Mukt-karna – Release from former ties1
The groom places his hand symbolically on the hair of the bride:
O Bride, I respectfully request that you release all ties in your life and,
to free yourself from all the negatives of your life before this marriage.
You have, up to this time, been under the guidance of your good parents.
Today onwards, we will together live our life of righteousness together.
We will live together, in good or ill health, through happiness and disappointments
– and depend on each other.
We shall be happy and charitable.
ओं प्र त्वा मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशाद्येन त्वाबध्नात्सविता सुशेव: ।
ऋतस्य योनौ सुकृतस्य लोकेऽरिष्टां त्वा सह पत्या दधामि ॥2
Om pratvaa muṅg-chaami varunaṡya paashaad
yena-tvaabadh-naat-savitaa sushevah.
Ritasya yonau sukritasya loke’riṡhṭaan
tvaa saha dadhaami.
May this vow reflect both our intentions of releasing all past ties and attachments and only looking towards each other from today. May we be blessed with good children and a happy family.
ओं प्रेतो मुञ्चामि नामुत: सुबद्धाममुतस्करम् ।
यथेयमिन्द्र मीढ्वः सुपुत्रा सुभगासति ॥3
Om preto muṅg-chaami naamutah
subad-dhaam-utaskaram.
Yathe-yam-indram meeḍvah
suputraa subhagaasati.
May this bride, who is now free of her former ties and obligations, stand her ground and maintain her place in her new family against any challenge. May she nurture and support her family and stand equal with her husband in their new life together.
- Also called “hair-loosening ceremony”. The groom places his hand lightly over the hair of the bride and recite these mantras. In effect, this act requests the bride to sever the connections of life with her parents and to stand with her husband. Instead of retiring to a private room (and breaking the flow of the ceremony), the groom places his hand on the hair of the bride and make his pronouncements.
- Rig veda 10.85.24
- Rig veda 10.85.25
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