A Perspective of Hindu Wedding Ceremony-The Vivah Sanskar

Chandrashekhar Tripathi

The Hindu Vedic Sanskars or rites of passage mark the various stages of a person’s development and are a guide to living a virtuous progressive balanced life. In Hinduism, life is categorized into four dynamic stages:

Brahmacharya – attainment of knowledge and skills (Learning);

Grahashtha – family commitment and career development (Earning);

Vanaprashtha – selfless and egoless community services and helping hands to others (Returning); 

Sanyas – detachment from material life and ego and seeking liberation (U-Turning to Soul).

Marriage is a gateway to Grahashtha ashram and a sacred relationship and commitment between two souls. It is for continuation of family heritage establishing dharm by performing righteous duties. According to the Hindu marriage Act, the eligible age for marriage is 21 years for a boy and 18 years for a girl. Usually, parents facilitate the marriages with consent from the boy and girl. They utilize their experience and wisdom and help to make suitable choices for their children based on similarities, attitudes, the bonding between families, level of education, hobbies and background; ensuring that the relationships foster more protection, security and assurance to the couple.