Marriage is a very sacred affair in Hinduism that stretches beyond one lifetime and continue up to at least seven lives. The gender of the two partners need not to be the same in all the births. As the stories in the Puranas confirm, even when they assume a lower life they remain together and their relationship is carried forward further into higher forms such as that of human being.

Once married, a couple is expected to remain faithful and truthful to each other and as illustrated in epic Ramayana and the Mahabharata, a couple should stick together through the ups and downs in life however arduous and challenging the situation may be. Keeping faith in each other and taking care of each other is indispensable for a married couple.

Eight Types of Marriage

Marriage binds two families together that results in the procreation and nurturing of the future generation which then sways the social and cultural growth of the society. According to Manusmiriti, there are eight type of Hindu marriages, although not all of them have religious sanction.

• Brahma Marriage
• Daiva Marriage
• Arsha Marriage
• Prajapatya Marriage
• Gandharva Marriage
• Asura Marriage
• Rakshasa Marriage
• Paishacha Marriage

Importance and Significance of Marriage/Vivah Puja

Marriages have become a multi-day celebration. There are numerous pre-wedding functions and pujas performed in each function have some significance. Marriage or Vivah in Hindu religion is a pious event wherein several gods and goddesses are invited through several rites and rituals to bless the couple. The Agni is made witness to the holy union. Through Vivah Puja, the bride and groom are bind in a holy union and remain helpful and faithful to each other  for rest of their lives.

Benefits of Vivah Puja (Wedding Puja)

• An opportunity to have life long partnership with your partner
• Blessings of our ancestors and forefathers
• An opportunity to procreate with everyone’s blessings
• Blessings of all the Devs and Devis
• Physical, Mental, Social, Legal and religious connections between the bride and the groom are established
• Formation of two souls as per Vedic beliefs
• A holy bond is formed between the bride and the groom

पूजन सामग्री

Roli  (रोली) – 1 packet, Rice (चावल) – 250g, Dhoop (धूप) – 1 Packet, Kapoor (कपूर) – 50g, Coconut (pani wala)  नारियल (पानी वाला) – 1, Gola giri  (गोला गिरी) – 1, Towel (तौलिया) – 1, Ghee (घी) – 500g, Honey (शहद) – 1 Bottle, Bura  (बुरा) – 250g, Janeu  (जनेऊ) – 5, Sindoor (सिन्दुर) – 1, PacketGulaal ( गुलाल) – 1 Packet, Perfume (इत्र) – 1 Bottle, Paan  (पान) – 9, Supari   (सुपारी) – 9, Clove  (लौंग) – 9, Elaichi  (इलाइची) – 9, Kalawa  (कलावा) – 2, Durva  (दूर्वा),  Rui Matchbox  (रूई माचिस), Dona (दोना) – 1 Packet, Yellow mustard   (पीली सरसों) – 50g, White Kapda (सफेद कपडा)  – 1.25 Mt, Beachhead (चौकी) – 1, Panchrang  (पँचरंग) – 1 Packet, Mitti ka kalash  (मिट्टी का कलश) – 1, Haldi ki ganth (हल्दी की गांठ), Turmeric powder (हल्दी पाउडर), Sarae (सराई), Copper lota (तांबा लोटा), Hand fan (हाथ का पंखा), Kheel (खील).

घर की सामग्री

Flower ( फूल) – 250g, Flower mala (फूल माला) – 2, Milk  (दूध) – 100g, Curd  (दही) – 100g, Sweet (मिठाई) – 500g, Fruit (फल) – 15, Plate (थाली) – 2, Spoon (चम्मच) – 2, Bowl (कटोरी) – 2, ,  Tulsi leaf (तुलसी की पत्ती), Blanket (कंबल) – 2, sand (रेत), Beachhead (चौकी) – 1, hawan kund (हवन कु्ंड).