I was invited to her marriage by Pradheebha, a quixotic Company Secretary who is highly knowledgeable and sharp. She is plighting her troth with Venkat, a Lawyer. She had sent a unique invitation which gave a detailed explanation of the Sapthapadi or the Seven Steps that the bride takes with the groom. She had given a translation of the Mantras recited by the Groom while completing the seven steps. I am reproducing it below in the interest of sharing it.
I have also understood that when you take seven steps with some one you become a friend. A good marriage is not built by ritual. It is built by bonds of friendship and mutual understanding. If the ritual reinforces it then it is good. In this sense, and attempt to make the ritual meaningful is a laudable effort. I congratulate Pradheeba and sincerely pray to the Almighty for her marital happiness by quoting the Kural on Marriage:
If the married life possesses love and virtue, these will be respectively its charm and purpose. (Kural 5:5)
The domestic excellence of a wife is the is the true goodness of a marriage; and good children are the jewels of that goodness. (Kural 6:10)
No comments:
Post a Comment