Samskara #15 of 16 · Householder (Grihastha)
विवाह
Vivaha
Vivāha
Timing: On completion of education + finding a suitable partner
Purpose
Marriage — the entry into grihastha ashrama (householder stage), establishing the foundation for fulfilling dharma, artha, kama, and ultimately moksha.
The ritual
A multi-day ceremony anchored by saptapadi (7 sacred steps around the fire), kanyadaan (giving of the daughter), mangalsutra-bandhana (tying the sacred thread), sindoor-daanam, and pradakshina around Agni. Each step has its own mantra invoking specific blessings.
Key elements
- ●Kanyadaan
- ●Saptapadi (7 steps, 7 vows)
- ●Mangalsutra + sindoor
- ●Agni as witness (Agni-sakshi)
- ●Lajja-homa (puffed-rice offering by bride)
Performed by
Family priest + both families
Scriptural reference
Rig Veda 10.85 (Vivah Sukta); Asvalayana Grihya Sutra
Modern relevance
The most elaborate + widely performed samskara today — central to Hindu culture across all communities + the global Indian diaspora.