In recent times India witnessed several high-profile weddings. Some were ostentatious and extravagant and their high-profile wedding guest list included virtually the Who’s Who of the political world, page three socialites and the glitterati. Some weddings were just elegant and colourful but the couples looked resplendent and adorable.
We had the marriages of Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant, Kalidas Jayaram& Tarini Kalingarayar, Keerthy Suresh & Antony Thattil and most recently South Bangalore MP Tejasvi Surya and Sivasri Skandaprasad. Social Media specifically Instagram had these marriages featured all over.
Marriage is one of the oldest institutions in human history but its relevance being questioned more than ever in modern times. In these modern times, we are buffeted by disturbing trends like burgeoning divorce rates, declining marriages and a rise in cohabitation prompting many to wonder the necessity of marriage itself.
But the real issue in my considered view, is that marriage, per se, as an institution is not the problem. We would be missing the wood for the trees, if we lay the blame there. The reason that many marriages fall apart is because of the lack of awareness, failing to manage expectations and the lack of understanding of the true import of the sacred bond of marriage.
If we are able to truly perceive the scientific and spiritual significance of the Vedic marriage rituals then we will be able to see the connect between ancient wisdom and marital harmony in these turbulent times.
In that sense the marriage of Tejasvi Surya and Sivasri ticked all the boxes. It was a lovely bonding of two accomplished young individuals. Their wedding was unique in many respects. Simplicity scored over extravagance, they invited a cross section of the community rather than focus on celebrities, placed a lot of emphasis on wearing the right attire befitting the occasion, like for instance, wearing traditional silk sarees instead of designer lehengas, giving prominence to Vedic rituals which has stood the test of time—the sacred chants to various timeless customs. The Kanyadaan Invoking of the Pancha Maha Bhootas and Mangalya Dharanam all fell in place.
In this day and age wedding rituals are performed often bowing to tradition, parental & couple expectations and societal norms. However, they have a profound significance often transcending symbolic gestures. Each ritual is deep rooted and has an enormous spiritual, cultural and emotional significance and in no uncertain terms reinforces the essence of marriage as a lifelong commitment.
Some of the emerging statistics also portend ominously. They paint a gloomy scenario in the foreseeable future
- Married couples will be rare
- Gen Z & Millennials preferring cohabitation rather than enter into the holy bond of matrimony
- Higher and higher divorce rates owing to ego, lack of adjustment and incompatibility
- Divorces are expensive
- Pathetic situation of children of estranged couples
It is imperative to go back to our roots. Our Way of Life has answers for all these situations.
The underlying Vedic Wisdom has emphasised that marriage is a conscious union.
It seeks to bring forth this truth to the fore by following the time honoured format of practices.
- Inviting a large number of guests is to receive collective blessings. The community and the pancha maha bhutas (five natural elements) all witness the sacred bond.
- The Saptapadi or Seven Steps convey the following, each step of the way—wealth & prosperity, Health & Strength, Growth & Fulfilment,Mutual Friendship & Love Family & Legacy Sharing Joys & Sorrows and Lifelong Commitment
- Mangalya Dharanam—The sacred thread of commitment or Mangalasutra. It is not just ornamental. It reinforces the emotional and spiritual bond between the husband and the wife
- Observing the Arundathi Nakshatra or Star. Mizar and Alcor in the constellation Ursa Major are Sage Vashista and his illustrious wife Arundathi. In the Hindu tradition, this ideal couple are held as the epitome of all marital virtues—marital harmony wisdom and devotion. Arundathi is revered for her unwavering faith intellect and righteousness
By steadfast adherence to this tradition,the newly wedded couple embark on their spiritual journey upholding the values enshrined in the timeless wisdom of the Vedas and hopefully live happily ever after.
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