Spiritualization of the auspicious ceremony of marriage

Marriage arrangements – Spiritualize every act
performed in the ceremony and experience bliss!

The marriage is a special moment that marks the beginning of a new life together. This moment is recognized with traditions, ceremonies and rituals. We are blessed to be born in the superior most Hindu Dharma because of the merit of our past births. If we abide by Dharma, then Anand(Bliss) for which we keep striving, can be attained easily.

In Hindu Dharma, each and every act or event of our life is spiritualised so that it benefits us ! How grateful should we be to God for this ! Marriage is considered as one of the important sanskar (Vedic rituals to create subconscious impressions) in Hindu Dharmawhere all individuals can benefit from sattvikta . Therefore, it is important to spiritualise every act in a marriage ceremony. Let us see how we can do it.

1. Simple preparations that can be done a few days before the marriage

A. Instead of printing exorbitantly priced marriage invitation cards, print thought-provoking matter pertaining to the Vivahasanskar, so also information to create awareness about the Nation and Dharma.

B. Give the prospective bride and groom a booklet on ‘Marriage Sanskar’ and the Holy text titled ‘Sanskar itself is sadhana (Spiritual practice)’ published by Sanatan Sanstha. After reading these books, they will be motivated to perform marriage rituals as per the scriptures and with bhav (Spiritual emotion).

2. Acts to be performed for the guests who have arrived for the marriage

Nowadays, the guests chat amongst themselves when the rituals are going on. These are the acts that can be arranged for the guests attending the marriage.

A. Organise discourses on the Nation and Dharma.

B. Instead of organising music and DJs for the guests, play VCDs that provide information on Dharmacharan (Abiding by Dharma), for example on topics like how to pay obeisance as per the science of Spirituality, how to celebrate a birthday etc.

3. Acts that can be performed at the venue of the marriage

A. At the venue of the marriage, put up a banner with the logo of Gurukrupayoga , posters with religious quotes as well as Dharmashikshan (Education about Dharma) posters covering topics such as sadhana or Vivahasanskar.

B. Keep a donation box to collect funds for the cause of the Nation and Dharma.

C. Exhibit Holy texts on Dharma/Spirituality.

D. Exhibit products (Such as Sanatan incense-sticks, Sanatan camphor) which help in spreading sattvikta in the society.

E. Explain the importance of rituals in the marriage ceremony at specific intervals on the public address system.

F. Gift booklets/Holy texts on the subject of Dharmacharan to the guests.

4. Announcements to be made before the marriage muhurt (Auspicious time)

Ten minutes before the marriage muhurt, announce as mentioned ahead. The attire and hairstyle of the individual announcing should be as per Dharma.

A. All those interested in reciting the mangalashtake (Eight auspicious verses)should kindly meet Mr. ______
(Announce the name of responsible person).
B. During recitation of mangalashtake, do not throw akshata (Unbroken rice grains, usually smeared with kumkum and used in ritualistic worship) on the bride and the groom. Go close to them and sprinkle akshata on their heads only after the bride and the groom have garlanded each other.

C. When greeting the bride and the groom, please remove your footwear.

D. When greeting the bridal couple, instead of shaking hands, greet with a namaskar by joining both the palms.

E. Please make it a point to visit the stall which displays spiritual products in the marriage hall.

5. Guidance that can be given to guests

After the marriage ceremony is over, deliver a ten minute discourse on ‘what should be done to change the deteriorating state of the Nation and Dharma’ or on ‘Sadhana to be performed for God-realisation’. – Mrs. Medha Kande, Miraj

6. Gratitude to be paid on completion of the marriage ceremony

If religious rituals are performed as per the scriptures then, along with attaining happiness and good progeny the family too prospers. To achieve this, God has made a provision of beneficial mantras, which means that they have the support of a Divine resolve. Marriage rituals were not formulated by just about anyone. That is precisely why the entire human race benefits from them. All offer a coconut and a vida (Betel leaves and a betel nut) to the Deities before beginning an auspicious ceremony and pray for the completion of the ceremonies to take place without any obstacles. However, after their successful completion, they forget to express gratitude to the Deities. Hence, make it a point to express gratitude unto God for getting all the ceremonies completed in a smooth manner. – Shri. Damodar Vaze Guruji, Sanchalak, Sanatan-seeker priest, Vedpathshala, Ramnathi, Goa

7. Views expressed by guests attending a marriage performed as per the scriptures

On Magh Krushna 5, Kaliyug Varsh 5112 (22nd February 2011) marriage of seekers of Sanatan, Mr. Gautam Gadekar and Ms. Ranjana Gawas was held at Sri Bodgeshwar Devasthan, Mapusa (Goa) as mentioned in the scriptures. In this context, Mr. Ramesh Gawas (Ms. Ranjana’s father) narrated some views expressed by guests as mentioned ahead.

A. Due to the pleasant environment, did not feel like leaving the venue

The environment was pleasant. Instead of a ‘banjo’ or blaring music from loud speakers the pleasing sound of the clarion and chaughada (Typical Bharatiya assemblage of four kettle drums beaten two each by two men), the clear recitation of mantras etc., all were unique. Hence, we did not feel like leaving the celebration venue. – Several guests

B. Felt the presence of Deities during the celebrations

This is the first time we saw such a marriage ceremony. We recollected how marriages were performed in the earlier times. We realised that Hindu culture was being preserved. Mantras recited by the priests were charged with bhav. We could perceive the presence of Deities. For the first time I experienced what it was like to offer akshata on the heads of the bride and the groom by going close to them. Despite the crowd of guests being large, it was disciplined. – Mr. Umesh Kapse, Kolhapur

C. It was pleasant to see the rituals being performed as per the scriptures

Explaining the significance and science underlying the marriage rituals such as removing footwear when climbing onto the dais to greet the bride and groom, greeting by performing namaskar instead of a handshake etc. were aspects that I found very pleasing. – Mr. Nilesh Parrikar, Mapusa, Goa

It is said that ‘Sprituality is a science of experience !’ If an occasion like marriage is spiritualised, we along with our guests will be able to experience the divinity and bliss !

Reference : Sanatan’s Holy text ‘Marriage Sanskar’