Mangalya Dharana : A Significant & Essential Element In Hindu Wedding
Mangalya Dharana : A Significant event in Hindu tradition, representing the wearing of the “Mangala sutra” by married women. The tradition of the groom tying the bride’s tali (necklace) has been practiced since ancient times.
The term “mangala sutra” is derived from Sanskrit, where “mangala” means beautiful and auspicious, and “sutra” refers to a rope or thread. Typically, the mangala sutra is made by intertwining multiple strands of thread and turmeric is applied to it. It is crafted as a Thali (pendant) with nine or eleven threads joined together, based on individual customs.
Mangalya Dharana & Marriage Ceremony
During the marriage ceremony, the groom invites the blessings of the Goddess Mangalya onto the mangala sutra. He worships the mangala sutra with Shodashopacharams (sixteen rituals). After the mangala sutra is touched by the relatives present at the wedding, the groom stands facing the bride and ties three knots around her neck while reciting the following mantra (mangala sutradharana):
“Mangalyam tantunanena mama jiva hetuna, kanthe badhnami subhage tvam jiva sharadashastam”
This mantra translates to: “Oh bride! With this sacred thread, which is the cause of my life, I am tying this bond called Mangalya around your neck. By wearing this mangala sutra, which signifies the reason and course of my life, I aspire to live for a hundred years.”
The mangala sutra symbolizes the institution of marriage. It typically features two golden balls that hang in place of the heart. These balls represent the presence of two divine souls called Jivatma and Paramatma. The mangala sutra serves as a reminder of the eternal connection between the couple.
“Mangala” signifies everything that is auspicious and virtuous, hence the name “Mangala Sutra.” Gauri Devi is considered the presiding deity of Mangala Sutras. It is also known as “Shata Manamulu,” which means “hundred years.” Mangala Sutras are typically made of gold. There are two sutras (Shata Manamulu): one is given by the bride’s parents’ side, and the other by the bride’s mother-in-law’s side.
The groom performs the mangal sutra dharana, tying it around the bride’s neck while the priest recites the mantra. The three knots symbolize the three worlds, the trinity, and the qualities of Sattva (purity), Raja (activity), and Tamo (inertia). The mantra also signifies the groom expressing his wish for the bride’s lifelong happiness and well-being.
Vedic scholars offer blessings to the mangala sutra during the dharana, reciting the mantra “Satamanam Bhavati, Satayuh Purusha!” (“May you live for a hundred years, and may your husband live for a hundred years!”). Afterward, members of the wedding mandapa shower akshatas (colored rice) on the heads of the bride and groom, offering their blessings with the words “Om Saubhagyamastu” (May you have good fortune) for the bride and “Om Shubham Bhavatu” (May you be blessed) for the groom.
Hindus believe that wearing the mangala sutra reminds a woman that her husband’s joys and sorrows are hers as well. It symbolizes her commitment to sharing her husband’s happiness and sorrows and her role as the source of wealth and children in the marital relationship. It signifies the inseparable bond between husband and wife and serves as a constant reminder of their marital vows and responsibilities.
Also Read : https://telugutraditions.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=767&action=edit