaae devataa

ivaxvadevaa devataa ba&hspaitade*vataa wnd=ae devataa vafNaae

devataa MM

\e\ VaE: xaaintarntair#a| xaainta: pa&iTavaI xaaintarapa: xaainta

raeSaDaya: xaainta: M vanaspataya: xaaintaiva*xvae devaa:

xaaintaba=*Hma xaainta: sava* | xaainta: xaaintareva xaainta: saa maa

xaaintareiDa MM 

\ ivaxvaaina deva saivatadu*irtaaina para sauva M

yad<Bad=\ tanna Aa sauva MM

\` xaainta: xaainta: xaainta: hir ` MM

Om bhadram karnebhih srinuyaama devaa, bhadram pashye-maakshabhir-yajatrah. Sthirai-rangais-tush tu waam, sastanu bhirvya shemahi deva-hitam yadaayuh.

Om shan no mitrah sham Varunah shan no bhawat varyamaa. Shan na Indro Brihaspatih shan no Vishnur urukramah.

Om swasti na indro vriddha-srawaah, swasti na pooshaa vishwa-vedaah. Swasti nas-taark-shyo arishta-nemih, swasti no brihas-patir dadhaatu.

Om payah prithi-vyaam paya osha-dheeshu, payo

div-yan-tarik-she payo dhaah. Payas-watih pra-dishah santu mahyam.

Om vishno ra-raata-masi vishnohsh nap-trestho, vishnoh syoo-rasi vishnor dhruvo’si vaishna-va-masi vishnave twaa.

Om agnir devataa vaato devataa sooryo devataa chandramaa devataa vasawo devataa rudraa devataa aadityaa devataa maruto devataa vishwe-devaa devataa brihas-patir devataa indro devataa varuno devataa.

Om dyauh shaanti ranta-riksha-gwam shaantih prithivee shaanti raapah shaanti rosha-dhayah shaantih. Vanas-patayah shaantir vishwe devaah shaantir brahma shaantih sarva gwam shaantih shaanti-rewa shaantih saa maa shaanti-redhi. 

Om vishwaani dewa savitar duritaani paraa suwa.

Yad-bhadram tanna aa suwa.

The Bride’s father (Daataa) then formally greets his Samdhee (groom’s father) by embracing him. He gives him a monetary gift.

War paUjaa - DWAAR POOJAA

The girl’s father now formally welcomes the groom. The groom faces East, while the girl’s father faces West. The Pandit leads them in prayers to Sri Ganesha for the success of the marriage.

\ saumauKaxcaEEk[dntaxca k[ipalaae gaja k[Na*k[: M

lambaae drxca ivak[taae ivaGna naaxaae ivanaayak[: MM

DaUma=ke[tauga*NaaDya#aae Baalaca\d=ae gajaanana: M

WadxaEtaaina naamaaina ya: paQecC&Nauyaadipa MM

ivaVarmBae ivavaahe ca pa=vaexae inaga*mae taTaa M

sa\ga=amae sa\k[tae caEva ivaGnastasya na jaayatae MM

\ xauklaambarDar\ deva\ xaixavaNa* \ catauBau*jama< M

pa=sannavadna\ Dyaayaetsava*ivaGnaaepaxaantayae MM

Aae\ xaainta: xaainta: xaainta: hir  Aae\ MM

Om sumu-khash-chai-ka-dantash cha, kapilo gaja karnakah. Lambo darash-cha vikato, vigh-na naasho vinaayakah. Dhoomra ketur ganaa dhyaksho, bhaala chandro gajaa-nanah.

Dwaa-dashai-taani naamaani, yah pathech chhri-nu-yaadapi. Vidyaa-rambhe vivaa-he cha, pra-veshe nirgame tathaa. San-graame sankate chai-va, vigh-nas-tasya na jaayate. Om Shuk-laam bara dharam devam, shashi varnam chatur bhujam. Pra-sanna vadanam dhyaayet, sarva vighno pashaan-ta-ye.

Om shaantih shaantih shaantih. Hari Om.

lalaaq candna - CHANDAN

The Girl’s father puts Chandan on the Vara’s forehead.

Aae\ k[staUrI italak\[ lalaaqpaqlae va#asTalae k[aEstauBama< M

naasaaga=e varmaaEiktak\[ k[rtalae vaeNau: k[re k[X<k[Nama< MM

savaa*X<gae hircandna\ saulailata\ k[NQe mauktaavalaI M

gaaepas}aI paitavaeiSqtaae ivajayatae gaaepaalacaUzamaiNa: MM

Om kastooree tilakam lalaata patale, vakshas thale kaus-tubham. Naasaagre vara-mauk-tikam kara- tale, venuh kare kankanam. Sarvaange Hari chandanam sula-litam, kanthe muktaa-valee. Gopastree pativeshtito, vijayate Gopaala choodaa-manih.

A#ata - RICE GRAINS

He puts some grains of rice on the Vara’s forehead.

Aae\ A#annamaI madnta Hyava ip=ayaa ADaUSata M AstaaeSata

svaBaanavaae ivap=aa naivaSQyaa mataa yaaejaainvad= tae hrI MM

Om akshan-namee madanta hyava, priyaa adhoo shata. Astoshata swabhaa-navo vipraa navish-thayaa, mataa yojaan-vidra te Haree.

pauSpa - FLOWERS

Aae\ yaa Aahrjjamadigna: EawayaE maDaayaE k[amaayaeind=yaaya M

taa%h\ p=aitaga&HNaaita yaxasaa ca Bagaena ca MM

Om yaa aaharaj jamad agnih srad-dhaayai, madhaayai kaamaa-yendri-yaaya. Taa’ham prati-grih-naati, yashasaa cha bhagena cha.

parCna< - PARACHAN

The Groom now proceeds towards the entrance of the yard where the bride’s mother and other female relatives welcome him with the “PARACHAN” ceremony. She puts a Tika on his forehead, throws 4 flour-loys in the 4 directions, does aratee, circles a lota with water over his head 3 times, and then pours a little on the ground. She then gives him a monetary gift. The other women do likewise.

janavaasa< - JANWAAS

The bride’s father escorts his samdhee, the groom and other relatives to the JANWAAS. Janwaas is place of rest provided by the bride’s father for the wedding party (groom and baraat) who may be in need of refreshment after a long journey. The Pandit representing the bride’s father welcomes them and recites appropriate verses, one of which says:

/tatsaBaantaga*ta painztaaga=e vaktau\ samaTaa*ipa na BaartaI mae M

taTaaipa EaImad<Bavata: p=asaadawvaIima pad<ma\ Kalau

DaaSqya*taae%hma< MM vadinta laaek[a: sautajanma hSa*d\ taTaaipa

k[nyaajainareva xasyatae M yadstaTa* iWja va\xa ke[tava:

samaagataa maui>padsya hetava MM

Etat sabhaantar-gata panditaagre vaktum samarthaapi na bhaaratee me. Tathaapi shreemad-bhawatah prasaadaad dhaveemi padmam khalu dhaash-taryato’ham. Vadanti lokaah suta janma harshadam tathaapi kanyaa janirewa shasyate. Yadastartha dwija vansha ketawah samaa-gataa mukti padasya hetawa.

“Respectable and honoured samdhee and friends, I welcome you. In such a wise and learned assembly I find myself incapable of speaking. With your leave I say a few words. The whole world says that one should rejoice at the birth of a son.

But I say to you that the birth of a daughter is an occasion equally for rejoicing, for is it not that because of the birth of a daughter that today all these educated and honourable persons have come to my humble abode? We are indeed lucky to have your company.”

The Pandit representing the groom’s father will reply appropriately.

The bride’s father then places the food and drink in his samdhee’s hands. After consecration by the Pandit, he feeds the groom and offers him something to drink.

naehCUr< - NEHCHOOR

While the rites of “Janwaas” are being performed, the bride is brought into the Mandap (Maaro). She sits in front of the Kalasha. Her mother sits behind her wearing the patmauri. Seven (7) mango leaves are used for this ritual. The brother of the bride’s mother circles each of the seven leaves over the mother and bride’s heads and gives the bride the tips of the stems to bite. She keeps the pieces in her mouth. She is given some water in her mouth, and she deposits the pieces of the mango stems, along with the water, into her mother’s hand. The mother swallows them all. The brother gives a gift to his sister. Other relatives also give her gifts. The feet and palms of the bride and her mother are then decorated. The mother takes off the patmauri and puts it on the bride.

The Pandit enters the Maaro and performs POOJAA to GAUREE, GANAPATI and LAKSHMEE.

The SANKALPA is:

Aae\ ivaSNauiva*SNauiva*SNau: nama: parmaatmanae EaIpauraNapauSaae{amama< EaImad<Bagavataae mahapaufSasya EaIparmaexvarivaSNaae ra$yaa

pa=vata*maanasya AV EaIba=HmaNaaeiHna iWtaIyae paraDae* ivaSNaupade EaI xvaetavaarahk[lpae vaEvasvatamanvantare ASqiva\xaitatamae

yaugae k[ilayaugae k[ilapa=TamacarNae gayaanaa dexae di#aNa

ku[maairk[a mahasaagare baaEwavataare .....sa\vatsare .....Ayanae

..... `taaE ... maasae ... pa#ae .... vaasare ... na#a}ae .....ga=amae / nagare .... raixa isTatae xauBa pauNya itaTaaE sak[la xaas}a Eauita

sma&ita pauraNaaekta P[la pa=aiptak[ama Damaa*Ta*k[ama maae#aaTaa*ya

Ah\ (k[nyaayaa naamnae) svak[Iya ivavaahaetsavainaima*{a gaNaexa

gaaErI la#maI paUjana\ k[irSyae MM

Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh namah para-maat-mane sree puraana purushot-tamam sreemad bhagawato mahaa purushasya sree parameshwara vishno, raaj-nayaa pravarta-maanasya adya sree brah-mano’hni dwiteeye paraardhe Vishnu-pade sree shweta-vaaraaha kalpe vaivaswata man-vantare ashta-vinsha-titame yuge kali-yuge kali-prathama charane Guyana deshe dakshina kumaarikaa mahaa-saagare baudhaa-vataare ……… samvatsare … ayane …. ritau …. maase ….. pakshe …… vaasare ….. nakshatre …. graame/nagare …… raashi sthite shubha punya tithau sakala shaastra sruti smriti puraa-nokta phala-praapti-kaama dharma-artha kaama mokshaar-thaaya aham (kanyaa’s name) swakeeya vivaahot-sava nirmitta Ganesha Gauree Lakshmee  poojanam karishye.

taaga<paaq - TAAGPAAT

The Vara’s (groom) elder brother (Barka) now enters the Maaro. He does Aachman , wears a Paithee and puts on the Taag Paat on the Bride with this mantra.

\ yaa%k&[ntannavaya\ yaa%%ntavata yaaxca devaIstantaUnaiBataae

tatanTa M taas{vaa devaIja*rsae sa\vyayasvaa%yauSmataId\ pairDa{sva

vaasa: MM

Om yaa’krintanna vayam yaa’ntavata yaash-cha devees-tantoo-na bhito tatantha. Taast-twaa deveer-jarase samvya yaswaa yushma-teedam paridhatt-swa vaasah.

On behalf of the groom, he also presents her with clothes and jewellery. The mantra is:

\e\ jara\ gacC pairDatsva vaasaae Bavaak&[SqInaamaiBaxaista

paavaa M xata\ ca jaIva xard: sauvacaa* riya\ ca pau}aananau

sa\vyayasvaa%yauSmataId\ pairDa{sva vaasa: MM

Om jaraam gach-chha paridhat-swa vaaso, bhawaa krishtee naamabhi shashti paawaa. Shatam cha jeewaa sharadah suvarchaa rayim cha putraan anu,  samvya yaswaa’yushmateedam paridhatt-swa vaasah.

The Groom says:

“O Bride! May you attain unfailing maturity, health, and old age with me. Wear this gift of mine; be a shining example of house-hold life; be blessed with wealth and children, O Lady! Blessed with long life (wearing) this auspicious gift.”

He touches the gift to the Kalasha 3 times, reading the following:

\e\ manaae jaUitajau*Sataamaajyasya ba&hspaitaya*$imama\ tanaae

tvairSq\ ya$\ saimama\ dDaatau M ivaxvae devaasa wh

maadyantaamaaemp=aitaSQ MM

Om mano jootir jushataam maaj-yasya, brihaspatir yajna-mimam tano-twa-rishtam, yajnam samimam dadhaatu. Vishwe dewaa sa iha, maada-yantaam om pratish-tha.

He then presents her and the Bhoujee with gifts.

THE BRIDE RETURNS INSIDE THE HOUSE

var paUjaa - VARA POOJAA

The Daataa leads the Vara to the Mandap. He puts 5 mounds of rice and flowers on the Aasana (Peerha). Both Vara and Daataa hold the Aasana and touch the Kalasha 5 times. The mantra is:

\ SazGyaa* Bavantyaacaaya* `itvaga< vaEvaaHyaae rajaa ip=aya:

snaatak[: MM

The Daataa shakes off the rice and flowers on the Vedee and puts down the Aasana in its place; the Groom stands behind it. The Daataa addresses him thus:

Aae\ saaDaU Bavaanaastaama< Aca*iyaSyaamaae Bavantama< M

Om saadhoo bhawaan aastaam archayish-yaamo bhawantam.

“Oh most adorable (Groom)! Please be seated. We shall adore you.”

The Vara replies:

Aae\ Aca*ya M     Om archaya.

He now sits on the peerha.

ivaSqr - VISHTARA

The Daataa gives a Kusha mat or Kusha grass to the Vara to sit on.

Aae\ ivaSqrae ivaSqrae ivaSqr: p=aitaga&Hyataama< M

Om vishtaro vishtaro vishtarah prati-grihya-taam.

The Vara takes the Kusha mat and sits on it, reciting:

        Aae\ ivaSqr: p=aitaga&HNaaima M

        Aae\ vaSmaae*%isma samaanaanaamauVtaaimava saUya*: M

wma\ tamaiBaitaSQaima yaae maa k[xcaaiBadasaita MM

Om vishtarah prati-grih-naami.

Om varsh-mo’smi samaa naanaam udyataamiva sooryah. Imam tamabhi tishthaami yo maa kashchaabhi daasati.

“Like the sun, brightest amongst the stars and planets, I stand today honourable amongst my people.”

The Vara sits facing East, while the Daataa sits on the opposite side. The Daataa recites the following

                               SANKALPA:

Aae\ ivaSNauiva*SNauiva*SNau: nama: parmaatmanae EaIpauraNapauSaae{amama< EaImad<Bagavataae mahapaufSasya EaIparmaexvarivaSNaae ra$yaa

pa=vata*maanasya AV EaIba=HmaNaaeiHna iWtaIyae paraDae* ivaSNaupade EaI xvaetavaarahk[lpae vaEvasvatamanvantare ASqiva\xaitatamae

yaugae k[ilayaugae k[ilapa=TamacarNae gayaanaa dexae di#aNa

ku[maairk[a mahasaagare baaEwavataare .....sa\vatsare .....Ayanae

.... `taaE ... maasae ... pa#ae .... vaasare ... na#a}ae .....ga=amae / nagare .... raixa isTatae xauBa pauNya itaTaaE sak[la xaas}a Eauita

sma&ita pauraNaae> P[la pa=aiptak[ama Damaa*Ta*k[ama maae#aaTaa*ya

AVah\ (yajamaanasya naamnae) ivavaahk[ma*iNa mama ga&he

samaagataaya snaatak[aya varaya k[nyaadanaaX<gaBaUta\ maDaupak*[\ cak[irSyae M

Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh namah para-maat-mane sree puraana purushot-tamam sreemad bhagawato mahaa purushasya sree parameshwara vishno, raaj-nayaa pravarta-maanasya adya sree brah-mano’hni dwiteeye paraardhe Vishnu-pade sree shweta-vaaraaha kalpe vaivaswata man-vantare ashta-vinsha-titame yuge kali-yuge kali-prathama charane Guyana deshe dakshina kumaarikaa mahaa-saagare baudhaa-vataare ……… samvatsare … ayane …. ritau …. maase ….. pakshe …… vaasare ….. nakshatre …. graame/nagare …… raashi sthite shubha punya tithau sakala shaastra sruti smriti puraa-nokta phala-praapti-kaama dharma-artha kaama mokshaar-thaaya adyaa-ham (daata’s name) vivaaha karmani mama grihe samaa gataaya snaata-kaaya varaaya kanyaa-daanaanga bhootam madhuparkam cha karishye.

paaV - PAADYA

The Daataa offers water to the Vara with:

   dataa: -  Aae\ paaV\ paaV\ paaV\ p=aitaga&Hyataama< M

   var: -   Aae\ paaV\ p=aitaga&HNaaima M

Dataa:  Om paadyam paadyam paadyam prati-grih-yataam.

Vara:     Om paadyam prati-grih-naami.

The Vara, using a mango leaf, washes his own feet first, followed by the Daataa, reciting the following mantra.

   Aae\ ivarajaae daehae%isa ivarajaae daehmaxaIya maiya paaVayaE

   ivarajaae daeh: M

Om viraajo doho’si viraajo dohama-sheeya mayi paadyaayai viraajo dohah.

maDaupak*[ - MADHUPARKA

The Daataa now offers Madhuparka (ghee, honey and dahi) to the Vara saying:

Aae\ maDaupak[ae* maDaupak[ae* maDaupak*[: p=aitaga&Hyataama< M

Om madhu-parko madhu-parko madhu-parkah prati-grihya-taam.

The Vara accepts it and stirs it. He then sprinkles some on the ground.  He then tastes it 3 times and puts the rest on the ground. The mantras are:

Aae\  maDaupak*[\ p=aitaga&HNaaima M  Aae\  ima}asya tvaa ca#auSaa

p=ataI#ae M Aae\  devasya tvaa saivatau: p=asavae%ixvanaaebaa*huByaa\

paUSNaae hstaaByaa\ p=aitaga&HNaaima M  

Aae\  nama: xyaavaasyaayaannaxanae ya{a Aaivaw\ ta{a tae  

inaSk&[ntaaima M yanmaDaunaae maDavya\ parmaa| FpamannaaVma< M

taenaah\ maDaunaae maDavyaena parmaeNa fpaeNaannaaVena parmaae

maDavyaae%nnaadae%saaina MM

Om madhu-parkam prati-grih-naami. Om mitrasya twaa chak-shushaa prateek-she. Om devasya twaa savituh prasave, ashvinor baahu-bhyaam pooshno  hastaa-bhyaam prati-grih-naami.

“May I look with a friendly eye to all. May I be friendly to all. May God bless me and inspire me; may I not partake of unwholesome food. May I remain pure and utter sweet words to all, consuming sweet and nourishing food.”

Aacamana<  - AACHAMAN

Aae\ hstapa=#aalana\ samapa*yaaima gaaeivandaya nama: M

Aae\ Ama&taaepastarNamaisa svaaha M

Aae\ Ama&taaipaDaanamaisa svaaha M

Aae\ satya\ yaxa: EaIma*iya EaI: Eayataa\ svaaha MM

Aae\ hstapa=#aalana\ samapa*yaaima gaaeivandaya nama: MM

Om hasta prakshaalanam samar-payaami

Govindaaya namah.                      

Om amrito pas-tarana-masi swaahaa.

Om amritaa pidhaa-namasi swaahaa.

Om satyam yashah sreer-mayi sreeh sraya-taam swaahaa.

Om hasta prak-shaa-lanam samar-payaami govindaaya namah.

   A\gaspaxa* M  ANGA SPARSHA

\ vaaX<mae Aasyae%stau M     Lips.   

\ nasaaemae* p=aaNaae%stau M      Nose.

\ A#Naaemae* ca#aurstau M      Eyes.   

\ k[Na*yaaemae* Eaae}amastau M   Ears.        

\ baaHvaaemae* balamastau M      Arms.   

\ Ovaae*mae* Aaejaae%stau M  Thighs.                 

\ AirSqaina mae%X<gaaina tanaUstanvaa mae sah santau M All over the body.

Om vaang-me aasye’stu.    [Lips]

Om nasorme praano’stu.     [Nose]

Om aksh-norme chak-shur-astu.  [Eyes]

Om karma-yorme srotram-astu.  [Ears] 

Om baah-worme balam-astu. [Arms]

Om oor-worme ojo’stu.    [Thighs]

Om arishtaani me’ngaani

tanoos-tanwaa me saha santu.         

[All over the body]

HONOURING THE COW

The Daataa gives the Vara some grass to hold. The Vara recites:

Aae\  gaaEgaaE*gaaE*: M  Aae\  maataa fd=aNaa\ duihtaa vasaUnaa|

svasaa%idtyaanaamama&tasya naaiBa: M p=a tanau vaaeca\ icaik[tauSae

janaaya maa gaamanaagaaidtau\ vaiDaSq M

mama caamauk[ xama*Naae yajamaanasyaaeBayaae: paapmaa hta: MM

Om gaur gaur gauh. Om maataa Rudraanaam duhitaa vasoonaam, swasaa adityaanaam amritasya naabhih. Pra tanu vocham chiki tushe janaaya maa gaama-naagaa-ditum vadhishta.

The Vara gives up the grass reciting:

` otsa&jata ta&Naanya{au MM

Ut-srijata trinaan-yattu.

“Oh Mother! You are the daughter of the Vasus, Mother of the Rudras and sisters of the Adityas. You are the source of nourishing and nectar-like milk. You are fit to be revered and not to be slaughtered. May all my transgressions be destroyed; I seek thy protection. I shall lovingly care for you. May you feed on this grass”

var vas}adana - VARA VASTRA DAANA

The Daataa presents the Vara with a yellow Dhoti. He places it on the Aasan and sits on it. The mantras are:

Aae\  pairDaasyaE yaxaaeDaasyaE dIGaa*yauStvaaya jardiSqrisma M

xata\ ca jaIvaaima xard: paufcaI rayaspaaeSamaiBasa\vyaiyaSyae MM

Aae\ yaxasaa maa Vavaa pa&iTavaI yaxasaend=a ba&hspataI M

yaxaae Bagaxca maa ivandVxaae maa p=aitapaVtaama< MM

Om pari-dhaasyai yasho-dhaasyai, deerghaa-yush-twaaya jaradash-tir-asmi. Shatam cha jeevaami sharadah puruchee, raayas poshamabhi samvya-yishye. Om yashasaa maa dwaavaa, prithivee yasha-sendraa Brihaspatee. Yasho Bhagashcha maa, vindad-yasho maa prati-padyataam.

“O Lord! I wear this garment for fame and long life, free from defilement. May I live a matured life, blessed with wealth and children. May the earth and heaven grant me fame. May the atmosphere grant me honour and glory. May the sun enrich me with fame, and may fame always visit me.”

BRIDE ENTERS MANDAP

At this stage the Kanya (Bride) enters the Mandap and sits on a separate seat, or, on the right of the Groom. She performs SANKALPA.

Aae\ ivaSNauraema< ivaSNauraema< ivaSNauraema< M

Aae\ ivaSNauiva*SNauiva*SNau: nama: parmaatmanae EaIpauraNapauSaae{amama< EaImad<Bagavataae mahapaufSasya EaIparmaexvarivaSNaae ra$yaa

pa=vata*maanasya AV EaIba=HmaNaaeiHna iWtaIyae paraDae* ivaSNaupade EaI xvaetavaarahk[lpae vaEvasvatamanvantare ASqiva\xaitatamae

yaugae k[ilayaugae k[ilapa=TamacarNae gayaanaa dexae di#aNa

ku[maairk[a mahasaagare baaEwavataare .....sa\vatsare .....Ayanae

..... `taaE ... maasae ... pa#ae .... vaasare ... na#a}ae .....ga=amae / nagare .... raixa isTatae xauBa pauNya itaTaaE sak[la xaas}a Eauita

sma&ita pauraNaaekta P[la pa=aiptak[ama Damaa*Ta*k[ama maae#aaTaa*ya

Ah\ (naama k[nyaayaa:) svak[Iya ivavaahaetsavainaima*{a

varp=aaiptapaUvak*[\ pau}apaaE}aaid P[lap=aaptayae gaNaexaaidk&[payaa

AKaNzsaaEBaagya P[la p=aaptyaTa* \ ca gaNaexaaid ga=haNaa\

saup=aitaiSQtaanaa\ k[irSyae M

Om Vishnur Om Vishnur Om Vishnur Om.

Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh namah para-maat-mane sree puraana purushot-tamam sreemad bhagawato mahaa purushasya sree parameshwara vishno, raaj-nayaa pravarta-maanasya adya sree brah-mano’hni dwiteeye paraardhe Vishnu-pade sree shweta-vaaraaha kalpe vaivaswata man-vantare ashta-vinsha-titame yuge kali-yuge kali-prathama charane Guyana deshe dakshina kumaarikaa mahaa-saagare baudhaa-vataare ……… samvatsare … ayane …. ritau …. maase ….. pakshe …… vaasare ….. nakshatre …. graame/nagare …… raashi sthite shubha punya tithau sakala shaastra sruti smriti puraa-nokta phala-praapti-kaama dharma-artha kaama mokshaar-thaaya aham (kanyaa’s name) swakeeya vivaahot-sava nirmitta vara-praapti poorvakam putra pautraadi phala-praap-taye Ganeshaadi kripayaa akhanda saubhaagya phala praapt-yartham cha Ganeshaadi grahaanaam su-pratishthi-taanaam karishye.

sammauKaIk[rNa

The Vara and the Kanya face each other. The Vara repeats:

Aae\ samaVjantau ivaxvaedevaa: samaapaae h&dyaaina naaE M

sa\ maatairxvaa sa\ Daataa samaudeSq+I dDaatau naaE MM

Om saman-jantu vishwe-devaah, samaapo hridayaani nau. Sam maata-rishwaa sam dhaataa, samu deshtree dadhaatu nau.

“May the Devas anoint us both. May our hearts be united. May God lead us on the path of righteousness. May God and all cosmic forces that rule over all keep us together.”

k[nyaa dana - KANYAA DAANA

The Bride’s Mother now enters the Mandap. Turmeric (Dye) is applied in the right palms of both the Kanyaa and Vara. A flour-loy with money or gold enclosed is placed in the Kanyaa’s right hand.

The Daataa places the Kanyaa’s right hand into the Vara’s right hand, reciting the following:

Aae\ dataa%h\ vafNaae rajaa d=vyamaaidtya dEvatama< M

varae%saaE ivaSNauFpaeNa p=aitaga&HNaata< vaya\ ivaiDa: MM

mama va\xasamaud<BaUtaa dxavaSaa*iNa paailataa M

tauBya\ k[nyaa mayaa d{aa pau}apaaE}ap=avaiDa*naI MM

k[nyaa\ k[nak[sampannaa\ k[nak[aBarNaEyau*taama< M

dasyaaima ivaSNavae tauBya\ ba=Hmalaaek[ ijagaISayaa MM

Om daata’ham varuno raajaa, dravyam aaditya daivatam. Varo asau Vishnu roopena, prati-grihnaat vayam vidhih. Mama vansha samud-bhootaa, dasha

varshaani paalitaa. Tubhyam kanyaa mayaa dattaa, putra pautra pravardhinee. Kanyaam kanaka sam-

pannaam, kanakaa bharanair yutaam. Daasyaami vishnawe tubhyam, brahma-loka jigee-shayaa.

The Kanya’s brother pours water from a lota upon the loy into a thaali with the following SANKALPA.

Aae\ ivaSNauraema< ivaSNauraema< ivaSNauraema< M

Aae\ ivaSNauiva*SNauiva*SNau: nama: parmaatmanae EaIpauraNapauSaae{amama< EaImad<Bagavataae mahapaufSasya EaIparmaexvarivaSNaae ra$yaa

pa=vata*maanasya AV EaIba=HmaNaaeiHna iWtaIyae paraDae* ivaSNaupade EaI xvaetavaarahk[lpae vaEvasvatamanvantare ASqiva\xaitatamae

yaugae k[ilayaugae k[ilapa=TamacarNae gayaanaa dexae di#aNa

ku[maairk[a mahasaagare baaEwavataare .....sa\vatsare .....Ayanae

..... `taaE ... maasae ... pa#ae .... vaasare ... na#a}ae .....ga=amae / nagare .... raixa isTatae xauBa pauNya itaTaaE sak[la xaas}a Eauita

sma&ita pauraNaaekta P[la pa=aiptak[ama Damaa*Ta*k[ama

maae#aaTaa*ya AVah\ (Name of Kanya’s Father) sapatnaIk[%h\

(Name of Kanya’s Mother) wmaa\ k[nyaa\ sausnaataa\

yaTaaxaktya laX<k&[taa\ ganDaaVica*taa\ vas}ayaugacCnnaa\

p=ajaapaitadEvatyaa\ xatagauNaIk&[ta jyaaeitaSqaemaaitara}a

xataP[lap=aaiptak[ama: (Name of Vara, put in the 4^th case)

EaIDarsvaFipaNae varaya patnaItvaena tauByamah\ la#maInaarayaNa

p=aItayae ca ba=HmaivavaahivaiDanaa k[nyaadana\ samp=adde MM

Om Vishnur Om Vishnur Om Vishnur Om.

Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh namah para-maat-mane sree puraana purushot-tamam sreemad bhagawato mahaa purushasya sree parameshwara vishno, raaj-nayaa pravarta-maanasya adya sree brah-mano’hni dwiteeye paraardhe Vishnu-pade sree shweta-vaaraaha kalpe vaivaswata man-vantare ashta-vinsha-titame yuge kali-yuge kali-prathama charane Guyana deshe dakshina kumaarikaa mahaa-saagare baudhaa-vataare ……… samvatsare … ayane …. ritau …. maase ….. pakshe …… vaasare ….. nakshatre …. graame/nagare …… raashi sthite shubha punya tithau sakala shaastra sruti smriti puraa-nokta phala-praapti-kaama dharma-artha kaama mokshaar-thaaya adyaaham (name of girl’s Father) sapatnee-kaham (name of girl’s Mother) imaam kanyaam su-snaataam yathaa shaktya lankritaam gandhaad-yarchitaam vastra yugach-chhan-naam prajaapati daivatyaam shata-gunee-krita jyotishto-maati-raatra shata-phala praapti-kaamah (name of groom in the 4^th case) Sree Dhara swaroopine varaaya patnee-twena tubhyam aham Lakshmee Naaraayana preetaye cha Brahma vivaaha vidhinaa kanyaa-daanam sam-pra-dade.

THE DATA CONTINUES

Aae\ k[nyaa dana\ mahadana\ sava*danaeSau dula*Bama< M

tadV dEva yaaegaena tva\ ga&haNa varae{ama MM

Aae\ `Saya: sava* BaUtaanaa\ saai#aNya: sava* devataa M

wmaa\ k[nyaa\ p=adasyaaima ipata&Naa\ taarnaaya ca MM

Om kanyaa daanam mahaa daanam, sarva daaneshu durlabham. Tadaya daiva yogena,

twam grihaana varot-tama.

Om rishayah sarva bhootaanaam, saakshinyah sarva devataa. Imaam kanyaam pradaasyaami, pitrinaam taara-naaya cha.

“I give my daughter, adorned with ornaments, to you, the groom, with the desire that she be your helper in conquering the world. God and all present here are witnesses that I give my daughter, thereby discharging my fatherly duty and for the salvation of the ancestors.” 

The Vara takes the Kanya’s hand with this mantra:

Aae\ VaEstvaa ddatau pa&iTavaI tvaa p=aitaga&HNaatau M Aae\ svaista MM

Om dyaus twaa dadaatu prithivee twaa prati-grihnaatu. Om swasti.

THE VARA ADDRESSES THE KANYA.

Aae\ yadEiSa manasaa dUr\ idxaaenau pavamaanaae vaa M

ihrNyapaNaae* vaEk[Na*: sa tvaa manmanasaa k[raetau MM

Aae\ AGaaer ca#aur paitaGnyaeiDa ixavaa: paxauBya: saumanaa:

sauvacaa*: M vaIrsaUde*vak[amaa: syaaenaa xa\ naae Bava iWpade xa\

catauSpade MM

Aae\ saaema: p=aTamaae ivaivade ganDavaae* ivaivad o{ar: M

ta&taIyaae%ignaSqe paitastaurIyastae manauSyajaa: MM

Aae\ saaemaae%ddd< ganDavaa*ya ganDavaae*%ddgnayae M

riya\ ca pau}aa\xcaadad< Aignar< maHyamaTaae wmaama< MM

Aae\ saa na: paUSaa ixavatamaamaErya saa na oF oxataI ivahr M

yasyaamauxanta: p=ahrama xaepa\ yasyaamau k[amaa bahvaae inaivaSqYE

Om yadaishi manasaa dooram, dishonu pawamaano vaa. Hiranya-parno vaikarnah, sa twaa man manasaa karotu.

Om aghora chak-shura patigh-nyedhi, shivaah pashubhyah sumanaah suvarchaah. Veera soordeva kaamaah syonaa, shan no bhava dwipade sham chatush-pade.

Om somo’da-dad gandharvaaya, gandharvo’dad agnaye. Rayim cha putraansh-cha adaad, agnir mahyamatho imaam.

Om saa nah pooshaa shivatamaam-airaya, saa na uroo ushatee vihara. Yasyaam ushantah praha-raama shepam, yasyaam ukaamaa bahawo nivishtyai.

“O Beloved! When your mind, like the wind, would wander off to distant regions, may god cause you to constantly think of me.

“O you sweet-minded and radiant one! Come with your glances, peaceful and harmonious, inviolate unto your chosen husband, bringing peace and benevolence; giving birth to heroic children, loving your in-laws, and being gentle and pleasant, bring blessings to all creatures.

“O my dear one! From birth God has been sustaining you, giving you physical and intellectual growth, guarding you until this day. Now He has given you to me. I promise to protect you as a precious gem, having together progenies. May God endow you with good qualities and happiness, becoming a loving and faithful wife.”  

THE KANYAA OFFERS MADHUPARKA TO THE VARA

Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M maDau vaataa `taayatae maDau #arinta isanDava:M

maaDvaIna:* santvaaeSaDaI: MM

Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M maDau naktamautaaeSasaae maDaumatpaaiTa*va\ rja: M

maDau VaErstau na: ipataa MM

Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M maDaumaannaae vanaspaitama*Daumaa| Astau saUya*: M

maaDvaIgaa*vaae Bavantau na: MM

Om bhoor bhuvah swah. Madhu vaataa ritaa-yate, madhuk-sharanti sindhavah. Maadh-veernah santwo-shadheeh.

Om bhoor bhuvah swah. Madhu naktam utoshaso madhumat paarthivam rajah. Madhu dyau-rastu nah pitaa.

Om bhoor bhuvah swah. Madhu maan no vanaspatir madhumaam astu sooryah. Maadh-veer gaavo bhavantu nah.

“Winds blow in sweetness and rivers flow in sweetness. May the trees and plants grow in sweetness for us.”

“Sweet be the nights, sweet be dawns, and sweet be the dust of the earth. May heaven, like a father, bring us sweetness.”

 “May medicinal herbs and the sun be for our sweetness. May cows yield sweet milk for us.”

THE KANYA WILL NOW SAY THESE MANTRAS

Aae\ pa= mae paitayaana: panTaa: k[lpataama< M

ixavaa%irSqa paitalaaek\[ gamae%yama< MM

Om pra me patiyaanah panthaah kalpataam.

Shivaa’rishtaa patilokam game’yam.

“May my husband’s path become my path. May I go to my husband’s home with a peaceful and fearless mind.”

THE DATA NOW RECITES THE FOLLOWING

Aae\ gaaErI\ k[nyaaimamaa\ ivap=a yaTaaxaikta ivaBaUiSataama< M

gaae}aaya xama*Naae tauBya\ d{aa ivap=a samaaEaya MM

k[nyae mamaa%ga=taae BaUyaa: k[nyae mae deiva paaxva*yaae: M

k[nyae mae pa&SQtaae BaUyastvad< danaana< maae#amaapnauyaata< MM

mama va\xaku[lae jaataa yaavad< vaSaa*iNa paailataa M

tauBya\ ivap=a mayaa d{aa pau}apaaE}ap=avaiDa*naI MM

haema - HOMA

(HAVAN)

THE VARA LIGHTS THE HAVAN KUNDA WITH THIS MANTRA

Aae\ Aigna\ p=ajvailata\ vande jaatavaed\ htaaxanama< M

sauvaNa*mamala\ dIpta\ saimaw\ sava*taaemauk[hama< MM

sava*ta: paaiNapaadxca sava*taae%i#aixaraemauKama< M

ivaxvaFpaae magaanaigna: p=aNaIta: sava*k[ma*sau MM

Om agnim prajwaalitam vande, jaatavedam hataashanam. Suvarna mamalam deeptam, samid-dham sarvato mukahaam. Sarvatah paani paadashcha, sarvato’kshi shiro mukham. Vishwa roopo magaan-agnih, praneetah sarva karmasu.

THE VARA OFFERS GHEE

Aae\ Agnayae svaaha M wdmagnayae wdnna mama MM

Aae\ saaemaaya svaaha M wd\ saaemaaya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ pa=jaapatayae svaaha M wd\ pa=jaapatayae wdnna mama MM

Aae\ wnd=aya svaaha M wdimand=aya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ BaU: svaaha M    wdmagnayae wdnna mama MM

Aae\ Bauva: svaaha M  wd\ vaayavae wdnna mama MM

Aae\ sva: svaaha M   wdmaaidtyaaya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ BaUBau*va: svarignavaayvaaidtyaeBya: svaaha M

wdmaignavaayvaaidtyaeBya: wdnna mama MM
Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M Agna AayaU\iSa pavasa% Aa sauvaaeja*imaSa\

ca na: M Aare baaDasva ducCunaama< svaaha M wdmagnayae

pavamaanaaya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M Aigna`*iSa: pavamaana: paaVcajanya:

pauraeihta: M tamaImahe mahagayama< svaaha M wdmagnayae

pavamaanaaya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M Agnae pavasya svapaa Asmae vaca*: sauvaIya*ma<

dDad=iya| maiya paaeSama< svaaha M wdmagnayae pavamaanaaya

wdnna mama MM

Aae\ BaUBau*va: sva: M p=ajaapatae na tvadetaanyanyaae ivaxvaa

jaataaina pair taa baBaUva M yatk[amastae jauhumastannaae Astau

vaya\ syaama patayaae ryaINaama< svaaha M wd\ p=ajaapatayae

wdnna mama MM

Aae\ tva\ naae Agnae vafNasya ivaWana< devasya hezae%va

yaaisasaISQa: M yaijaSQae vaiHnatama: xaaexaucaanaae ivaxvaa

WeSaa\isa maumaugDyasmata< svaaha MM

wdmaignavafNaaByaama< wdnna mama MM

Aae\ sa tva\ naae Agnae%vamaae BavaaetaI naeidSQae Asya oSasaae

vyauSqaE M Avaya#vanaae vafNa\ rraNaae vaIih ma&zIk\[ sauhvaae na

/iDa svaaha MM wdmaignavafNaaByaama< wdnna mama MM

Aae\ wma\ mae vafNa EauDaI hvamaVa ca ma&zya M

tvaamavasyaura cak[e svaha MM wd\ vafNaaya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ ta{vaa yaaima ba=HmaNaa vandmaanastada xaastae yajamaanaae

hivaiBa*: M Ahezmaanaae vafNaeh baaeDyaufxa\sa maa na Aayau: p=a

maaeSaI : svaaha MM wd\ vafNaaya wdnna mama MM

Aae\ yae tae xata\ vafNa yae sahs}a\ yai$yaa: paaxaa ivatataa

mahanta: M taeiBanaae* AV saivataaeta ivaSNauiva*xvae mauVcantau

mafta: svak[*a: svaaha MM wd\ vafNaaya saiva}ae ivaSNavae

ivaxvaeByaae devaeByaae mafd<Bya: svake*[Bya: wdnna mama MM

Aae\ Ayaaxcaagnae%sya naiBaxaistapaaxca satyaima{va

mayaaisa M Ayaanaae ya$\ vahasyayaa naae Daeih BaeSaja\ svaaha MM

wdmagnayaeAyasae wdnna mama MM

Aae\ odu{ama\ vafNa paaxamasmadvaaDama\ iva maDyama\ EaTaaya M

ATaa vayamaaidtya va=tae tavaanaagasaae Aidtayae syaama svaaha

wd\ vafNaayaa%idtyaayaa%idtayae ca wdnna mama MM

Aae\ Bavata\ na: samanasaaE sacaetasaavarepasaaE MM

maa ya$\ ih\ isaSq\ maa ya$paita\ jaatavaedsaaE ixavaaE

BavatamaVna: svaaha MM wd\ jaatavaedaeByaa\ wdnna mama MM

Aae\ ica{a\ ca svaaha M wd\ ica{aaya wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ icai{axca svaaha M wd\ ica{yaE wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ AakU[ta\ ca svaaha M wdmaakU[taaya wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ AakU[itaxca svaaha M wdmaakU[tyaE wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ iva$ataVca svaaha M wd\ iva$ataaya wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ iva$aitaxca svaaha M wd\ iva$atyaE wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ manaxca svaaha M wd\ manasae wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ xakvarIxca svaaha M wd\ xakvarIBya wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ dxa*xca ca svaaha M wd\ dxaa*ya wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ paaENa*maasa\ ca svaaha M wd\ paaENa*maasaaya wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ ba&hcca ca svaaha M wd\ ba&htae wd\ na mama MM

Aae\ rTantarVca ca svaaha M wd\ rTantaraya wd\ na mama MM

Om agnaye swaahaa. Idamagnaye idanna mama.

Om somaaya swaahaa. Idam somaaya idanna mama.

Om prajaa-pataye swaahaa. Idam prajaa-pataye idanna mama.

Om indraaya swaahaa. Idam indraaya idanna mama.

Om bhooh swaahaa.  Idamagnaye idanna mama.

Om bhuvah swaahaa. Idam vaayave idanna mama.

Om swah swaahaa.  Idam aadityaaya idanna mama.

Om bhoor bhuvah swar-agni vaai-vaa dityebhyah swaahaa. Idam agni vaai-vaa dityebhyah idanna mama.

Om bhoor bhuwah swah. Agna aayoonshi pavasa aa suvor-jamisham cha nah. Aa-re baadhaswa duch-chhunaam swaahaa. Idam agnaye pavamaa-naaya idanna mama.

Om bhoor bhuwah swah. Agnir rishih pavamaanah paancha janyah purohitah. Tameemahe mahaagayam swaahaa.

Idam agnaye pawamaa-naaya idanna mama.

Om bhoor bhuwah swah.  Agne pavasya swapaa asme varchah suveeryam. Dadha drayim mayi posham swaahaa.

Idam agnaye pavamaanaaya idanna mama.

Om bhoor bhuwah swah.  Prajaapate na twadetaan-yanyo, vishwaa jaataani pari taa babhoova. Yatkaamaste juhumas-tanno astu, vayam syaama patayo rayeenaam swaahaa. Idam prajaapataye idanna mama.

Om twanno agne varunasya vidwaan, devasya hedo'va yaasi-seeshthaah. Yajishtho vah-nitamah shoshu-chaano, vishwaa dweshaansi pra mumug-dhyas-mat swaahaa.

Idam agni varunaabhyaam idanna mama.

Om sa twan no agne vamo bhavotee, nedishtho asyaa ushaso vyushtau. Avayaksh-wano varunam

raraano, veehi mrideekam suhavo na edhi swaahaa.

Idam agni varunaabhyaam idanna mama.

Om imam me varuna srudhee havam-adyaa cha mridaya. Twaama-vasyuraa chake swaahaa.

Idam agni varunaaya idanna mama.

Om tattwaa yaami brahmanaa vanda-maanas-tadaa, shaaste yajamaano havirbhih. Aheda-maano varuneha bodh-yuru-shansa maa na aayuh pra mosheeh swaahaa.

Idam varunaaya idanna mama.

Om ye te shatam varuna ye sahastram, yajniyaah paashaa vitataa mahaantah. Tebhir-no adya savitota vishnur vishwe munchantu marutah swarkaah swaahaa. Idam varunaaya savitre vishnawe vishwebhyo dewebhyo marud-bhyah swarkebhyah idanna mama.

Om ayaash-chaagne’ sya nabhishasti, paashcha satya-mittwa mayaasi. Ayaano yajnam vahaas-yayaa no dhehi bheshajam swaahaa. Idam agnaye ayase idanna mama.

Om uduttamam varuna pasha-masmada-waadhamam, vi madhya-mam srathaaya. Athaa vayam aaditya vrate tawaa-naagaso, aditaye syaama swaahaa. Idam varunaayaa-adityaayaa-aditaye cha idanna mama.

Om bhawatam nah samanasau sacheta-saavarepasau. Maa yajnam him sishtam maa yajnapatim, jaata-vedasau shivau bhavatam-adya nah swaahaa. Idam jaatavedo-bhyaam idanna mama. 

Om chittam cha swaahaa. Idam chittaaya idam na mama.

Om chit-tishcha swaahaa. Idam chit-tyai idam na mama.

Om aakootam cha swaahaa. Idam-aakootaaya idam na mama.

Om aakoo-tishcha swaahaa. Idam-aakootyai idam na mama.

Om vijnaatancha swaahaa. Idam vijnaatyai idam na mama.

Om manashcha swaahaa. Idam manase idam na mama.

Om shakwa-reeshcha swaahaa. Idam shakwa-reebhya idam na mama.

Om darshashcha swaahaa. Idam darshaaya idam na mama.

Om paurna-maasam cha swaahaa. Idam paurna-maasaaya idam na mama.

Om brihach-cha swaahaa. Idam brihate idam na mama.

Om rathanta-rancha swaahaa. Idam rathanta-raaya idam na mama.

laajaa haema - LAAJAA HOMA

The lawa from both sides are mixed together. The Kanyaa places her open-hands on top of the Vara’s open hands. Her brother then fills her hands with lawa. The Kanyaa and Vara make three (3) offerings into the fire with these 3 mantras, i.e. one-third with each mantra.

(1) Aae\ Aya*maNa\ deva\ k[nyaa% Aignamaya#ata M

sa naae Aya*maa deva: p=aetaae mauVcatau maa patae: svaaha MM

wdmaya*maNae wd\ na mama MM

(2) Aae\ wya\ naayau*paba=Utae laajaanaavapaintak[a M

AayauSmaanastau mae paitareDantaa\ $atayaae mama svaaha MM

wdmagnayae wd\ na mama MM

(3) Aae\ wmaa|llaajaanaavapaamyagnaaE sama&iwk[rNa\ tava M

mama tauBya\ ca sa\vanana\ tadignarnaumanyataaimaya| svaaha MM

wdmagnayae wd\ na mama MM

(1) Om aryamanam devam, kanyaa agni-mayakshata. Sa no aryamaa devah, preto

munchatu maa pateh swaahaa. Idam aryamane idam na mama.

(2) Om iyam naaryu pa broote, laajaa naava pantikaa. Aayushmaan astu me patire-dhantaam, jnaatayo mama swaahaa. Idam agnaye idam na mama.

(3) Om imaal-laajaa naava paam yagnau, sam riddhi karanam tava. Mama tubhyam cha sam va nanam, tad agnir anuman-yataam iyam swaahaa. Idam agnaye idam na mama.

The Kanyaa prays: – “I offer this oblation into the sacred Fire which is witnessing my separation from my parental home and joining that of my husband. May God bless my husband with long life, and his family flourish in happiness and prosperity.

“O my husband! I make this offering praying for your progress and happiness. May there be great affection between us. May God help us along the path.”

paaiNa ga=hNa< - PAANI GRAHAN

(HAND-GRASPING CEREMONY)

THE VARA TAKES THE KANYA’S RIGHT HAND

Aae\ ga&BNaaima tae saaEBagatvaaya hsta\ mayaa patyaa

jardiSqya*Taa%sa: M Bagaae Aya*maa saivataa paurinDama*Hya\

tvaa dugaa*h*patyaaya devaa: MM

Aae\ Bagastae hstamaga=BaIta< saivataa hstamaga=BaIta< M

patnaI tvamaisa Dama*Naah\ ga&hpaitastava MM  

Aae\ Ah\ ivaSyaaima maiya Fpamasya vaedaidtpaxyanmanasaa

ku[laayama< M nastaeyamad<ima manasaae%dmaucyae svaya\ EaTnaanaae

vafNasya paaxaana< MM

Om gribh-naami te saubhagat-vaaya, hastam mayaa patyaa jaradashtirya-thaasah. Bhago aryamaa savitaa purandhir mahyam, twaa durgaarha-patyaaya devaah.

Om bhagaste hastam-agra-bheet, savitaa hastam-agra-bheet. Patnee twamasi dharma-naaham griha-patis-tawa.

Om aham vishyaami mayi roopa masya, vedaadit pashyan manasaa kulaayam. Nasteyam-admi manaso’da muchye, swayam srath-naano varunasya paashaan. 

“O my bride! I take your hand into mine for good fortune. May you live with me as you husband, in pleasure, and until old age. God has given you unto me that we may perform duties together in marriage.

“My bride! Filled with fortune, I take your hand into mine in marriage; you becoming my wife in the letter and spirit of Dharma, and I am becoming your husband accordingly.

“I see that I reside in your heart, and I know that you reside in my heart. I declare that I relinquish even the thought of enjoying the world in a stealthy way. I shall always confide in you. Loosening the bonds of you parents’ discipline, I hereby make you free.”

ASmaaraehNa< - ASHMAAROHAN

STONE-CLIMBING RITUAL

The Kanyaa and the Vara place their feet on a stone and recite this mantra.

Aae\ Aaraehemamaxmaanamaxmaeva tva\ isTara Bava M

AiBaitaSQ pa&tanyataae AvabaaDasva patanaayata: MM

Om aaro-hemam ashmaanam, ashmewa twam sthiraa bhawa. Abhitishtha pritanyato, awa-baadhaswa pata-naayatah.

“Climb this rock, my bride, and just as this rock is firm, and never sways even when faced with strong winds, so may you (and I) be firm in life, even when tempting winds would come to shake our resolves. Let us trample upon all impediments and keep away hostile feelings.”

vas}a banDana< - VASTRA BANDHAN

The Kanyaa and Vara’s garments are tied together with rice, flower, and coin with this mantra.

Aae\ gaNaaiDapa\ namask&[tya namask&[tya mahexvarma< M

dmpatyaae p=aIita isawYTa* \ ga=inTabanDana k[raemyahma< MM

Aae\ Acala ga=nTae p=aitaSQae Bava MM

Om ganaa-dhipam namas-kritya, namas-kritya maheshwaram. Dampatyo preeti siddh-yartham, granthi bandhana karom-yaham. Om achala granthe pratishtho bhawa.

“With reverence to Ganeshji and Lord Shiva, the Consort of Parvati, I make this knot. May it be strong, binding you for life.”

Aigna p=adi#aNaa - AGNI PRADAKSHINA

They go around the Fire 7 times, offering Lawa into the Fire. The Kanyaa leads for the first 4 times, and the Vara the next 3. The Kanya’s brother fills their hands each time. Appropriate mantras are recited during this rite.

Aae\ Amaae%hmaisma saa tva\ saa tvamasyamaae%hma< M

saamaahmaisma `ktva\ VaErh\ pa&iTavaI tvama< MM

Aae\ taavaeva ivavahavahE sah retaae dDaavahE M

p=ajaa\ p=ajanayaavahE pau}aainvandavahE bahUna< MM

Aae\ tae santau jardsqya: sa\ip=ayaaE raeicaSNaU saumanasyamaanaaE M

paxyaema xard: xata\ jaIvaema xard: xata\ iEaNauyaama xard:

xatama< MM

Aae\ tauByamagnae paya*vahntsaUyaa*\ vahtau naa sah M

pauna: paitaByaae jaayaa\ da Agnae p=ajayaa sah MM

Om amo’ham-asmi saa twam, saa twam asyamo’ham. Saamaa-ham-asmi rik-twam dyauraham prithivee twam.

Om taaveva vivahaa-vahai, saha reto dadhaa-vahai. Prajaan prajana yaa-vahai, putraan vindaa-vahai bahoon.

Om te santu jaradas-tayah sam-priyau, rochishnoo sumanasya-maanau. Pashyema sharadah shatam, jeevema sharadah shatam, srinuyaama sharadah shatam.

Om tubhyam agne parya-vahant sooryaam, vaha tu naa saha.

Punah patibhyo jaayaam daa agne prajayaa saha.

“I am Vishnu, and you are Lakshmee; I am Sama (harmony of music) and you are Rg. (wisdom). I am heaven and you are earth. Let us both have pleasant and loving feelings for each other. May God bless this marriage with children and grand- children. May both of us, loving and keeping each other at heart, love for one hundred years in happiness.”

THE VARA LEADS 3 TIMES

Aae\ sarsvaita p=aedmava sauBagae vaaijanaIvaita M

yaantvaa ivaxvasya BaUtasya p=ajaayaamasyaaga=ta: MM

Aae\ yasyaa\ BaUta\ samaBavaVsyaa\ ivaxvaimad\ jagata< M

taamaV gaaTaa\ gaasyaaima yaa s}aINaamau{ama\ yaxa: MM

Aae\ k[nyalaa ipata&Bya: paitalaaek\[ yataIyamapadI#aamayaSq M

k[nyaa ota tvayaa vaya\ Daara odnyaa wvaaita gaamaeih iWSa: MM

Om Saraswati preda-mava subhage vaaji-neevati. Yaan-twaa vishvasya bhootasya prajaayaam asyaa-gratah.

Om yasyaam bhootam sama bhawa, dyasyaam vishwam idam jagat. Taam adya gaathaam gaasyaami, yaa streenaam uttamam yashah.

Om kanyalaa pitribhyah patilokam, yatee yama padeek-shaama yashta. Kanyaa uta twayaa vayam dhaaraa, udanyaa iwaati gaamehi dwishah.

“O Mother Saraswatee! Mother of learning and well-being; store-house of nourishing food; may You protect and bless this my bride with wisdom. I shall ever sing Thy praise.”

“The bride, leaving her parents’ home to join her husband’s family, has accepted the husband’s creed. We shall dip deep in happiness, like the streams of water, crushing and overcoming all obstacles and jealousies.”

THE Kanyaa’s brother puts the remaining Laawa in his sister’s hands for offering into the fire with this mantra.

Aae\ Bagaaya svaaha M wd\ Bagaaya wdma< na mama MM

Om bhagaaya swaahaa. Idam bhagaaya idam na mama.

The Vara offers the remaining Ghee into the fire.

Aae\ p=ajaapatayae svaaha M wd\ p=ajaapatayae wdma< na mama MM

Om prajaa-pataye swaahaa. Idam prajaa-pataye idam na mama.

sapta padI - SAPTA PADI

(THE 7 - STEP RITUAL)

The Kanyaa and Vara make seven steps from the South to the North-eastern direction.

FIRST STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\ /k[imaSae ivaSNaustvaa nayatau M

Om ekam-ishe Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“May God lead you to happiness and abundance of food.”

The Kanyaa responds:

Dana\ Daanya\ ca imaSqanna\ vyaVjanaaV\ ca yad< ga&he M

    madDaIna\ ca k[ta*vya\ vaDaUraVe pade vadeta< MM

Dhanam dhaanyam cha mishtaan-nam, vyanja-naadyam cha yad grihe. Mada-dheenam cha kartavyam, vadhoo-raadhe pade vadet.

“You have made me responsible for the wealth and foodstuff in the home, so that I may be able to discharge my duties of serving the household.”

SECOND STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\  We Ojae* ivaSNaustvaa nayatau M

Om dwe oorje Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“May God bless you with Strength.”

The Kanyaa responds:

ku[qumba\ p=aTaiyaSyaaima tae sada maVjauBaaiSaNaI M

  du:Kae DaIra sauKae )Sqa iWtaIyae saa%ba=vaIWca: MM

Kutumbam prathayish-yaami, te sadaa manju-bhaashinee. Duhkhe dheeraa sukhe hrishtaa, dwiteeye saa’braveed vachah.

“I shall nurture the family and foster harmony by sweet and firm speech. In adversity, I shall be firm; in happiness, I shall be happy.”

THIRD STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\ }aIiNa rayaspaaeSaaya ivaSNaustvaa nayatau M

Om treeni raayas-poshaaya Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“May God lead you to Prosperity.”

The Kanyaa responds:

paitaBai>rtaainatya\ k=[IizSyaaima tvayaa sah M

  tvadnya\ na nar\ ma\nsyae ta&taIyae saa%ba=vaIiddma< MM

Pati bhakti-rataa nityam, kreedish-yaami twayaa saha. Twadan-yam na naram mans-ye, triteeya saa’braveedi-dam.

“I shall always be faithful to you, and we shall have pleasure together. Thought of another person will never enter my mind.”

FOURTH STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\ catvaair mayaaeBavaaya ivaSNaustvaa nayatau M

Om chatwaari mayo bhavaaya Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“May the All-pervading God lead you to Bliss and happiness in your new home.”

The Kanyaa responds:

laalayaaima ca ke[xaanta\ ganDamaalyaanaulaepanaE: M

k[aVcanaEBaU*SaNaEstauBya\ taurIya saa pade vadeta< MM

Laala-yaami cha keshaantam, gandha maalyaa-nu-lepanaih. Kaancha-nair bhoosha-nais tubhyam, tureeya saa pade vadet.

“I shall adorn myself with jewels and clothing only for you, and no one else.”

FIFTH STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\ paVca paxauByaae ivaSNaustvaa nayatau M

Om pancha pashubhyo Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“May the All-pervading God lead you to the Sharing and Partnership of Resources.”

The Kanyaa responds:

saKaIpairva&taa inatya\ gaaEyaa*raDanatatpara M

      tvaiya Ba>a BaivaSyaaima paVcamae saa pade Bava MM

Sakhee pari-vritaa nityam, gaur-yaa raadhana-tat paraa. Twayi bhaktaa bhavish-yaami, panchame saa pade bhava.

“I shall always worship God for our welfare. I shall always be devoted to you.”

SIXTH STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\ Saz< `tauByaae ivaSNaustvaa nayatau M

Om shad ritu-bhyo Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“May God lead you to the Joys of the Seasons.”

The Kanyaa responds:

ya$e haemae ca danaadaE BaivaSyaaima tvayaa sah M

        Damaa*Ta*k[amak[ayae*Sau vaDaU: SaSQe pade vadeta< MM

Yajne home cha daa-naa-dau, bhavish-yaami twayaa saha. Dhar-maartha kaama-kaaryeshu, vadhooh shashthe pade vadet.

“I shall always be with you when making sacrifices, offerings, or giving charity, and any other act for attaining wealth, desires and piety.”

SEVENTH STEP

The Vara says:

Aae\ saKae saptapada Bava saa maamanauva=taa Bava ivaSNaustvaa

  nayatau M

Om sakhe sapta-padaa bhava, saa maa-manu-vrataa bhava Vishnus-twaa nayatu.

“You are my dearest Friend. May we be faithful unto each other. May God lead you for the fulfillment of these vows.”

The Kanyaa responds:

savae*%}a saai#aNastva\ ih mama Bata*&tvamaagata: M

        k&[taena ba=HNaa paUva* \ ivaDaanaena ku[laae{ama MM

Sarve’tra saakshi-nas-twam, hi mama bhartri twam-aagatah. Kritena brahmanaa poorva, vidhaa-nena kulot-tama.

“All gathered here have witnessed this marriage whereby you have become my husband in strict accordance with the sacred vows.”

WATER IS SPRINKLED ON THE VARA & KANYAA

Aae\ Aapa: ixavaa: ixavatamaa: xaantaa: xaantatamaastaastae

k&[Nvantau BaeSajama< M

Aae\ AapaaeihSQ mayaae Bauvastaa na Ojae *dDaatana M maherNaaya

ca#asae MM

Aae\ yaae va: ixavatamaae rsastasya Baajayatae h na: M oxataIirva

maatar: MM

Aae\ tasmaa ArX<gamaama vaae yasya #ayaaya ijanvaTa M Aapaae

janayaTaa ca na: MM

Om aapah shivaah shiva-tamaah shaantaah, shaanta-tamaas-taaste krinwantu bheshaja.

Om aapo hishthaa mayo-bhuwas-taa, na oorje dadhaatana. Mahera-naaya chaksa-se.

Om yo vah shivatamo rasas-tasya, bhaaja-yate ha nah. Usha-teeriva maatarah.

Om tasmaa aranga-maama, vo yasya kshayaaya jinvatha.  Aapo jana-yathaa cha nah                    

“Water (God’s blessing) certainly brings refreshment in life. May it sustain in you the energy whereby you can perceive truth and win in the great battle of life.

“As water, the sweetness of taste that it possesses, may life brings sweetness unto  you, just as a loving mother gives the best to her children.

“O God! To you do they readily come for the energy that you possess.   Grant them creative strength.”

saUya* dxa*na - SOORYA DARSHANA

The Vara and Kanyaa look at the Sun as a witness to the marriage.

Aae\ tacca#aude*vaihta\ paurstaacCuk=[mauccarta< M paxyaema xard:

xata\ jaIvaema xarda: xata\ Ea&Nauyaama xard: xata\ p=aba=vaama

xard: xatamadInaa: syaama xard: xata\ BaUyaxca xard: xataata<

Om tach chakshur deva-hitam, puras-taach chhukram uch-charat. Pashyema sharadah shatam, jeevema sharadah shatam. Shrinu-yaama sharadah shatam, pra-bravaama sharadah shatam. Adeenaah syaama sharadah shatam, bhooyash-cha sharadah shataat.

“We meditate on the All-visioned and Benevolent Soorya (God), whose glance brings good to all and dispels all imperfections. By His grace, may we see, hear, speak, live and enjoy unfettered liberty for a hundred years, and more.”

)dya spaxa* - HRIDAYA SPARSHANA

The Vara places his right hand on the Kanyaa’s left shoulder.

Aae\ mama va=tae )dya\ dDaaima mama ica{amanauica{a\ tae%stau M

mama vaacamaek[manaa jauSasva p=ajaapaitaSq<vaa inayaunaktau

maHyama< MM

Aae\ yadetata< )dya\ tava tadstau )dya\ mama M

yaidd\ )dya\ mama tadstau )dya\ tava MM

Om mama vrate te hridayam dadhaami mama chittam anu chittam te astu mama vaacham eka-

manaa jushaswa brihaspatish twaa ni-yunaktu mahyam.

Om yadetat hridayam tawa, tadastu hridayam mama. Yadidam hridayam mama, tadastu hridayam tawa.

“I place your heart into my vowed discipline. Let our minds be in accord. United in mind, may our speech be pleasant. God has joined us together.”

“Oh my chosen one! Whatever desire there is in your heart, may the same be in my heart. Whatever love is in my heart, may the same be in your heart.”

EXCHANGE OF VOWS AND PROMISES

k[nyaaevaaca - THE KANYAA SAYS

taITa* va=taaeVpanaya$dana\ mayaa sah tva\ yaid k[anta ku[yaa*: M

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaad vaakya\ p=aTama\ ku[maarI MM

hvya p=adanaErmarainpata&\xca k[vyap=adanaEya*id paUjayaeTaa: M

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaad k[nyaa vacana\ iWtaIyama< MM

ku[qumba r#aa BarNae yaid tva\ ku[yaa*: paxaUnaa\ pairpaalanaVca M

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaad k[nyaa vacana\ ta&taIyama< MM

AayavyayaaE DaanyaDanaaidk[anaa\ pa&Sq<vaainavaexaVca ga&he inadDyaa:M

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaad k[nyaa vacana\ catauTa*ma< MM

devaalayaarama tazaga kU[pa vaaipa inadDyaa yaid paUjayaeTaa: M  

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaad k[nyaa vacana\ capa\camama< M

dexaa\tare vaasvapaurantarevaa yadaiva dDyaa: k=[yaivak=[yaaE tvama< M

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaad k[nyaa vacana\ ca SaSQma< M

na saevanaIyaapark[Iyavaamaa tvayaa Bavae Baaiva inak[aima naIita M

vaamaa\gamaayaaima tada tvadIya\ jagaadk[nyaa vacana\ ca saptamama<

Teertha vrato-dya pana yajna-daanam, mayaa saha twam yadi kaanta kuryaah. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam prathamam kumaaree.

Havya pradaa-naira maraan pitrinsh-cha, kavya pradaa nair yadi pooja-yethaah. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam vachanam dwiteeyam.

Kutumba rakshaa bharane yadi twam, kuryaah pashoo-naam pari-paala-nancha. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam vachanam triteeyam.

Aayav-yayau dhaanya dhanaadi-kaanaam, prish-twaa niveshan-cha grihe nidadh-yaah. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam vachanam chaturtham.

Devaalayaa-raama taraaga koopa, vaapi nidadhyaa yadi pooja-yethaah. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam vachanam cha panchamam.

Deshaantare vaasva puraan-ta-reva, yadaavi dadhyaah kraya vikrayau twam. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam vachanam cha shashtham.

Na sewaneeya parakeeya vaamaa, twayaa bhave bhaavi nikaami neeti. Vaamaanga-mayaami tadaa twadeeyam, jagaada vaakyam vachanam cha saptamam.

If ever, oh Groom, you desire to go on any pilgrimage or give any gifts, or do any Yajna, then I ask that I be consulted and join with you on such occasions. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.Should you desire to perform any form of worship or rites for your departed ancestors, then I ask that you allow e to join with you. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.

I ask that I be fully in-charge of our house-hold and that I be allowed without hindrance to do my duty in caring for our parents. If we should rear any animals, then I ask that I join with you in their care. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.

Whatever through your earnings, whether wealth or grains should come into our house-hold, I ask that I be consulted fully in using same. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.

If ever you desire to construct any temple, well, etc., for public use, then I ask that I be consulted and that I join with you in their inauguration ceremonies. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.

Whatever trade, business or occupation you engage in at home or abroad, I ask that you allow me in assisting you in the same. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.

Whether in joy or sorrow, in sickness or health, in poverty or wealth, promise that you will honour, respect, love and be devoted to me to the exclusion of all others. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.

var ovaaca - THE VARA SAYS

madIyaica{anaugataVca ica{a\ sadamada$a pairpaalanaVca M

paitava=taaDama* parayaNaa{va\ ga&hsya k[aya* sak[la\ ku[fSva MM

Madeeya chit-tan anugatan-cha chit-tan, sadaa madaajnaa pari-paala-nancha. Pati vrrataa dharma paraaya naat-twam, grihasya kaarya sakalam kurushwa.

“Promise, oh Bride, that you shall always be devoted to me alone in thought, word and deed, carrying out your wifely duties in accordance with our Dharma.”

isandUr dana - SINDOORA DAANA

The Kanyaa now moves over and sits on the left side of the Vara. The Vara applies Sindoor 7 times on the forehead (hair-parting) of the Kanyaa, moving his hand upward.

Aa\e saumaX<galaIirya\ vaDaUirmaa| samaeta paxyata M

saaEBaagyamasyaE dtvaa yaTaa%sta\ ivapareta na MM

Om sumangalee-riyam vadhoo-rimaam sameta pash-yata. Saubhaagyam-asyai datwaa yathaa’stam vipareta na.

“All present here witness that this young lady (bride) has become my wife. Bless her with happiness, prosperity and long life. Treat her with all friendliness”

Four married young ladies (whose husbands are alive) apply sindoor on her head with this statement.

Aae\ AKaNz saaEBagyaavataI Bava M

Om akhanda saubhaagyaa-vatee bhava.

"May there be continuous good fortune for you.”

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Aae\ ihrNyagaBa* sa\BaUta\ saaEvaNa* \ caa\gaulaIyak[ma< M

        sava*p=ad\ p=ayacCaima p=aItaae%stau p=ajaapaita: MM

Om hiranya-garbha sam-bhootam, sau-varnam chaangulee-yakam. Sarva-pradam pra-yach-chhaami, preeto’stu prajaa-patih.

EXCHANGE OF MALAS

 Aae\ va=taena dI#aamaapnaaeita dI#ayaa%pnaaeita di#aNama< M

       di#aNaa Eawamaapnaaeita Eawyaa satyamaapyatae MM

Om vratena deekshaam aapnoti, deekshayaa aapnoti dakshinam. Dakshinaa sraddhaam aapnoti, sraddhayaa satyam aapyate.

MANGAL SUTRA

The Vara puts on the MANGAL SUTRA on the Kanyaa to mark her new Grihastha stage.

Aae\ maX<gala\ Bagavaana< ivaSNauma*X<gala\ gafzDvaja: M

        maX<gala\ pauNzrIk[a#a\ maX<galaaya tanaae hir: MM

Om mangalam Bhagawaan Vishnur, mangalam Garuda dhwajah. Mangalam pundaree kaaksham, mangalaaya tano Harih.

isvaSqk&[ta< haema

The Vara and Kanyaa now perform Swishtakrit Havan.

Aae\ Agnayae isvaSqk&[tae svaaha M wd\ isvaSqk&[tae wdma< na mama

Aae\ yaa\ maeDaa\ devagaNaa: ipatarxcaaepaasatae M tayaa maamaV

maeDayaa%gnae maeDaaivana\ ku[f svaaha MM

Aae\ Aapae jyaaetaIrsaae%ma&ta\ ba=Hma BaUBau*va: svaraema< svaaha M

Aae\ tata< saivatauva*reNya\ Bagaae* devasya DaImaih iDayaae yaae na:

p=acaaedyaata< svaaha M

Aae\ maUDaa*naindvaae Arita\ pa&iTavyaa vaExvaanarma&taajaatamaignama< M

k[ivagva| sama=ajamaitaiTa\ janaanaamaasannaa paa}a\ janaya\ta devaa

svaaha MM

Aae\ sava* \ vaE paUNa* | svaaha MM

Om agnaye swishta-krite swaahaa. Idam swishta-krite idam na mama.

Om yaam medhaam deva ganaah, pita-rashcho paasate. Tayaa maamadya medha yaagne medhaa vinam kuru swaahaa.

Om aapo jyotee raso'mritam brahma bhoor bhuvah swarom swaahaa.

Om tat savitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dheemahi. Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat swaahaa.   

Om moordhaa nandivo aratim prithivyaa, vaishwaa naramritaa jaatam agnim. Kavigwam samraajam atithim, janaa naamaa sannaa paatram janayanta devaa swaahaa.

ivaxvak[lyaana p=aaTa*Naa

VISHWA KALYAANA PRAARTHNAA

Aae\ sava*e Bavantau sauiKana: savae* santau inaramayaa: M

savae* Bad=aiNa paxyantau maa k[ixca_u:KaBaagBavaeta< MM

duja*na: sajjanaae BaUyaata< sajjana: xaaintamaapnauyaata< M

xaantaae maucyaeta bandeByaae mau>xcaayaana< ivamaaecayaeta< MM

k[alae vaSa*tau paja*nya: pa&iTavaI xasya xaailanaI M

dexaae%ya\ #aaeBarihtaae saup=ajaa: santau inaBa*yaa: MM

sava*startau dugaa*iNa savae* Bad=aiNa paxyatau M

sava*: k[amaanavaapnaaetau sava*: sava*}a nandtau MM

svaista maa}a otaipa}ae naae%stau svaista gaaeByaae jagatae paufSaeBya:

ivaxva\ sauBaUta\ sauivada}a\ naae%stau jyaaegaeva d&Syaema saUya*ma< MM

svaista p=ajaaBya: pairpaalayantaa\ nyaayaena maagae*Na mahI\ mahIxaa:M

gaaesaup=ajaaBya: xauBamastau inatya\ laaek[a: samastaa: sauiKanaae

Bavantau MM laaek[a: samastaa: sauiKanaae Bavantau M

laaek[a: samastaa: sauiKanaae Bavantau M

Aae\ xaainta: xaainta: xaainta: hir Aae\ MM

AASHIRVAADA

Aae\ xa\ naae ima}a: xa\ vafNa: xa\ naae Bavatvaya*maa M

xa\ na wnd=ae ba&hspaita: xa\ naae ivaSNauffk=[ma: MM

xa\ naae vaata: pavataa|% xa\ nastapatau saUya*: M

xa\ na: k[inak=[d_eva: paja*nyaae%iBa vaSa*tau MM

Aae\ yaa\ maeDaa\ devagaNaa: ipatarxcaaepaasatae M

tayaa maamaV maeDayaa%gnae maeDaaivana\ ku[f MM

Aae\ maeDaa\ mae vafNaae ddatau maeDaamaigna: p=ajaapaita: M

maeDaaimand=xca vaayauxca maeDaa\ Daataa ddatau mae MM

Aae\ Bad=mastau ixava\ caastau mahala#maI: p=asaIdtau M

r#antau tvaa\ sada devaa: sampad: santau sava*da MM

Aae\ xaainta: xaainta: xaainta: hir Aae\ MM

Om shan no mitrah sham Varunah, shan no bhavat-varyama. Shan na indro Brihas-patih,

shan no Vishnu-ru-rukramah.

Shan no vaatah pavataam, shan nastapatu sooryah. Shan nah kanikradad devah, parjanyo’bhi varshatu.

Om yaam medhaam deva ganaah, pita-rashcho paasate. Tayaa maamadya medha yaagne medhaa vinam kuru.

Om medhaam me Varuno dadaatu, medhaam agnih prajaa-patih. Medhaam indrash-cha vaayush-cha, medhaam dhaataa dadaatu me.

Om bhadram-astu Shivam chaastu, mahaa Lakshmeeh praseedatu. Rakshantu twaam sadaa devaah, sampadah santu sarvadaa.

Om shaantih shaantih shaantih. Hari Om.

END OF THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY

        KEY TO PRONUNCIATION

        a ………..  as in bat

        aa ………  as in ball

        i    ………. as in give

        ee ………..as in see

        u   ………..as in put

        oo ………..as in boot

        e   ………..as in eight

        ai  ………..as in kite

        o   ………..as in so

        au  ……….as in cow

Ingredients:

Rice, sugar, dye, sindoor, supaaree, attar, camphor, coins, cotton wool, agarbatti, tulasi, flowers, paan leaves, mango leaves, bahema grass, kusha grass, ghee, havan kund, dhoop, honey, tag paat, mangal sutra, lawa, thali and lota for kanya daan (girl wedding), ring.