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A look at Significant Rituals of a Jain Wedding

Traditionally, a Jain nuptial is less extravagant and extraordinary. Before the

splendid occasion, the pre wedding rituals is marked by a puja, known as

‘Lagana Lekhan’. This Puja is held at the bride’s residence and the priest

decides on the date and time of the marriage. A letter with the details is then

sent to the groom’s residence. In the meantime, the family members of the

groom carry out Vinayakyantra Puja at their house. The future relationship is

then proclaimed in front of close relatives only after the Vinayakyantra Puja

and the engagement, ‘Sagai’. The bride’s brother then accepts the boy to be

his sister’s husband with a Tikka smeared on the boy’s forehead and gifting

him with valuables. Ahead, are some customs followed in the traditional Jain

wedding.

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The Jain marriage is officiated by the commencement of ‘Kanyavaran’.

This custom involves placing one rupee and twenty-five paisa on the

groom’s right palm along with little rice. The bride’s father or uncle carries

out this custom. The father then officially submits his daughter’s

responsibility to the groom and gives a head start to the relationship by

announcing in front of his close mates and acquaintances. Soon, the mantras

are chanted and the priest sanctifies the occasion by pouring water on the

bride and groom’s hands thrice.

Just as it similar to a Hindu wedding, next, during the Granthi Bandhan

ritual prepares the bride and groom for seven Pheras to be taken round the

haven (ignited holy fire). Here, a tight knot is tied between the bride’s shawl

and the rear end of the sari’s portion that has been thrown back in style on

one of her shoulders.

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Furthermore, as it has always be a convention, the bride and groom move

round the holy fire seven times. Initially, the bride leads the walk for the

first four rounds. The next three rounds are taken after the four rounds have

been completed and both the boy and the girl have exchanged their

positions. This ritual is sanctified by the chanting of the sacred

Mahaveerakshak Stora occurring in the background.

While the bride and groom are still circumambulating the ignited fire, the

women in the family sing ‘Mangal Geet’ which denotes happiness and joy

for the memorable occasion. The bride is then seated towards the left side of

the groom to symbolize that she is now his wife and would move ahead with

in every moment of happiness and sorrow for the forthcoming years that are

yet to pass away. After the exchange of garlands between the groom and the

bride, the marriage is deemed to be completed. At the end, Shantipath and

Visarjan soon follows.

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Post marriage, the elders and family members move ahead to shower blessings for

prosperity in the new beginning. ‘Sva Graha Aagmana’, a warm welcome to the

bride as she arrives at the groom’s house and ‘Jina Grahe Dhan Arapana’,

offering of alms are the most common traditional practices followed by the family

members of the boy at this point of time. Subsequently, a reception is held for the

couple to rejoice along with close mates as the bride gets introduced in the

ensemble. The guests are invited to the occasion by sending traditional Jain

wedding invitation card.

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