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List of ceremonies
1. Madhuperk:
2. Kanyadaan: Giving away the bride
3. Havan: Lighting the sacred fire
4. Pani Grahan Sanskar: The groom vows to look after his wife
5. Shilarohan: Using the rock as a symbol of permanence
6. Lajahom: Sacrifice offered to the sacred fire
7. Parikrama: Circumventions around the sacred fire
8. Saptapadi: Seven steps around the sacred fire
9. Sprinkling water on the couple: Invoking blessings from deities
10. Hriday Sparshmantra: Vows taken by the couple
11. Sindoor: The groom applies vermilion on the bride
12. Dhruvnakshatra: Viewing the Pole Star
13. Arundhati Nakshatra: Invoking blessings from Arundhati and Vashisht
14. Ashirwaad: The blessing
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Shaadi:
The Vidhi or rites of Arya Samaj wedding rituals :-
Madhuperk:
Once the bride and groom have entered the 'mandap' the Vedic rites begin, the first one being the 'madhuperk'. The bride gives the groom water three
times. The first time he sprinkles it in his feet, the second time he sprinkles it all over his body and the third time he drinks the water.
'Madhuperk' is a mixture of curds, 'ghee' or clarified butter and honey. The groom sprinkles a little bit of this in all directions and then eats it three times.
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Kanyadaan: Giving away the bride
The bride's parents offer their daughter's hand in marriage to the groom and he accepts it.
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Havan: Lighting the sacred fire
To invoke the blessings of 'Agni' or the God of Fire, the 'pujari' lights a sacred fire or 'havan' to the chanting of Vedic mantras. There are two
types of 'havans' - the 'sadharan' (ordinary) or 'vishesh' (special). The 'vishesh' havan is the chanting of mantras and praying to all the
'Divyashaktis' or forms of God. The main 'prarthana' or prayer during the lighting of the 'havan' is the 'prarthana' of 'grahast jivan' (married life).
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Pani Grahan Sanskar: The groom vows to look after his wife
The groom stands up and takes his bride's hand in his and chants mantras, promising to look after her till her old age and keep her happy at all
times. He accepts her as his 'poshya' (meaning that he will provide for all her needs). The bride and groom now take one 'parikrama' (circumvention) around the fire.
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Shilarohan: Using the rock as a symbol of permanence
The bridegroom chants a 'mantra' and the bride's mother places her daughter's right foot on a stone. The rock is a symbol of stability, permanence and
firmness. The bride's position in the groom's home is now permanent and together, the couple will face all of life's challenges like two solid rocks.
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Lajahom: Sacrifice offered to the sacred fire
'Laja' is puffed rice, a symbol of prosperity. The bride's brother stands behind the couple while the couple faces each other. The bride places
both her hands into the groom's and her brother then puts the puffed rice into them. Together they offer this 'laja' as an 'ahuti' or sacrifice
into the fire amidst the chanting of mantras.
This ritual is performed three times and each time the mantras chanted have a different meaning.
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Parikrama: Circumventions around the sacred fire
The couple goes around the sacred fire four times, each 'parikrama' (circumvention) strengthening the bond between them. The first three
times the bride must lead the groom, as she is the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. It is only after the fourth 'parikrama' that she becomes the
'ardhangani' (wife) and is now her husband's responsibility. After the completion of the 'parikramas' the 'pujari' ties the bride's sari 'pallav'
to the groom's 'angavastra' (a scarf tied around the shoulders), with three knots.
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Saptapadi: Seven steps around the sacred fire
These are seven steps taken by the bride and groom together, each step has significance.
After the 'saptapadi' the couple takes one 'parikrama' around the fire together with neither of them leading.
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Sprinkling water on the couple: Invoking blessings from deities
Older members of the groom's family sprinkle water on the couple while four 'mantras' are chanted by the 'pujari'. These prayers are recited
to invoke the blessings of all the deities in the couple.
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Hriday Sparshmantra: Vows taken
The bride and groom place one hand on each other's hearts and chant 'mantras' together. The meaning of these 'mantras' is - ' I am installing you in
my heart from this day onwards; I will be loyal to you; this alliance is made in Heaven; let us ask the Almighty for His blessings'.
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Sindoor: The groom applies vermilion on the bride
'Sindoor' or vermilion powder is the sign of a married Hindu lady. The groom applies 'sindoor' in the center parting of the bride's hair and
also ties the 'mangalsutra' around her neck.
The bride and groom feed each other sweets and the 'mantras' chanted at this time hold good for both and are not one sided. It is not only the
wife's duty to ensure that her husband is fed; he in turn also has to see that she has been looked after.
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Dhruvnakshatra: Viewing the Pole Star
The couple is now instructed to look towards the Pole Star ('Dhruvnakshatra') amidst the chanting of 'mantras'. The Pole Star is always firm in its
place and the vow means that 'I will live permanently with you'.
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Arundhati Nakshatra: Invoking blessings from Arundhati and Vashisht
'Arundhati' was the wife of the sage 'Vashisht'. The 'Arundhati' and 'Vashist Nakshatras' are two stars joined together and appear as one at all times.
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Ashirwaad: The blessing
Now that the marriage rites have been completed, the newly weds are blessed by all the elders. Everyone present showers coloured rice or 'akshat' on the couple.
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