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Jaina Community - A Social Survey
and the Saptapadi are performed.126 Though the Jaina system of marriage varies from region to region, we have noted the commonly followed rites among the Svetāmbaras and Digambaras, and it may be observed that both the sections of Jainas regard the rites of Pānigrahana (or Hastamilāpa ) and Saptapadi (or Agnipradakshina ) as the indispensable rites in the marriage cere mony. Both the rites are meant to impress upon the minds of the bridal pair the ultimate aim of marriage. The spectacular observance of Saptapadi is something which participants cannot be expected to forget while they live. Here a physical fire is used as a symbol of an inner fire, the fire of renunciation, that sanctifies and makes holy. When the wedding couple go round the Sacred Fire, in circum-ambulation, they are required to impress it on their minds that not pleasure seeking, but salvation, through renunciation, is the ideal of life. The officiating Priest is required to address the bridal pair at this time and has to impress upon their minds that the aim of life is notthe wasting of it in the joys and thrills of sensegratification, but the burning up of the seed of sin by the Fire of Renunciation. 127
9. CONSUMMATION OF MARRIAGE
When the institution of marriage is designed to regulate the sexual behaviour of people, it is but natural that certain provision will have to be made regarding the time when that behaviour should be followed by the married couple. This freedom is not given to the couple before marriage even though betrothal has taken place. Strict virginity is expected from both the parties before the marriage and as such no elaborate restrictions are levied on their sexual freedom after the marriage ceremony. Generally the bridal pair is allowed to have the consummation of marriage within a week after the marriage ceremony. The Hindu texts enjoin on the newly wedded couple to observe strict celibacy for three days after gļha-praveśa, i. e., the last rite of the marriage. ceremony, is over and to mate on the fourth day after certain rites known as the foetus-laying rites are performed.128 Among the Svetāñbara Jainas, the newly married pair departs for consummation of marriage on the same day on which Asirvacha or Asīrvāda, i. e., the last marriage ceremony is performed.129 According to the Digambara Jainas, the bride and bridegroom should observe
