The only thing that stands out from Indian weddings and what is most important is known as the “pheras” or revolving around the bonfire that is present in the middle of the whole décor. This extravagant ceremony of shaadi or second shaadi for many has a lot of reasoning, ethical as well as scientific, associated with it. At least that is what we have heard our elders saying. If you’ve ever wondered why people take 4 pheras instead of 7, you’d be glad to know that there is a scientific reasoning behind that as well. Weird but true.
There are probably a 100 eerie rituals out there, be it second shaadi, matchmaking or anything else, there exists a justified reason behind each one of them. Even the Indian matrimonial services are also found to believe in these explanations. Though the Indian matrimonial services do their part by finding a perfect match, they don’t forget to suggest the rituals that the couple should follow.
Padma Sri Dr. KK Agarwal has also written a book which tells about the reasons along with the dos and don’ts. People even follow several customs even during matchmaking. The world doesn’t stop pleasing you now, does it?
It may seem uncanny now, but these rituals have been in place since a very long time now. The Doctor has explained certain rituals which are not usual to Indian weddings, especially for those who prefer to perform these rituals in a bit different manner.
The Indian matrimonial services might make the perfect match for you, but to make your marriage work bother to take a look at few of the no-so known rituals and the associated reasons explaining their significance:
4 and not 7
One of the most important rituals that the Indian weddings consist of are: the Pheras. The other two are the Ghurchadi and the Varmala. Ghurchadi, or climbing and riding a female horse, signifies that you are in control of the 5 senses that are associated to the female horse, according to mythology. So literally, it means that you are taking control of those 5 senses and that your childhood is now over.
The Varmala tradition indicates how you should let go of your ego and bow to the society. So next time you go in a friend’s wedding, do insist him to bow instead of doing the other part.
And lastly, the 4 Pheras signify the most important phases of a couple’s after-marriage life. Dharma, Kama, Artha and Moskha are the four objectives linked with those few steps taken round the flare. These four pheras have now become 7 in modern times. Modernity hasn’t left our traditions even.
Taking Permission from Ancestors on the D-Day
The permission of the ancestors is a must before any ritual in the wedding. This ritual is for those families who have not performed the rituals after the death of their family member.
There is a ritual that takes place for an extension to fulfill the desires of the dead. Their desires are fulfilled with the help of these rituals, which are even performed on a monthly basis. These rituals ask for an extension to fulfill those desires and once fulfilled, there is another ritual observed. The main reason for taking permission from ancestors is to tell them that their desires have not been forgotten and that the marriage is the first priority. Even in case of second shaadi, this ritual is followed strictly.
Marriage after the death of a close member of the family
A common Hindu tradition is to not have any function after the death of a close family member. Some observe a 13-day peace, while others take even a year. People even refrain from matchmaking during this period.
In modern times, the death of a family member usually does not stop the wedding procedures and the functions that follow.
matchmaking
The Scientific Reasoning Behind Some Indian Rituals
