Hindu Wedding: The Engagement Ceremony by Dr. A. V. Srinivasan

Author:Dr. A. V. Srinivasan
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Dr. A. V. Srinivasan
Published: 2012-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

avyāngē apatitē aklībēdasha dōsha vivarjitē

imām kanyām pradāsyāmi dēvāgni dvija sannidhau

As described previously, at this most auspicious time prescribed by astrologers, I, in the presence of his godhead, assembled elders and fire god, shall give this word of honor and bestow this young woman, my daughter, saubhagyavati ------------------------

who is free of defects (perfect), single, healthy, free from any of the ten blemishes to proper alliance.

6. Acceptance by the G2B’s Father

........ gōtra .................nāmadhēyaha vara vishayē bhavantō nishchitā bhavantu

In the matter pertaining to my son -----------------as the bridegroom born in the --------------------------- gotra ------------------ it is now firm and settled.

Both fathers shake hands

7. Vāg Dāna

B2B’s father:

vāchādattā mayā kanyā putrārtham svīkrutā tvayā

kanyāvalōkana vidhau nishchitastvam sukhī bhava

Having given the word of honor in regard to my daughter in this prescribed manner, please accept her for your son and be happy.

G2B’s father:

vāchādattā tvayā kanyā putrārtham svīkrutā mayā

kanyāvalōkana vidhau nishchitastvam sukhī bhava

Having heard your word of honor in regard to your daughter I shall accept in this prescribed manner and wish you to be happy.

8. Arati

The B2B and G2B are now each honored by members of the other family with garlands and an arati is performed.

Following the arati the B2B prays:

B2B:

dēvēndrāṇi namastubhyam dēvēndra priyabhāmini

vivāham bhāgyamārōgyam putralābham cha dēhimē

O Indrani, dear wife of Indra, please grant me a prosperous

married life, and health, with progeny.

9. Final Blessings

Officiant sprinkles sanctified water on B2B as the following blessings take place. The audience may be prompted to utter the word “tathāstu” (It shall be so!) at the end of each phrase.

shivā āpa: santu

saumanasyamastu

akshatam chārishṭam chāstu

dīrghamāyu: shrēya: shānti: pushṭ:stushṭi: chāstu

ētadva: satyamastu

May Parvati manifest here

May there be enjoyment

May she be secure

May she live long, prosper, be at peace, well nourished and content

May this be the truth

Officiant sprinkles akshta on both the B2B and G2B while chanting

navōnavō bhavati jāyamanōnhān kētur ushasāmētyagram

bhāgam dēvēbhyō vidadhātyāyan prachandramā sthirati dīrghamāyuhu

May you live long flourishing like the full moon, remaining ever fresh

and young and making offerings to gods

shatamānam bhavatu shatāyu: purushaha

shatēndriya: āyushyēvēndriyē pratitishṭhati

May you be (bestowed) with a life of hundred years, with senses a hundredfold virile and may your longevity stand in a par with Indra (himself).

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FAQs

1) Is the giving of an engagement ring included in the ceremony?

In North India, G2B receives a ring from the B2B family, resembling a class ring. The B2B receives a set of jewelry from the G2B’s family.

2) Who garlands the bride and the groom? The couple?

No. The couple does not garland each other. That special feature is reserved for the Jaya Mala step during the wedding. During the engagement ceremony, the father or an elder man from the B2B family garlands the G2B. Similarly, the mother of the G2B or an elder lady from the G2B garlands the B2B

3) Are gifts exchanged in this ceremony?

As described earlier, the B2B receives gifts and the G2B may be given a ring, or a suit of clothing from an elder from the other family.

4) Can friends and relatives give gifts before/during/after the ceremony?

Of course. There is no restriction at all as far as giving gifts to either or both the candidates.

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