சுப முகூர்த்த நாள் எப்படி பார்ப்பது
FIXING SUBHA MUHURTHAMS - POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED
Suitable Months, Days, Thithi, Star, Lagnam, and other
aspects are to be considered for fixing muhurthams.
1. Months
Chithirai - Vaikasi - Aani - Avani - Iyppasi - Karthigai -
Thai - Panguni.
2.Days
Monday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday – Sunday
3. Thithi
Thithis considered for Muhurtham. (11)
Dhuthiyai - Thrithiyai - Chathurthi - Panchami - Shashti -
Sapthami - Dasami - Ekadasi - Dwathasi - Thrayodasi – Chathurdhasi
Thithis NOT suitable for Muhurthams (5).
Pournami - Prathamai - Ashtami - Navami – Amavasai
4.Nakshathram (Star)
Rohini - Uthiram - Uthradam - Utthirattathi - Revathy -
Makam - Swathi - Anusham - Mirugaseersham - Hastham - Moolam - Aswini -
Punarpoosam - Thiruvonam - Avittam.
Note:- Muhurtham Star should not be the 3rd, 5th, or 7th,
when counted from the Birth Star of the Bride and Bridegroom.
Muhurtha Lagnam is the most important aspect in a marriage
ceremony. If it is good the couple will lead a long, happy married life and be
blessed with prosperity and good children. We say Marriages are made in heaven.
Similarly, with HIS blessing alone, One can get a Good date and time for the
Muhurtha Lagnam. Pray and fix Lagnam carefully.
Lagnam
Ist, Choice
Rishabam - Mithunam - Katakam - Kanni - Thulam - Dhanusu –
Makaram
IInd Choice.
Simmam - Makaram - Meenam - Vrichikam - Mesham.
OTHER ASPECTS
Horai - Avoid Sani, Suryan, & Chevvai Horai.
Date - Avoid the Date & Day of Birth of both Bride and
Bridegroom.
Time - Avoid Fixing Muhurtham time before Sunrise and after
12 Noon.
Avoid Yemaghandam.
Day - Avoid Karinal.
Number - The total number of the Muhutham date should not be
4, 5 or 8.Example- 10-7-2007=17=8
FIX SUBHA MUHURTHAMS IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PUROHIT OR
ASTROLOGER ONLY.
NEVER DO THAT ON YOUR OWN.
திருமணத்தில் சொல்லப்படும் மந்திரங்கள் அதன் விளக்கம்
திருமணத்தில் சொல்லப்படும் மந்திரங்கள் அதன் விளக்கம்
Mantras and Rituals in Hindu Marriages
Most of the Hindu marriages conducted in India and elsewhere
are both social and religious functions. There is no uniformity on their social
side. These are based on local customs and traditions. On the religious side,
with minor variations, they follow some specific rituals as indicated in the
Vedas. The wedding ceremony and the mantras chanted therein follow scrupulously
the text of the Hymn 85, Mandala X, of the Rig Veda. The marriage ceremonies
are called Vaidika ceremonies as they follow the Vedic Scripture.
The more important events in a Hindu marriage are broadly as
follows:
Marriage ceremonies last two days, one day prior to the
Muhurtha(m) day and the day on which the actual wedding ceremony according to
Vedic rites is conducted.
On each day, the ceremony begins with Pooja invoking the
blessings of Lord Ganesa, (Vigneswra), who is said to remove all obstacles and
bless the peaceful and orderly conduct of ceremonies.
The day previous to the marriage, it is a customary practice
to visit a nearby temple, offer prayers to the presiding deity and take the
Bridegroom (hereafter referred to as BG) in a procession to the hall where the
marriage is conducted.
The Lagna Patrika, (a document indicating the details of the
BG & Bride (hereafter referred to as B) and the timing and place of
marriage, duly signed by the parents of BG & B, is read out and signed by
the two sets of parents. This takes the character of a contractual document
without stamp paper. Though this does not take the character of a legal
document, it serves the purpose of a formal agreement binding on both the
parties. In many cases, this formality is completed much before the marriage in
the form of Nichiyathaartham, which is done to commit the parties to the
marriage indicating a specific date for the marriage.
The next day ceremonies start with Kasi Yatra, Malai Maatral
(exchange of garlands) and Oonjal (Jhoola). These have no religious
significance as such. Secondly, these rituals vary from community to community,
depending on the established custom and traditions.
The Kasi Yatra ritual which is peculiar to Brahmin community
is the one when the father of B symbolically weans away the BG from the
pursuits of Brahmacharya(m), which is symbolically represented by his journey
towards Kasi (Benares or Varanasi), the seat of Vedic culture and knowledge,
and requests him to enter Grahasthasrama by marrying his daughter.
Author's note: This apparently counters the very ceremony
conducted thereafter (Kanyavaranam), where the B's emissary is sent to seek the
hand of an identified girl from a specific family. Even then, this is continued
as essential part of a marriage. Probably, this incongruancy can be explained
as follows. In the ancient period, it is the boys' side which took all the
initiative and was searching for a suitable girl for the boy. This has reversed
amongst the Brahmins now. It is the girls' parents who search for the boys and
seek their alliance. In most other communities (example: Gounders family in
Tamil Nadu), the ancient system still continues. I would appreciate, if any one
who reads it can offer better and more authentic explanation for it.
Oonjal, is a ladies ceremony, where BG & B are made to
sit in a swing and propitiation is done, to ward off the effect of "evil
eyes" (bad peoples evil thoughts or curses) on the couple.
The real and important Vedic side of the ceremony starts
only thereafter; the following paragraphs indicate briefly the meaning of some
of the most important rituals and mantras recited at the time of the wedding
ceremony. (No attempt has been made here to reproduce the mantras in original
Sanskrit or Anglicised version, as it will only confuse readers who do not have
knowledge of Sanskrit.)
________________________________________
The very first ritual is started with mantras soliciting the
bride (Kanyavaran[am])
Sequence of events following this are:
(1) Seeking the bride from an identified family through the
emissary of Brahmins (Kanyaavaranam);
(2) Promise from the brides side to offer the girl in
marriage (Vakthaanam);
(3) Invoking the Holy waters to purify and protect the girl
from evil forces. (Here a water pot Kalasa) is established and waters of the
sacred rivers and all the gods and goddesses including, Thrimurthis and Varuna,
are invoked in it. The girl takes a symbolic bath with this Holy water (Kalasa
Pooja);
(4) Worship of the divine power that causes sprouting
(ankuraparna);
(5) Worship of ancestors (Nandi);
(6) BG receives directives from the teacher (Sama vardhanam
- Kasi yatra);
(7) B escorted by bride's maid enters the hall and stands
facing the BG;
(8) Meeting of the eyes (Sameekshanam);
(9) BG & B garlands each other (varmaalaa).
Author's Note: The order in which 5 to 9 are performed has
changed over a period of time and now Kasi Yatra and Maalai Matral are done
before Oonjal.
________________________________________
Kanyaadhaanam (Giving away the bride):
This is an important ritual wherein the girl is gifted away
to the BG's family; B loses her family identity completely. Even the Gothram to
which B belongs till marriage is changed to that of the boy.
B's father makes BG sit in a seat and washes his feet of BG
considering BG to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the protector. At that
time, BG recites a mantra which says:
"Let the holy water which is poured on my feet
safeguard me against all enemies and let me glow in splendour equal to the
Brahma. He then takes a mixed liquid made of honey and curd (and sometimes ghee
is added to this)."
Then BG looks at B directly and prays to the gods (Devas) to
protect B from all defects and deficiencies (in word, thought and deed) and
recites mantras addressed to B by which he expects B to look beautiful, be
loving to her husband and his family, be of good heart and do good things, be
pious, protect the animals and the family of BG, and get good children. He then
recites another mantra which removes (destroys) all bad qualities in her.
Placing Yoke on the Head of B:
B's father makes B to sit on his lap. BG places a rounded
Dharbha(I) and on that places a small replica of a wooden yoke. This is
expected to be witnessed by the sisters and mothers of both BG & B. When he
places the right end of the yoke, he recites a mantra to indicate the following
meaning. "As Apaalai was cleansed by you of all her sins and purified
through the holes of a wheel, a rath(am), and a yoke, Oh, Lord Indra, cleanse
this girl of all her illnesses and make her shine in splendour."
He then places gold coins on the holes of the yoke and pours
Holy water in one of the holes reciting a mantra with this meaning:
"Let these gold coins bring you prosperity and
happiness. Let the Holy water purify you and bring happiness to you. You can
thereafter offer your body to your husband."
Mangal(a) Snaan(am):
Thereafter, B is (symbolically) given a bath in Holy waters
with 5 mantras which seek Gods blessings to give B purity, happiness, closeness
and understanding with husband, and good company.
Koorai (Wedding) Saree:
The wedding saree is worn specially for the marriage
ceremony. The type and colour of the saree depend upon family custom. It is
usually in red (arakku) colour. It is given to B with a mantra by the priest.
After B comes back wearing the saree, BG ties a rope made of Darbai around her
waist with a mantra which says: "With a good heart and praying for good
children, long life for the husband and good health, B is sitting near Agni.
Tying this rope I take her to the sacred wedding ceremonies."
He, then, holds the right hand of B and takes her to a
carpet spread near the Agni and recites mantras to indicate and acknowledge the
boon given by Soman, Gandharvan and Agni in giving her strength, beauty, and
youth to B for his enjoyment.
Mangalya Dhaaran(am):
In South Indian Brahmin families, Mangalya Dhaaranam is
considered to be the most important ceremony. Though there is no special mantra
for this, the BG recites the following sloka:
Maangalyam thanthunaanaena mama jeevitha haethunaa /
kanttae bathnaami supahae sanjeeva sarasa satham:
The meaning is: "This yellow rope is managala suthram.
This will help my longevity. I shall now tie this rope in your neck. I pray you
live happily for a hundred years."
With this sloka, he ties the rope around B's neck and puts
two knots in it. The third knot is usually made by BG's sister.
The next two rituals namely Panigrahanam and Sapthapathi are
very important for all Hindu marriages:
Panigrahan(am):
After Mangalyadharanam, BG lowers his right hand and catches
B's right hand with all the fingers together. Four mantras are recited at that
time, to convey the following:
1. I hold your hand to keep you with me to raise good
children and till you become old. Devatas including Indra have offered you to
me to become the Lady in charge of the house.
2. Sun God/Lord Agni, who have been powerful when they were
having their "Grahasthasrama" has given you to me.
3. Oh, Goddess Saraswathi, you should protect us well. We
will offer our oblations to you before all the creatures of this world.
4. Let the Vayu God who cleanseth and pervades all
directions and corners, and who holds Gold in his hand and is the counterpart
of Agni, unite you with me in mind and thought.
After this, Sapthapathi is performed.
Sapthapathi:
The bridegroom(BG) gets up from the seat holding the right
hand of the bride(B). He then goes round the Holy Fire (Agni) from the right
side, by lifting the right feet of B step by step. This is done for seven
steps. With each step, he recites a mantra addressed to B, with the following
meaning.
"Let Lord Maha Vishnu follow each one of your steps for
the following specific purposes.
Step 1: To give you unlimited food.
Step 2. To give you excellent health and energy.
Step 3. To make you perform your vrithas (rituals) as
ordained in Vedas, during your life time.
Step 4. To give you happiness in life.
Step 5. To make your cows and good animals to grow in
strength and in numbers.
Step 6. To make all the seasons be beneficial to you.
Step 7. To make the homams (sacrifices to be done in Holy
Fire) to be performed by you in your life as ordained in Vedas, successful and
free from hindrances."
Obviously, the idea behind this is to pray to Lord Vishnu,
the protector of life, for his blessings in marital life.
BG then recites a mantra to convey the following meaning:
"After crossing seven steps with me thus, you should
become my friend. I too have become your friend now. I will never discord this
friendship and you should not also do that. Let us be together always. Let us
resolve to do things in life in the same manner and tread the same path. Let us
lead a life by liking and loving each other, having good heart and thoughts,
and enjoying the food and our strong points together. Let us have undivided
opinions. We will perform the vrithas united. Let us have same and joint
desires. I will be Sama (one of the vedas); you will be Rig (another Veda). Let
me be the Heaven; you be the Earth. Let me be the Shukla (Moon) and you be its
wearer. Let me be the mind and you its spokesman (Vak). With these qualities,
you be my follower. You the sweet tongued, come to me to get good male children
and wealth."
Author's note: These are pregnant with meaning and it would
have a better effect, if the these mantras are explained to BG & B in
advance; unfortunately it is not done now. In fact, both BG & B go through
these rituals as a matter of routine. Even the visitors show least attention to
the ceremonies that follow Mangalyadhaaranam.
Ashmarohanam (Treading the Stone):
BG then holds B's toe of the right leg and places it on a
stone placed to the right side of Agni(fire). While doing so, he says through
mantra:
"May you be steadfast as the stone; may you overcome
those who intend to harm you and may you tolerate your enemies."
Lajahomam:
In this ritual, with a view to ensure long life to her
husband, B offers puffed rice to Agni. The rice is poured into her hand by B's
brother and with the recitation of mantras BG adds ghee to the rice and
together they offer the rice to the Agni. BG goes round the Agni and once again
keeps her right feet on the stone. This is done three times. The meaning of the
mantras recited during the Lajahomam is summarised below:
B says:
"May my husband live long for a hundred years and may
all my relatives prosper."
BG says:
"Oh, Agni, bless me, my wife and children, as you
blessed Savitri and Soma.
Oh, Agni, bless the couple with perfect mental accord.
Oh, Agni, leaving her parents, my bride who is going to set
up home with me, has performed all the ordained rites. Please bless us with
safe travel through a path of life free from misfortunes.
(Addressing B), May Heaven, wind, the Ashwins and all the
divine forces protect you on all sides and the children you bring forth until
they are old enough to take care of themselves."
BG then unties the Darbai rope from B's waist and promises a
happy married life for her.
Grahapravesam (Establishing of the new household or entering
BG's house):
Certain mantras are recited for the safe passage of BG &
B up to BG's house to establish a new household. These have no significance in
marriages conducted in marriage halls in cities. In most marriages, logistics
do not permit BG to take bride to his house. The function is symbolically done
in the room allotted to BG's family members. BG enters his house with B,
carrying the Agni in a mud pot from the Homa Kunda(m) in the marriage hall. B
places her right foot first while entering the allotted place.
BG then creates a homa kunda(m) on the north-east side and
invokes Lord Agni in it. With B touching his shoulders through a Darbai, he
then offer ghee in the Agni and recites certain mantras to convey the
following:
"May the Lord creator grant us progeny.
May the Lord anoint us together for longevity.
The auspicious Lord has given you to me. Let us enter our
home.
May you bring facility to all living beings.
May we both be together in our home and never be parted.
May we both attain long life."
B thereafter says:
"With full willingness, I enter this holy house having
plenty of food and flowing ghee and resided by good minded and brave people
with lot of good will and pure mind and thoughts."
Placing a Child on B's Lap:
So far, B has been sitting to the right of BG. Now she
shifts and sits to his left side. A male child from a family in which no death
of a child has taken place, is made to sit on the lap of B. (The idea is B
should get such healthy male children.) The child is given fruits with mantras
which convey the following meaning:
"Oh fruits, as you cause growth in those who eat you,
bless this girl with good progeny."
"Let the children so born bring love and
affection."
Addressing B, the mantra says:
"Be aware of your duties to your husband and guests;
propagate good deeds to all those you have contacts."
"Let this pure girl be blessed with happiness and
prosperity."
Other Rituals B looks at the Pole Star and says:
"Oh, Pole Star (Dhruva Nakshatram), as you are fixed
for ever, let me be similarly fixed in this home; Protect me from my
enemies."
BG and B looks at the Arundathi* Star in the constellation
of Great Bears and BG says:
"Keeping Arundathi* star in view, let my wife be like
Arundathi and grow to be the eighth of the (model) pathnis."
(* Arundathi was the most sacred amongst the wives of the
Saptha rishis and a model to be followed by all the married women.) Wedding
Vows BG and B look at each other and feed each other with curd and fruits. BG
says:
"My wife, with bonds of the food that we eat together,
with the many hued threads of life, may we bind our minds and heart with the
knot of truth."
BG and B touch each other's heart and both pray as follows:
B says:
"May our hearts be in harmony with our mutual aims and
resolutions. May our minds be in accord. United in mind, may we be pleased with
each other's words. May the Lord of wisdom wholly unite us both."
BG says:
"This, which is your heart, may it my heart and this,
which is my heart, may it be your heart."
B says:
"From that which makes the ocean holy, the air vital,
all actions complete in cosmic order, may we derive harmonious thoughts and the
power to realise them."
BG places kumkum in the middle portion of the hair at the
top centre of the forehead and says:
"We are freed from all the bonds in our lives up to
now, bonds which ordained by the Supreme Lord for our protection in our
unmarried state. In this Universe of righteous order and righteous action, we
have become each other's life partner."
Concluding the Agni worship, BG says:
"Oh Creator, cleanse us from all sins and confer on us
what is auspicious."
Water is sprinkled around the Agni.
"Oh Lord Adithi, Anumathi, and Saraswathi, you gave us
leave to do this worship. Oh Lord Creator, you bless us. Our Salutations to you
Oh Supreme Lord."
BG and B fold hands in prayer and say:
"Oh Glorious Lord, lead us in the righteous path to
enjoy the riches we earn. You know all our thoughts. Destroy the hidden
tendencies that could lead us astray. We worship you with all our heart. with
all the worshipful words, that we have at our command."
BG and B walk around the Agni three times and each time bow
in reverence. Aseervath(am)-Blessings The priest and elders bless the couple
with several mantras to convey the following:
"Let the mantras, the holy chants, uttered during this
ceremony be true and bear fruit."
"Let this period of time when these two were married
prove to be very auspicious period in their life. Let all the benefits that the
celestial powers can confer be conferred on this couple."
"Let all the inauspicious planets confer benefits as if
they are in auspicious position; let all the auspices planets yield manifold
benefits."
"Let this couple who is setting up a household be
blessed with long life, health, fame, vitality, material wealth, steadiness of
purpose, fulfillment, blessedness, compassion, spiritual lustre, impeccable
virtue and happiness and let this couple be ever engaged in celebration of
happiness, ever filled with happiness and ever immersed in happiness."
"Let the people all over the world be free from illness
and other distress, be followers of righteous conduct, be strong, be without
jealousy and be compassionate."
Auspicious indeed is the bride. "Oh all of you
assembled here come and see her. Bless her with all felicity before you all go
to your respective homes." When these mantras are uttered by the priests,
every one present says "Thathaastu," meaning "So it be."
After these, Mangala Aarthi is performed by ladies; this
concludes the Vedic rituals concerning Hindu marriages.
lokâḥ samastâḥ sukhino bhavantu |
sarvamangaḷâni santu ||
