Monday, August 18, 2003
More news on Shaadi Cards
More news on Shaadi Cards
We'll be soon bring lot more news on Shaadi Cards
We'll be soon bring lot more news on Shaadi Cards
More news on Shaadi Cards
We'll be soon bring lot more news on Shaadi Cards
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Whats an Indian Marriage ?
An Indian marriage is a feast for the eyes. All guests and especially the bride are festive and colourful dressed with clothes from finest silk. The hands and feet of the bride by tradition are decorated with precious stones or elaborate paintings.
The marriage ceremony lasts for about one and half day. It is mainly a religious ceremony performed in the presence of many relatives and friends from both sides. Generally all expenses of wedding are to be borne by the girl's side. The pictures were taken in a so-called wedding hall. We thank our Indian friends and the young couple who let us have them. May God bless them.
The marriage ceremony lasts for about one and half day. It is mainly a religious ceremony performed in the presence of many relatives and friends from both sides. Generally all expenses of wedding are to be borne by the girl's side. The pictures were taken in a so-called wedding hall. We thank our Indian friends and the young couple who let us have them. May God bless them.
Indian Weddings Rituals
Here are the details of Indian Weddings & Invitations
Shaadi: The Vidhi or rites of Arya Samaj wedding rituals :-
Madhuperk:
Once the bride and groom have entered the 'mandap' the Vedic rites begin, the first one being the 'madhuperk'. The bride gives the groom water three times. The first time he sprinkles it in his feet, the second time he sprinkles it all over his body and the third time he drinks the water. 'Madhuperk' is a mixture of curds, 'ghee' or clarified butter and honey. The groom sprinkles a little bit of this in all directions and then eats it three times.
Kanyadaan: Giving away the bride
The bride's parents offer their daughter's hand in marriage to the groom and he accepts it.
Havan: Lighting the sacred fire
To invoke the blessings of 'Agni' or the God of Fire, the 'pujari' lights a sacred fire or 'havan' to the chanting of Vedic mantras. There are two types of 'havans' - the 'sadharan' (ordinary) or 'vishesh' (special). The 'vishesh' havan is the chanting of mantras and praying to all the 'Divyashaktis' or forms of God. The main 'prarthana' or prayer during the lighting of the 'havan' is the 'prarthana' of 'grahast jivan' (married life).
Pani Grahan Sanskar: The groom vows to look after his wife
The groom stands up and takes his bride's hand in his and chants mantras, promising to look after her till her old age and keep her happy at all times. He accepts her as his 'poshya' (meaning that he will provide for all her needs). The bride and groom now take one 'parikrama' (circumvention) around the fire.
Shilarohan: Using the rock as a symbol of permanence
The bridegroom chants a 'mantra' and the bride's mother places her daughter's right foot on a stone. The rock is a symbol of stability, permanence and firmness. The bride's position in the groom's home is now permanent and together, the couple will face all of life's challenges like two solid rocks.
Lajahom: Sacrifice offered to the sacred fire
'Laja' is puffed rice, a symbol of prosperity. The bride's brother stands behind the couple while the couple faces each other. The bride places both her hands into the groom's and her brother then puts the puffed rice into them. Together they offer this 'laja' as an 'ahuti' or sacrifice into the fire amidst the chanting of mantras.
This ritual is performed three times and each time the mantras chanted have a different meaning.
Parikrama: Circumventions around the sacred fire
The couple goes around the sacred fire four times, each 'parikrama' (circumvention) strengthening the bond between them. The first three times the bride must lead the groom, as she is the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. It is only after the fourth 'parikrama' that she becomes the 'ardhangani' (wife) and is now her husband's responsibility. After the completion of the 'parikramas' the 'pujari' ties the bride's sari 'pallav' to the groom's 'angavastra' (a scarf tied around the shoulders), with three knots.
Saptapadi: Seven steps around the sacred fire
These are seven steps taken by the bride and groom together, each step has significance.
After the 'saptapadi' the couple takes one 'parikrama' around the fire together with neither of them leading.
Sprinkling water on the couple: Invoking blessings from deities
Older members of the groom's family sprinkle water on the couple while four 'mantras' are chanted by the 'pujari'. These prayers are recited to invoke the blessings of all the deities in the couple.
Hriday Sparshmantra: Vows taken
The bride and groom place one hand on each other's hearts and chant 'mantras' together. The meaning of these 'mantras' is - ' I am installing you in my heart from this day onwards; I will be loyal to you; this alliance is made in Heaven; let us ask the Almighty for His blessings'.
Sindoor: The groom applies vermilion on the bride
'Sindoor' or vermilion powder is the sign of a married Hindu lady. The groom applies 'sindoor' in the center parting of the bride's hair and also ties the 'mangalsutra' around her neck.
The bride and groom feed each other sweets and the 'mantras' chanted at this time hold good for both and are not one sided. It is not only the wife's duty to ensure that her husband is fed; he in turn also has to see that she has been looked after.
Dhruvnakshatra: Viewing the Pole Star
The couple is now instructed to look towards the Pole Star ('Dhruvnakshatra') amidst the chanting of 'mantras'. The Pole Star is always firm in its place and the vow means that 'I will live permanently with you'.
Arundhati Nakshatra: Invoking blessings from Arundhati and Vashisht
'Arundhati' was the wife of the sage 'Vashisht'. The 'Arundhati' and 'Vashist Nakshatras' are two stars joined together and appear as one at all times.
Ashirwaad: The blessing
Now that the marriage rites have been completed, the newly weds are blessed by all the elders. Everyone present showers coloured rice or 'akshat' on the couple.
Card n Art.
Shaadi: The Vidhi or rites of Arya Samaj wedding rituals :-
Madhuperk:
Once the bride and groom have entered the 'mandap' the Vedic rites begin, the first one being the 'madhuperk'. The bride gives the groom water three times. The first time he sprinkles it in his feet, the second time he sprinkles it all over his body and the third time he drinks the water. 'Madhuperk' is a mixture of curds, 'ghee' or clarified butter and honey. The groom sprinkles a little bit of this in all directions and then eats it three times.
Kanyadaan: Giving away the bride
The bride's parents offer their daughter's hand in marriage to the groom and he accepts it.
Havan: Lighting the sacred fire
To invoke the blessings of 'Agni' or the God of Fire, the 'pujari' lights a sacred fire or 'havan' to the chanting of Vedic mantras. There are two types of 'havans' - the 'sadharan' (ordinary) or 'vishesh' (special). The 'vishesh' havan is the chanting of mantras and praying to all the 'Divyashaktis' or forms of God. The main 'prarthana' or prayer during the lighting of the 'havan' is the 'prarthana' of 'grahast jivan' (married life).
Pani Grahan Sanskar: The groom vows to look after his wife
The groom stands up and takes his bride's hand in his and chants mantras, promising to look after her till her old age and keep her happy at all times. He accepts her as his 'poshya' (meaning that he will provide for all her needs). The bride and groom now take one 'parikrama' (circumvention) around the fire.
Shilarohan: Using the rock as a symbol of permanence
The bridegroom chants a 'mantra' and the bride's mother places her daughter's right foot on a stone. The rock is a symbol of stability, permanence and firmness. The bride's position in the groom's home is now permanent and together, the couple will face all of life's challenges like two solid rocks.
Lajahom: Sacrifice offered to the sacred fire
'Laja' is puffed rice, a symbol of prosperity. The bride's brother stands behind the couple while the couple faces each other. The bride places both her hands into the groom's and her brother then puts the puffed rice into them. Together they offer this 'laja' as an 'ahuti' or sacrifice into the fire amidst the chanting of mantras.
This ritual is performed three times and each time the mantras chanted have a different meaning.
Parikrama: Circumventions around the sacred fire
The couple goes around the sacred fire four times, each 'parikrama' (circumvention) strengthening the bond between them. The first three times the bride must lead the groom, as she is the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. It is only after the fourth 'parikrama' that she becomes the 'ardhangani' (wife) and is now her husband's responsibility. After the completion of the 'parikramas' the 'pujari' ties the bride's sari 'pallav' to the groom's 'angavastra' (a scarf tied around the shoulders), with three knots.
Saptapadi: Seven steps around the sacred fire
These are seven steps taken by the bride and groom together, each step has significance.
After the 'saptapadi' the couple takes one 'parikrama' around the fire together with neither of them leading.
Sprinkling water on the couple: Invoking blessings from deities
Older members of the groom's family sprinkle water on the couple while four 'mantras' are chanted by the 'pujari'. These prayers are recited to invoke the blessings of all the deities in the couple.
Hriday Sparshmantra: Vows taken
The bride and groom place one hand on each other's hearts and chant 'mantras' together. The meaning of these 'mantras' is - ' I am installing you in my heart from this day onwards; I will be loyal to you; this alliance is made in Heaven; let us ask the Almighty for His blessings'.
Sindoor: The groom applies vermilion on the bride
'Sindoor' or vermilion powder is the sign of a married Hindu lady. The groom applies 'sindoor' in the center parting of the bride's hair and also ties the 'mangalsutra' around her neck.
The bride and groom feed each other sweets and the 'mantras' chanted at this time hold good for both and are not one sided. It is not only the wife's duty to ensure that her husband is fed; he in turn also has to see that she has been looked after.
Dhruvnakshatra: Viewing the Pole Star
The couple is now instructed to look towards the Pole Star ('Dhruvnakshatra') amidst the chanting of 'mantras'. The Pole Star is always firm in its place and the vow means that 'I will live permanently with you'.
Arundhati Nakshatra: Invoking blessings from Arundhati and Vashisht
'Arundhati' was the wife of the sage 'Vashisht'. The 'Arundhati' and 'Vashist Nakshatras' are two stars joined together and appear as one at all times.
Ashirwaad: The blessing
Now that the marriage rites have been completed, the newly weds are blessed by all the elders. Everyone present showers coloured rice or 'akshat' on the couple.
Card n Art.
Invitation Card for Indian Weddings
Your invitation card is the first impression you make on the guests who will share your special day with you.
The perfect beginning to your dream wedding is the perfect wedding Invitation card.
If only it were so simple…!
There are many sites that takes the pain out of the process of selecting that perfect card by offering you a special selection of Indian Wedding Invitation Cards. A range of designs from traditional to contemporary, colours from pleasing pastels to earthy and vibrant, paper from handmade, banana fibre, silk-laid to imported art card, motifs from Ganesh to cards using mouli thread & real supari
You can find a lot of details about these things already at indian wedding card shop
The perfect beginning to your dream wedding is the perfect wedding Invitation card.
If only it were so simple…!
There are many sites that takes the pain out of the process of selecting that perfect card by offering you a special selection of Indian Wedding Invitation Cards. A range of designs from traditional to contemporary, colours from pleasing pastels to earthy and vibrant, paper from handmade, banana fibre, silk-laid to imported art card, motifs from Ganesh to cards using mouli thread & real supari
You can find a lot of details about these things already at indian wedding card shop
Ok seems like this is my first post about the blog . We'll be sharing all about Indian Weddings & other rituals here. Indian Marriages are celebrations. People in Indian weddingsare invited using indian wedding cards and wedding invitation samples with, wedding accessories, designer wedding cards and free services as e Wedding cards I found a lot good variety of Indian wedding Cards at http://cardnart.com