Jain Wedding
Culture & Traditions
Jain Marriage Rituals are somewhat different from other Hindu religions.
'Jain Samaj' as it is popularly called contains various books on
the 'jain vivah vidhi' which are written by the popular writers.
Jain community practices various traditions which are exclusively
for the Jain people.
The worldly practices are acceptable to the Janis. But they should
not cause loss to samyakatva or corruption of the vratas. The samanaya
dharma applies to Janis and non Janis alike. Jainism does not automatically
reject worldly practices. Jainism advocates peaceful existence.
It recognizes the dependence of two living organisms on one another.
For Janis, marriage is largely a worldly event. It
is recommended to all Jain Shravakas unless they have taken a "vrata"
of Brahmacharrya. The children born of marriage will follow the
dharma. The ritual of marriage is largely governed by the traditional
practices that may vary for different Jain communities.
Marriage is a public declaration of the community support for the
couple. Some of the rituals are common to all Jain and Hindu marriages.
The Jain community generally marries in their own
communities so that children born out of this marriage also become
Jain.
The entire community condemned the practice of negotiating a dowry
before marriage.
Preferably Jain marriage should be conducted by a
Jain Pundit. Brahmins attached to the Jain community conduct marriages
at some places. In any case, it should be conducted by some respectable
person. The person should have proper knowledge of rites and protocols.
Marriage is something of far more significance than
a family vacation or a birthday or a graduation. It is once in a
lifetime occasion.
About the expenses or duration of marriage, however,
there should be no waste of money or time. A priest is responsible
for fixing a proper date and time for the wedding. A pooja is performed
at the girl's house where relatives and friends are invited. In
this ceremony heavenly goddesses are invoked by sacred prayers and
called upon to take abode in the bride's house. It is done to ensure
fertility and happiness of the new couple.
After this, the Patrika bearing the time or Muhurat
is sent to the boy's house. It is usually accompanied with sweets.
Laghana Patrika is read at the groom's house by the
priest. The groom wears the traditional Jain headgear and performs
the Vinayakyantra pooja. A tilak is applied on the groom's forehead
by the bride's brother.
It is generally followed by the engagement or 'Sagai'.
The ceremony is held at the groom's house by the priest.
Jain marriages are performed under a mandap. Many days before the
marriage, the structure is built and a 'vedi' which is altar of
the sacred fire is built.
Pheras are taken after this. An auspicious moment
is decided for the pheras. Bride and groom are taken to the mandap
for conducting pheras and seated. Girl is seated on the right side
of the groom. Generally, kanyapradhan ceremony is performed at the
pheras. One rupee and twenty paisa are kept with rice on the right
hand of the bride. Then father of the bride publicly hands the girl
to the groom.
Seven vows are taken by the couple together. Havan
is performed after this. The holy water is poured on the hands of
the boy and girl together.
The priest enchants the mantras at this occasion
to bind the boy and girl in a sacred relationship.
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