Water... this is one element of nature, which has been considered sacred and divine so much so that it has been worshipped across the world. There are legends galore about water, signifying the importance and omnipresence of water. Early man regarded water as something mystical and gave it a divine form.
The Bible talks of 'holy water', the sprinkling of which drives away the evil spirits. To the Indian psyche, water is the sustaining principle of life and is worshipped in Hindu mythology as Varuna, the Rain God. The Universe is made up of five elements and water is one of them. The river Ganges, the largest river in India is believed to have originated from the headlocks of Lord Shiva. It is commonly believed that taking a dip in the holy rivers cleanses one of his sins. Based on this belief people celebrate functions like Kumbh Mela in northern India and Maha Maham in southern India.
Water as per Hindu religion is considered to have the power to purify and is used in every ceremony from birth to death. There is a verse in the Rig Veda, which brings out the essence of water. It says:
"Gracious be divine waters for our protection,
Be they for our drink, and stream on us bliss and happiness."
The omnipresence of water is reflected in all Indian customs and traditions and it plays a significant role in most Hindu weddings.
South Indian Weddings - Udaha Santhi: In certain South Indian weddings a function called 'Udaha Santhi' is performed. Here a silver or brass pot (Kudam) is filled with water and decorated with thread, mango leaves and coconut and the priests chant mantras. Later all the elders sprinkle this water on the bridal couple. This water is considered to be sacred and it not only purifies but is also supposed to bring good health and prosperity to the bridal couple. It also wards off bad planetary influences.
Coorgi Weddings - Ganga Puja: In Coorgi weddings, a Ganga Puja is performed near the well in the groom's house. In the absence of a well, water is filled in a big vessel decorated with flowers. Three small silver pots are filled with water. The bride breaks a coconut and drops it in the water, followed by betel leaves, nuts and flowers. She then places the pot on her head and two young girls carry the other pots and escort the bride to the house. This puja is a prayer to Goddess Kaveri, signifying that when the river is full there is bound to be prosperity everywhere.
Sindhi Weddings - Potful of Lakshmi: In Sindhi customs a pot filled with water is placed in the groom's house with a coin in it. The bride gives this coin to her father-in-law signifying that Goddess Lakshmi has entered the house and will bring prosperity.
Madhava Weddings - Koda Illusuvuda: Madhava marriages have a function called 'Koda Ilusuvudu'. A brass pot decorated with coconut, mango leaves and a blouse piece is filled with water. The bride's mother carries this pot to the groom's house where the groom's mother accepts this pot symbolising that she accepts responsibility for the bride.
Hindu Weddings - Pag Dhulai: Some Hindu weddings follow the custom of Pag Dhulai literally meaning 'Feet Washing'. The feet of the groom are washed prior to the main function by the bride's parents. The groom is considered Maha Vishnu on this occasion.
Water in general is considered to be a great purifier and is an intrinsic part of Indian weddings. An Indian wedding is an occasion of a lifetime and it is but right that water plays an intrinsic part in it as a symbol of eternity.
