LEGAL FORMALITIES
At this stage in the ceremony, the legal formalities can be completed. Thus, the rituals combine with the law of the land to formalize the marriage.
Jal Prokshanam – Sprinling of water1
Water is symbolically sprinkled on the bride and groom with these mantras:
May we be blessed with health and energy
May the universe always provide a way
May we contribute to maintain nature and earth
May we build a world of peace and calm
आपो हि ष्ठा मयोभुवस्ता न ऊर्जे दधातन ।
महे रणाय चक्षसे ॥2
Om aapo hiṣh-ţhaa mayo,
bhuvastaa na oorje dadhaatana.
Mahe-raṇaaya chakshase.
Water is an essential component of the human body. Water also represents cleanliness, calmness, and a gentle ability to overcome any obstacle. May we be blessed with an abundance of water, and may we also learn from the qualities of water to be clean in body and mind and to remain calm even while overcoming any challenge.
यो व: शिवतमो रसस्तस्य भाजयतेह न: ।
उशतीरिव मातर: ॥3
Yovah shivatamo rasa-tasya bhaa-jayateha nah.
Usha-teeriva maatarah.
Just as mothers provide for their young as well as protect them, so too, may the forces of the universe provide us strength.
तस्मा अङ्गमाम वो यस्य क्षयाय जिन्वथ ।
आपो जनयथा च नः ॥4
Tasmaa araṅgamaam vo yasya kshayaaya jinvatha.
Aapo-janayathaa cha nah.
May the circle of life be blissful for us, just as the plants are medicinal and they are instrumental in the circulation of oxygen, so too may we be useful to the world.
ओमापः शिवाः शिवतमाः शान्ताः
शांततामास्तास्ते कृण्वन्तु भेषजम् ॥ 5
Om aapah shivaah shiva-tamaah shaantaah
shaant-tamaa-staaste kṛiṇ vantu bheśhajam.
Water keeps us clean and maintains a good balance in the air. May we be free from disease and at peace with all.
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