Jain Marriage Ceremony

Author(s): Unknown
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 12

recited by the priest. At the end of each step/walk, the open palms of the bride are filled to overflowing with puffed rice by her brother, signifying abundance of wealth and prosperity. We shall always remain together in happiness and sorrow.
We shall embrace each other's families as our own.
We shall remain life partners & serve each other with happiness and love.
We shall assist each other in all circumstances.
We shall share our minds, hearts, and spirits.
We strive to grow our love and spiritual and philosophical quests.
We agree to a life of equal rights and will perform our duties with mutual cooperation and respect. After taking the seven steps, the couple takes the following vows: We have taken the first seven steps as life partners, let us be friends and partners forever. Let us have a joint purpose and determination. Let us love each other and shine together. Let us grow together when possible and to understand the other's growth when separate from our own. Let us not swerve from the path of our love, devotion, commitment, and friendship with each other. Let us be complimentary and peaceful in our thoughts, speech, actions, and feelings.
The couple is now officially married and exchange rings and the wedding necklace.
15. Mangalsutra, Rings, and Sindoor (wedding necklace, rings, and holy red powder)
Groom places sindoor on Bride's forehead and welcomes her into his life as his eternal partner. He also places a sacred necklace made of black beads around her neck as a symbol of his love, integrity, and devotion towards her. Finally, Bride and Groom exchange wedding bands to show that they are now married. The priest requests the audience to say the following words aloud: ૐ પુણ્યાહ પુણ્યા, પ્રિયંત પ્રિયતમ્
OM punyaham punyaham, priyantam priyantam
(may there be meritorious and good deeds)
At this time, witnesses of the wedding shower rice on the couple to convey their blessings for longevity and prosperity.
16. Kansar Ceremony (holy food offering)
Nourishing the relationship through holy food offerings, the bride's mother brings the couple some Indian sweets. The bride and groom feed each other four mouthfuls of sweets for the nourishment of the bone, the muscle, the skin, and the soul. This signifies that she is his wife and that he is her husband and together they will provide for one another and their families. The sharing of sweets also signifies the rich and sweet life that awaits them.
17. Shanti Mantra (peace prayer)
As the end of the ceremony approaches, the priest receites a peace chant asking for universal peace for all beings. The priest also sprinkles väsaksepa (orange holy powder) on the heads of the couple and gives them further good wishes and blessings.
ૐ હી અને અસિ આ સાય
નમઃ સર્વશાન્તિ કુરુ કુરુ સ્વાહાઃ
OM hrim arham asi ā sāya
namaḥ sarvasantim kuru kuru svähäḥ