Originally posted by: pasumarthisa
As Saras and Kumud enter holy martimony, felt like revisiting the symbolism and rituals behind this beautiful institution.
There are many mantras chanted during marriage. Many beautiful rituals.
Saptapadi - When they take the seventh step they become the best of friends. (Sakha saptapadi bhava)
Mangalasutra - the shloka 'mangalyam tantunanena ...' is chanted. It means, 'I am tying this auspicious thread around your neck for my life. May you live hundred years with me(sharadam shatam meaning hundred autumns).
Husband takes up the responsibilty of the wife and becomes 'Bhartaa'(provider and one who holds the responsibility) and wife becomes 'Bharya' one who is to be taken as a responsibility. He is supposed to be with her and in dharma, artha, kama and moksha.
When we think about Kumud and Saras - we can feel that these two stand for the spirit of these mantras totally.