Jain culture is built upon principles of peaceful co-existence, mutual support, and spiritual harmony. In Jainism, marriage is seen as a sacred union that ensures the continuation of dharma (righteousness) for future generations. It is considered a worldly but meaningful commitment, with a focus on spiritual growth, family, and the well-being of the community. Jain weddings are typically simple but significant, with an emphasis on rituals that are meaningful rather than extravagant. Dowry is strongly discouraged in Jain culture, and the marriage ceremony is viewed as a lifelong commitment between two souls, marked by devotion, respect, and companionship.
Jains prefer to marry within their community, ensuring that the family values and traditions are preserved for future generations. Typically, the process involves seeking a suitable match for their son or daughter within the Jain community through word-of-mouth, personal connections, or matrimonial advertisements.
While the ceremonies are simple, a Jain wedding follows a well-established sequence of pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding rituals. WeddingExpertz specializes in understanding and executing these unique and sacred customs, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding - from the venue to the attire - is thoughtfully planned and executed.
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Pre-Wedding Rituals
Laghana Lekhan: This is the first ceremony in a Jain wedding, held at the bride's house, where the marriage is officially fixed. A pooja is performed, and the auspicious wedding time (muhurta) is decided and shared with the groom's family.
Lagna Patrika Vachan: During this ritual, the Lagan Patrika (marriage letter) is read aloud at the groom's home at an auspicious time. This may also occur during the engagement. Following the reading, the groom performs the Vinayakyatra puja before the priest reads the marriage letter.
Sagai (Engagement Ceremony): Held at the groom’s home, this involves the groom wearing traditional attire and performing a Vinayakyatra puja. The bride's brother applies a tilak on the groom's forehead and gifts him a gold ring, chain, sweets, and money. The priest then reads the Lagan Patrika, and the groom seeks blessings from all present.
Mada Mandap: A day or two before the wedding, this ritual is performed at both the bride's and groom's homes by a priest, who conducts various sacred ceremonies.
Barati: On the wedding day, when the groom's procession arrives at the bride’s home, the bride's brother applies a tilak on the groom’s forehead and gifts him clothes, sweets, a coconut, and money. The groom, in return, applies a tilak to his brother-in-law and gifts him a coconut.
Aarti: Women at the bride's house perform an aarti to welcome the groom, accompanied by the singing of Mangala Geet (auspicious songs).
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Wedding Rituals
Phere (Seven Vows): At an auspicious moment, the bride and groom are seated in the mandap. The bride sits to the right of the groom, and together, they take seven vows around the sacred fire, representing their commitment to each other. Afterward, they exchange places.
Kanyavaran (Kanyapradan): This is the ceremony where the bride is formally presented to the groom by her parents. During the ritual, the bride’s parents or uncle place one rupee, twenty-five paise, and some rice in the bride’s right hand. The groom then accepts the bride. The priest pours water on the couple's hands while chanting mantras.
Havan: After the Phere ceremony, the priest chants sacred mantras (Peethika, Atha Gathu, Atha Nistarak, etc.), and offerings are made to the sacred fire. The priest concludes with chanting the Shanti Mantra nine times.
Granthi Bandhan: A married woman ties the bride’s sari to the groom’s shawl. The couple then takes four rounds around the havankund (sacred fire) while the priest chants mantras. The bride leads during the first round and follows the groom in the subsequent rounds. The women present sing Mangal Geet. After the vows are taken, the bride sits to the left of the groom, symbolizing her role as his Vamangi (left half of the body).
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Post-Wedding Rituals
After the wedding ceremonies, the couple receives blessings from both sets of parents and the priest. A grand vegetarian feast is held, following Jain dietary customs. The bride is then bid farewell by her parents, marking the beginning of her new life with her husband.
Alms and Gratitude: The bride’s parents also visit Jain temples to offer alms as a gesture of thanksgiving for the successful marriage.
Jain weddings are not just about two individuals coming together but about honoring a rich tradition and embarking on a spiritual and familial journey that lasts a lifetime.