These marriages are good because the parents are likely to know their child well as well as the partner’s family.
These marriages are bad because the child may want to marry someone else and may not like the family.
2. Rama and Sita
- Vishnu came to earth in the form of Rama
- Rama was sent to defeat the demons that were scaring and terrorising the people
- Son of King Dasharatha – second wife was given 3 wishes. They were used to ensure Bharatha became King and Rama was sent into exile in the forest
- Sita, his wife remained faithful and stayed with him. His brother came with him as well
- One day Sita asked for a deer from Rama. Rama needed Lakshman’s help, so Lakshman drew a circle of protection around Sita and went.
- After a while a beggar came and asked Sita for some water. As it was her duty, she stepped out of the circle to give some water to the beggar. The beggar showed he was Ravana and took Sita to Lanka.
- Hunuman and Jatayu the eagle helped find Sita and after a long battle Sita was rescued and Ravana was destroyed.
- Rama and Sita came home as the new King and Queen. Sita stepped through a circle of fire to prove she was still loyal to her husband.
- Sita remains faithful to Rama and does not marry Ravana.
- Rama was not tempted by Ravana’s sister
- Rama is determined to find Sita and does not give up
- Sita could have deserted Rama and not gone with him into the forest, but she did.
- Rama caught a deer for Sita
3. The wedding
- The bride is the centre of attention
- The family of the bride make preparations
- The wedding usually takes place at the home of the bride
Ceremony
- The bride agrees to marry the groom
- Father of the bride places his hand the hand of the groom
- Gifts are exchanged
- sacred fire is prepared
- The bride are groom wear coloured paste
- The bride may wear a tilak to show she is married from then on.
- The priest says prayers and the bride and groom repeat them
- Offerings of ghee and grains are placed into the fire.
- The bride and groom are joined with a knot to show they are united.
- They take the seven steps – strength, health, happiness, children, enjoyment of pleasures.
- They give each other a sweet to represent the sweetness of the union.
Symbols are –
Sweets – union
Fire – Agni
Sacred knot – joined together
Sindoor – only bride
Tilak – married from then on
Jewellery – perfect wife
7 steps – prayers for good marriage
