Jainism is among one of the most prominent religions practiced in India. Jains are spiritually very evolved and a peace-loving community. Jain wedding are simple however it involves complex rituals that are governed by the strict Vivah Vidhi outlined in their religious texts. In Jainism, marriage is looked upon as a worldly affair that increases bondage but then also religious scriptures do not undermine its importance as it  recognizes the dependence of two living organisms on one another.  Jain community deplores the practice of dowry. They prefer matches within their own community so that the traditions are carried forward.

Preferably a Jain Pandit conducts the wedding, but in certain cases a respectable person of the community may also perform the wedding who is well-attuned to the entire process and its significance.

 There are two main sects of Jainism Swetabar and Digambar and there are differences between the marriage tradition they follow. According to Shwetambars, there are sixteen main rites in a marriage. In contrast to the Shwetambar’s belief, Digambaras marriage involves twenty rituals.

Thus, the marriage rituals among the Jains are not the same throughout India and differ considerably between communities and regions. Still the Jain Acharyas from both Digambara and Svetambara sects have attempted to give uniformity to the marriage rites so far as their followers are concerned. So the prominent rites of the marriage ceremony of both the community are same all over India.

Jain Wedding Rituals

Jain wedding (Jain Shadi) rituals are indeed treat to the eyes, traditional and colorful. The Jain communities enjoy all the wedding ceremonies to the hilt and follow their rituals very religiously in their weddings. There are pre-wedding as well as post-wedding rituals. Their rituals are noticeably beautiful and simple. They pay special attention to their rituals and traditions. Let’s take a look at different traditional wedding rituals of Jain community.

 Lagna lekhan: This is generally a small puja which is organized at the Jain bride’s home. In this ritual, both the families participate. The priest decides a wedding date and time that is auspicious as well as astrologically perfect for marriage.

Lagan patrika vachan: At this stage, Vinayakyantra puja is performed by the Jain groom followed by priest announcement regarding the wedding details at groom’s house. This ritual is also known as Lagan Patrika Vachan .

Sagai ceremony: This is yet another interesting ceremony wherein male family members of the bride’s family pay visit to groom’s house. The brother of the bride put a tikka on the forehead of the groom and extends him gifts like Jewelry, Clothes, Money, Sweets, Dry-fruits and other gifts for his family members as well.

Welcoming Baraat & Aarti: After the Mada Mandap puja is organized at both the groom and bride’s home, the baraat heads towards the wedding venue. The bride’s family welcomes the baraat with an aarti thaali. The bride’s brother and groom apply the tikkas on each-other’s foreheads. The groom receives a range of gifts from bride’s family. To add flavor to the celebration, all the married females of bride’s family recite the traditional folk songs.

Mangal phera: In a traditional Jain wedding(Jain Shaadi), the mangal pheras are really very pertinent ritual. The bride and the groom take the phera around the sacred fire. The father of the bride takes part in Kanyadan ritual and places his daughter’s hand along with a rupee and 25 paisa and some price. The ladies sing the traditional mangal geet and the recitation of the mahaveerashtak strots is continuously done during the phera.

Granthi Bandhan: In this ceremony, a married man ties a knot with bride’s saree and grooms shawl. Once the sacred seven pheras are completed, the bride now becomes Vamangi, the better half of her husband. They then exchange the flower garlands.

Sva grah aagman: The groom’s family gives a warm welcome to the newly wedded couple when the bride and groom arrives groom’s home after completing all the wedding ceremonies.