Wedding mandapa

A Vivaha Mandapa (Sanskrit: विवाह मण्डप, romanized: Vivāha Maṇḍapa, lit. 'Wedding pavilion'),^[1][2] also referred to as Kalyana Mandapa (Sanskrit: कल्याण मण्डप, romanized: Kalyāṇa Maṇḍapa)^[3] or simply Wedding mandapa is a mandapa (pavilion)^[4][5] temporarily erected^[6] for the purpose of a Hindu or Jain wedding. It is the term used for the wedding canopy in Dharmic religions.^[7][8] The main wedding ceremonies take place under this mandapa. Vivaha Mandapas have historically also been featured adjacent to Hindu temples to commemorate the wedding of Hindu deities, such as Rama and Sita.^[9]

Bride and groom within a wedding mandapa.

Description

A Vivaha Mandapa is traditionally made of wood, although in the contemporary period, modern materials are sometimes used.^[10] It is often set up as an arrangement that includes pillars supporting a frame, royal chairs for the bride and the groom, side chairs for parents, and a pedestal for the sacred fire.

It is often rented from businesses that specialise in renting items for an Indian wedding. Its use is common among overseas Indians as well.^[11]

The use of a mandapa is an ancient custom, and is described in texts like Ramacharitamanas^[12] and various Sanskrit texts. The bride is often escorted to the mandapa by her maternal uncle.^[13]

Decorations

Traditionally, the wedding mandapa is decorated using kalashas (pots filled with water), garlands of mango leaves, coconuts, banana leaves, and other traditional objects.

Modern mandapas use fabrics, lights, crystals, flowers, Wrought Iron unique shapes and other materials insuring all religious aspects of a mandapa, which include the four pillars and havana kunda (fire altar) is now completely modernised by design.^[14]

See also

• Chuppah

References

1. Choudhary, Indra Kumar (1988). Some Aspects of Social Life of Medieval Mithila, 1350-1750 A.D.: With a Special Reference to Contemporary Literatures. Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute. p. 138.
2. Jayashanker, S. (2003). Temples of Kōzhikkōde District. Controller of Publications. p. 79.
3. Tilak, Sudha G. (2019-10-15). Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places. Hachette India. p. 115. ISBN 978-93-88322-47-8.
4. Ratra, Amiteshwar (2006). Marriage and Family: In Diverse and Changing Scenario. Deep & Deep Publications. p. 198. ISBN 978-81-7629-758-5.
5. Dash, Trilochan (2020-06-05). Upajamana - The Sacred Hindu Marriage Ceremony: Vedic Hindu Wedding Rituals. Trilochan Dash. p. 45.
6. Rituals & Customs of a Hindu Wedding: Design & Planning Guide by Kavita Kapoor
7. Napier, John (4 June 2013). They Sing the Wedding of God: An Ethnomusicological Study of the Mahadevji ka byavala as Performed by the Nath-Jogis of Alwar. McFarland. p. 301. ISBN 978-1-4766-0213-4.
8. Brill, Alan (31 October 2019). Rabbi on the Ganges: A Jewish-Hindu Encounter. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 210. ISBN 978-1-4985-9709-8.
9. Knapp, Stephen (2008-05-29). Seeing Spiritual India: A Guide to Temples, Holy Sites, Festivals and Traditions. iUniverse. p. 192. ISBN 978-0-595-61452-3.
10. "विवाह मंडप नए रूप में". hindi.webdunia.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2023-07-28.
11. "Marrying East and West (washingtonpost.com)". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
12. Balkand, 320
13. A Maharashtrian marriage http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990202/ile02185.html
14. "The Shastra behind your Wedding Mandap design — The Tamarind Tree". Best Heritage Wedding Venues in Bangalore - The Tamarind Tree. Retrieved 2023-04-22.