Simple,
traditional and ritualistic describes a Jain wedding aptly. Though the
Jains do not believe in a pompous display, a grand proclamation by the
bride and the groom during the occasion of the wedding ceremony is looked forward to. Let us look at what makes a Jain wedding so special, so beautiful.
PRE-WEDDING RITUALS
Laghana lekhan:
Laghana lekhan refers to a small puja that is held at the bride's house
which is attended by close relatives and friends. It is during this
puja that the wedding date and time is disclosed by the priest. At the
end of the puja, a letter known as lagan patrika is sent to the groom's
home. The letter contains all the details regarding the wedding date and
time.
Lagna patrika vachan:
This refers to the ritual wherein the letter sent from the bride's home
is read out at the groom's place. Usually, it is announced on an
auspicious day or on the day of the engagement.
Sagai:
Sagai or engagement usually takes place at the groom's house. Wearing
the traditional Jain headgear, the groom performs the vinayakyantra
puja. Once it is completed, the bride's brother puts a tilak on the
groom's forehead and presents him with a gold chain, ring, clothes,
coconut, sweets and money. Thereafter, the lagna patrika is read out by
the priest in front of all present. The groom then seeks the blessings
of the elders.
Maha mandap:
Held at both the bride and groom's places individually a day or two
prior to the wedding, it is conducted by the priest where he performs
all the religious rituals.
WEDDING RITUALS
Baraati and aarti:
The groom's marriage procession is received by the bride's family as
part of the baraati ritual. The bride's brother and the groom apply
tilak to each other and exchange coconuts as a symbolic gesture of
goodwill. The groom is also presented with money, sweets and clothes by
the bride's brother. Following this, married ladies from the bride's
side welcome the groom with a traditional aarti while also singing
traditional folk songs known as mangal geet.
Kanyavaran:
This is the official beginning of a Jain wedding ceremony. In this
ritual, the bride's parents places a one rupee and twenty five paise and
rice on the bride's right hand. The bride is then handed over to the
bridegroom. The bride's father now makes a public proclamation of the
marriage in front of all the guests present. The priest chants the
mantras while pouring water on the hands of the couple thrice.
Granthi bandhan:
In this ritual, a married woman ties the end of the groom's scarf to
the bride's pallu and makes a knot. It is a highly sacred moment and
prepares the couple for their pheras.
Pheras:
The most important ritual of the wedding ceremony, it is carried out at
the auspicious hour which is fixed previously by the priest. The couple
circles around the havan kund (sacred fire) four times, with the bride
leading the first round while the other three being led by the groom.
The recitation of the Mahaveerakshak stoot takes place in the
background.
Mangal geet:
During the pheras, the ladies sing mangal geet and entertain. After
this, the couple takes seven vows, after which the bride is seated on
the left side of the groom. The bride is now called a vamangi, which
symbolizes that she has now become the better half of her husband. This
is followed by the exchanging of garlands. The ceremony is solemnized
with the end of havan by shanipath and visarjan.
POST-WEDDING RITUALS
Ashirvada:
In this ceremony, the elders of both the families bless the newlywed
couple. It is to mark the beginning of their new life on an auspicious
note.
Sva graha aagamana:
This refers to the first custom after the newlyweds reach the groom's
place. As the bride is considered auspicious for the family, she is
welcomed with an open heart by her new family.
Jina grahe dhan arpana:
It is an important post-wedding ritual of the Jain community. Alms are
given to the Jain temple to express gratitude for the successful
completion of the wedding ceremony. It is performed by both the bride
and groom's families respectively.
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