The Vivaah Homa Rites
Introduction
Once the Kanyadaan is completed, the next program for a traditional Indian wedding is the VivaahHoma which starts with lighting the sacred fire. Agni Devta, the god of fire is then extolled in order to invoke Vishnu to come partake in the ceremony. Fire is seen as an element that brings purity, and so the VivaahHoma rites are done to make the remaining activities of the wedding pure.
How the VivaahHoma Works?
A priest starts a small fire in a copper bowl, locally known as a kund. The kund then becomes the focal point around which the rest of the wedding rites are performed. Woolen wicks and clarified butter, referred to as ghee are the components used to start the fire in the kund. The priest chants some incantations which the couple repeats after him as sacrifices of sandal wood, rice, crushed herbs, oil, and sugar are offered to Lord Vishnu as piece offerings.
VivaahHoma’s Symbolism
Among the incantations, an often repeated phrase is “id na mama” which can be translated to mean “it is not for me”. This implies selflessness and empathy which is necessary for a successful marriage. The fire (agni) is taken as a representation of Vishnu’s mouth and is symbolic of knowledge, light, happiness, and power. There’s also a sacred pledge recited by the couple, and it is meant to appeal to Lord Agni to carry the couple’s prayers to various god for different blessings such as Sampatti for wealth and prosperity, Deergharogya for longevity of life and good health, and Santati for healthy children.
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