Arya Samaj Marriages by Yajnaprakash and Rosy

1. Garbhadhana (गर्भाधान) (Conception)

2. Pumsabana (पुंसवन) (for development of baby’s body)

3. Simantonnayana(सीमन्तोन्नयन)(for development of baby’s brain)

Post-birth Samskar :

4. Jata Karma (जातकर्म) (Just after Birth)

5. Nama Karana (नाम करण) (Naming ceremony)

6. Nishkramana(निष्क्रमण)(Baby’s first time day out to see Nature)

7. Anna Prashana (अन्न प्राशन ) (Starting of First solid food for the baby)

8. Chuda Karma (चूड़ा कर्म) (First shaving of head)

9. Karna Vedha (कर्णवेध ) (Piercing of ear-lobes)

10. Upanayana (उपनयन)(Admission in Gurukul or Residential School)

11. Vedarambha (वेदारम्भ )(Start of Education)

12. Samavartana (समावर्तन)(Convocation)

13. Vivah (विवाह )(Marriage)

14. Vanaprastha (वानप्रस्थ )(Engage in Community work)

15. Sannyas (सन्यास) (Communion with God)

Post-death Samskar :

16. Antyesti Sanskar (अन्त्येस्टि संस्कार) (Cremation)

The Vivah or the institution of marriage is the thirteenth Samskar in the afore-mentioned list. Each Samskar bears the desired result provided its preceding Samskaras are followed properly. Thus, married life is joyous, if earlier Samskaras from Garbhadhan upto Samavartan are understood and practised effectively.

The present booklet does not describe the Vivah or marriage Samskar in detail. It only states the important steps adopted during this Samskar. Although regional variations are predominant in different provinces and traditions, the readers are expected to have a broader look and ignore shortcomings, if any.

I and my wife, Sushreeta, had the proud privilege to sit and listen to the conducting of this auspicious Samskar by our scholarly parents Vidushi Shanno Devi and Er. (Dr.) Priyabrata Das. Due to their inspiration and blessings, we started conducting such ceremonies and were greatly benefited by their logical and scientific background. Each Samskar is well-designed, thought provoking and highly symbolic in its composition.

In the beginning of their journey of togetherness, the bride and the bridegroom are carried along in their emotions of excitement and passion. After some time, when the inevitability starts to wane, the true nature of the couple begins to come out. We will feel fortunate, if the book gives delight to the readers for rejuvenating harmony in their married life. Let all the married couple take this opportunity to refresh pledges in their marriage anniversaries and remain blessed.

We are indebted to younger brother Om Prakash for inspiration, son-in-law @Arjun Muralidharan for editing and Swadha Mohanty for sketches. -- Yajna Prakash , Sushreeta