Arya Samaj Wedding

Wedding is the most awaited event in every family. As it is a day that arrives only once in the life of every individual it holds great significance. In India, rituals and customs form the basis of the Indian society. People wish to make their wedding a grand affair with heavy décor, floods of guest’s etc. but there are few who like to keep their wedding simple. An Arya Samaj wedding is the best option for them.

Arya Samaj wedding does not include any idol worship. It was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. The marriage follows all the Vedic rituals of the Hindu culture and can be possessed by a non Hindu as well. The only criteria necessary for it is that the person needs to undergo a process called “shuddi“that is a process of purification.

Arya Samaj weddings are carried out only in the Hindu community. It is highly spiritual. As there is no idol worship involved, pooja of elements like fire and water is arranged. Arya Samaj wedding is simple affair and lasts for few hours. It is more of a private affair. It is a short ceremony where the priest chants the Vedic hymns. They are often translated into simple language for better understanding. The priest explains the importance of marriage and togetherness to the couple and offers them blessings to lead a happy and peaceful married life. The wedding ceremony is carried out in the presence of few close relatives.

Arya Samaj wedding is different from the traditional Hindu wedding that involves a lot of rituals and customs. Arya Samaj weddings represent simplicity and purity. There are some rituals like the Madhuparka, Shilarohan, Parikrama, Pani Grahan etc that are carried out in these weddings. In the Madhuparka ritual, the bride offers water to the groom three times and then the groom takes Madhuparka that is a mixture of cream, honey and curds. This ritual symbolizes a new beginning for the couple.

Next is the kanyadaan ceremony where the brides father hand over’s his daughters’ responsibility to the groom. In the Pani Graham, the groom promises to keep his wife happy. This is followed by the ritual called Parikarma or Saptapadi where the bride and the groom exchange vows and take seven rounds around the sacred fire. This completes the wedding.

This wedding doesn’t involve any lavish celebrations but it successfully spreads the essence of love and romance.