Braja Mandala
is a devoted disciple of His Holiness Radhanath Swami and a pujari dressing Gaura Nitai. J. Kishore is a disciple of His Holiness Badrinarayan Swami working towards his second initiation. Both follow the 4 regulative principles. Photographed many Hare Krishna weddings at the Laguna beach temple in front of Panca Tattva. Below is a brief explanation of Hare Krishna weddings.
Hare Krishna weddings, also known as Vaishnava weddings, are traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies performed by members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a religious organization that follows the teachings of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and promotes devotion to Lord Krishna. These weddings are characterized by their spiritual and devotional aspects, and they follow a specific set of rituals and customs.
Here is an overview of Hare Krishna weddings:
* Engagement (Sakala Graha Vasa): The wedding process typically begins with the engagement ceremony, known as Sakala Graha Vasa. During this event, the families exchange gifts, and the couple officially announces their commitment to each other.
* Pre-Wedding Rituals: In the days leading up to the wedding, various rituals and ceremonies are performed. These may include purification ceremonies, chanting of mantras, and offerings to Lord Krishna to seek His blessings.
* Mehendi (Henna) Ceremony: Like in many Indian weddings, a mehendi ceremony is often held, where the bride has intricate henna designs applied to her hands and feet.
* Wedding Venue: Hare Krishna weddings are often conducted in ISKCON temples or centers, where the deity of Lord Krishna is prominently featured. These temples are considered sacred and provide a spiritually charged atmosphere for the ceremony.
* Fire Sacrifice (Yajna): The central ritual of the wedding involves the performance of a fire sacrifice, or yajna, which symbolizes the offering of the marriage to Lord Krishna. The bride and groom circle the sacred fire while reciting mantras and making offerings. The priest or officiating priest guides the couple through this process.
* Exchange of Garlands (Jaya Mala): The bride and groom exchange flower garlands as a symbol of their acceptance of each other as partners in life.
* Seven Steps (Sapta-Padi): Like in traditional Hindu weddings, the couple takes seven symbolic steps together, each step representing a vow and commitment for their married life.
* Blessings and Offerings: After the completion of the wedding rituals, the couple seeks blessings from the elders, family members, and the deity of Lord Krishna.
* Feast (Prasadam): A Hare Krishna wedding typically concludes with a grand feast, known as prasadam. The food is usually vegetarian and prepared according to strict dietary guidelines that align with the Hare Krishna tradition.
* Kirtan and Sankirtan: Throughout the wedding, devotional singing and chanting of Hare Krishna mantras (kirtan) may be an integral part of the celebration. Sankirtan, or congregational chanting, is also common at Hare Krishna weddings.
Hare Krishna weddings emphasize the spiritual and devotional aspects of marriage and are seen as an opportunity for the couple to begin their married life with a strong foundation of faith and devotion to Lord Krishna. The ceremonies are joyful and spiritually enriching events for the participants and the community.