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THE SIXTEEN STAGES OF THE JAIN MARRIAGE CEREMONY
14. SECOND ABHISHEKA
(Anointing with holy water).
1. MATRUKA STHAPAN
15. KAR-MOCHAN
(Invocation of the heavenly goddesses, and calling them to a temporary abode in the bride's home).
(The joined hands are released)
16. BLESSINGS.
2. KULKAR STHAPAN
The marriage ceremony is conducted by a Jain Brahmin or by any well-respected Jain.
(Invocation of the heavenly gods, and calling them to a temporary abode in the bridegroom's home).
1. MATRUKA STHAPAN (Invocation of heavenly goddesses and calling them to a temporary abode in the bride's home).
3. MANDAP PRATISTHA
(Invocation of the gods of all places).
4. THE MARRIAGE PROCESSION
5. MANGALASTAK
(Auspicious Prayers)
At this time (which may be on the day of the marriage, or from 2 to 7 days before) the heavenly goddesses (Matas Brahmani, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani, Chamunda, and Tripura) are called by sacred prayers to take up temporary abode in the bride's home and to ensure the happiness and fertility of the couple. 2. KULKAR STHAPAN (Invocation of heavenly gods and calling them to a temporary abode in the bridegroom's home).
6. HASTA MELAP 7. TORAN PRATISTHA
(Joining of Hands). (Invocation of the toran arch of leaves at the
entrance representing the goddess Lakshmi.).
A similar ceremony calls the seven gods (Vimal-Vahan, Chakhsusman, Yashasvan, Abhichandra, Prasenjit, Marudev, and Nabhi) to the bridegroom's home to ensure the happiness, fertility and maintenance of the family tradition.
VEDI PRATISTHA
(Invocation of the gods of earth).
AGNI STHAPAN
(Invocation of fire gods).
In the days before the marriage, the skin of both bride and groom will be regularly massaged with beautifying substances, perfumed oil, turmeric and other things. Pujas will be performed in the temple for their well-being.
8. HOUM
(Offerings placed in the fire to the heavenly divinitics)
9. FIRST ABHISHEKA
(Sprinkling the couple with the holy water).
After the day of marriage, ideally seven days after it, but earlier if this is not possible, a further ceremony bids farewell to the deities.
3. MANDAP PRATISTHA (Manek Stambha)
10. GOTRACHAR
(Recitation of family genealogy).
11. FOUR ROUNDS
(The Couple circle the fire four times).
The ceremony of establishing the mandap (manek stambha) takes place either on the day of marriage or a few days before the marriage, at the bride's home, though often it is moved to a hired hall for the marriage ceremony proper. Sometimes the ceremony is done at the bridegroom's house as well.
12. KANYA DAN
(Giving away the bride to the groom).
13. VASKSHEPA
(Anointing the couple with Vaskshep - holy powder of saffron, sandalwood and rice).
The mandap manek stambha) is a sacred point within the chori an area created by placing four corner pillars and torans (arches of leaves). The marriage ceremony takes place inside this chori and Vedi (a small low platform) in the centre carries the Sacred Fire.
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Jain Education Interational 2010_03
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