South Indian Vedic/Hindu Wedding Ceremony According to Apastamba
Day One - Evening
- Rites of the Canopy.
All marriages are conducted under a canopy called pandal especially constructed for this purpose. Obstacles are removed with the worship of Ganesha and the canopy is sanctified with the Punyaha-vachana ceremony.
- The Niscittartham
Also known as the Vang-niscaya ceremony which is the official engagement ceremony in which the invitation cards are read out.
- Preliminary Rites
The rites take place separately in the respective residences of the bride and the groom. In the case of the groom it is;
- The Ankur arpana rite for health and happiness - seeds are sown in five clay vessels followed by the Ankur arpana homa.
- The samavartana & Kashi-yatra ceremony for the brahmacari entering into the stage of householder. Nowadays this is not bonafide in most cases because the groom is usually a man of secular upbringing and practice. Merely the changing of the sacred thread (including a second one) can be done with the recitation of the proper mantras.
In the case of the bride it is the worship of goddess Mangala Gauri for auspiciousness and long married life.
Both the bride and the groom together with their respective parents have the kankanam (protective cord) tied to their wrists for protection against evil influences and to protect against pollution. The protective thread is removed on the fourth day after the Shesha homa rites.
Both of them have the nandi mukha shraddha performed to honour their respective ancestors. Amongst the Smartas the navagraha homam is done to propitiate the planetary Deities. Some families also invite four brahmins to chant the Udaka Shanti mantras.
Wedding Day
- Reception of the Groom.
The groom arrives and is ceremonially welcomed by the father of the bride and given all honour and invited to the canopy.
- Giving of the Bride
The bride is given away by her father or guardian after reciting of her lineage and pedigree together with that of the groom.
- Honouring of the groom
The groom is given a seat, his feet are washed and he is honoured by his father and mother-in-law as the manifestation of Lord Maha-vishnu.
- Sanctification of the Bride
Rituals are performed by the groom for the sanctification of the bride. She is given a set of clothes by the groom which is a token of his undertaking all her future material comforts and needs. She retires to wear her wedding sari.
- Presenting the token of Marriage
The sacred thread and ornament (mangala sutra) are sanctified and then tied around the bride's neck as a symbol of her marital status, the sister of the groom helps him with this and is given a present by the bride's family. A girdle (yoktram) symbolizing chastity is tied around her waist.
- Taking of the Hand
The groom formally accepts the bride and takes her hand while reciting ritual formulae.
- Seven steps
The couple take seven steps together symbolic of the journey of life which they are beginning and in which they will be inseparable companions. Each step is sanctified with a blessing.
- Exchanging of garlands
The couple exchange garlands to symbolize the unity between them. In some communities the couple pour handfuls of rice over each other (Akshata aropanam) as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
- Fire sacrifice
This ritual is done to pray for the well-being of the bride and her future offspring as well as prosperity and happiness for all the family.
- Treading the Mill-stone
The bride is requested to tread upon a mill stone and exhorted to be firm in her marital duties and to try to resolve all problems in the marriage.
- Offering of fried grains
This is to symbolize the burning of past karmas and wishing for fertility and longevity of the husband. She is assisted by her broth
er who is also given a gift by the groom's family.
- Releasing of the Girdle
The girdle (yoktram) which was tied previously is now released, symbolizing the releasing of the bride from her father's authority and the handing over of the duty of protection to the husband.
- Pravesha Homa — Entry Sacrifice
Entry sacrifice is performed at the home of the groom when the bridal couple enter the house. During the next three nights the couple sleep in the same bed with a decorated bamboo pole (Representing a Gandharva) separating them. This is too discourage them from consummating the marriage until the caturthi karma or rites of the fourth day.
- Shesha Homa — Rites for progeny
The bamboo pole is removed and prayers are offered for successful conception and progeny. All these rituals are to stress and reinforce the idea that the purpose of marriage is the performance of religious and social duties and the begetting of offspring.
- Samaveshana (Garbhadanam) — Rite of Consummation
This ceremony is the sanctification of the first act of coitus. It is a sacred act in which it is hoped worthy, intelligent and spiritual children will be conceived.
