07.01.2015 Views

The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Appendix C<br />

<strong>The</strong> Hindu Vedic Wedding<br />

Mehendi and Peeth<br />

i<br />

Wedding Ceremony<br />

A day before the wedding the palm and feet of the bride are decorated with "Mendhi".<br />

A canopy or mandap decorated with flowers is erected at the place of wedding. On the<br />

wedding morning, various ablutionary rituals are performed on both the bride and the<br />

groom in their own homes. <strong>The</strong>ir bodies are anointed with turmeric, sandalwood paste<br />

and oils, which cleanse the body, soften the skin, and make it aromatic. <strong>The</strong>y are then<br />

bathed to the chanting of Vedic mantras<br />

Laya (Laja) Homa : <strong>The</strong> Oblation of Parched Grain<br />

Here the bride offers sacrifice of food (poured into her hands by her brother or<br />

someone acting in her brother's behalf) to the Gods for their blessings. "This grain I<br />

spill. May it bring to me wellbeing and unite you to me. May Agni hear us." He then<br />

asks the bride to spill the grain into the fire, saying: "This woman scattering grain into<br />

the fire, prays: Blessings on my husband. May my relatives be prosperous".<br />

122

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!