Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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Step 4: Vara Prekshanam
In this ritual, the bridegroom and the bride look at each other formally for the first time. The bridegroom worries about any dosas (defects) that the bride might have and prays to the gods Varuna, Brihaspati, Indra and Surya to remove every defect and to make her fit for harmonious and long marriage life blessed with progeny and happiness. The bride groom recites the mantra and wipes the eyebrows of the bride with a blade of darbha grass, as if he is chasing away all defects. The darbha grass is thrown behind the bride at the conclusion of this ceremony.
Step 5: Vara Mala (Garlanding each other)
In this ritual both bride and groom garland each other. The first garlanding is done by the bride, followed by groom. This is considered as a main ritual following the tradition of Swyamvar of Sita and Lord Ram.
Step 6: Maangalya Dhaaranam
There is no Veda Mantra for tying the mangala sutram (auspicious thread) around the neck of the bride by the groom. The latter takes the mangala sutram in his hands and recites the following verse:
Mangalyam tantunAnena mama jlvanA hethunA | kaNThe: badhnami subhage! sanjiva Sarada: Satam ||
(Meaning: This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck, O maiden having many auspicious attributes! May you live happily for a hundred years (with me). Step 7: Paani Grahanam (also known as Hast Milap)
After maangalya dhaaranam, the groom lowers his right palm and encloses it over the right hand of the bride. He covers all the five fingers of the right hand of the bride with his right palm through this act of paani grahanam. He recites mantras in praise of Bhaga, Aryama, Savita, Indra, Agni, Suryan, Vayu and Saraswati, while holding the bride's hand. He prays for long life, progeny, prosperity and harmony with the bride during their married life. The closed fingers of the right hand of the bride is said to represent her heart. The paani grahanam ritual symbolizes the bride surrendering her heart in the hands of the groom during the occasion of the marriage. Step 8: Pradhaana Homam
After sapta padi, the couple take their seat on the western side of the sacred fire and conduct pradhaana homam. During the conducting of this homam, the bride must place her right hand on her husband's body so that she gets the full benefit of the homam through symbolic participation.
Step 9: Sapta Padi
During this ritual, the groom walks with the bride to the right side of the sacred fire. All along, he holds his wife's right hand in his right hand in the way in which he held her hand during the paani grahanam ceremony. He stops, bends down and touches the right toe of his wife with his right hand and helps her take seven steps around the fire. At the beginning of each step, he
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