P = Panigrahanam

Panigrahanam literally means, “accepting the hands” and is also called hastmilap (joining of hands). This ritual symbolizes that the groom takes the bride as his wife and undertakes responsibility for her future well being.

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Panigrahanam

In this ritual, the groom takes the bride’s right hand in his right hand, while chanting the following mantra from the Rig Veda.

I take thy hand in mine, yearning for happiness
I ask thee, to live with me, as thy husband
Till both of us, with age, grow old

Know this, as I declare, that the Gods
Bhaga, Aryama, Savita and Purandhi, have bestowed thy person, upon me
that I may fulfill, my Dharmas of the householder, with thee

This I am, That art thou
The Sāman I, the Ŗc thou
The Heavens I, the Earth thou

The Gods mentioned above are: Bhaga signifying wealth, Aryama signifying heavens/milky way, Savita signifying radiance/new beginning, and Purandhi signifying wisdom.

It may be noted that there are four main goals in the life of a Hindu – Kama (love and physical pleasure), Artha (wealth and material goods), Dharma (righteousness) and Moksha  (the final release or liberation from the cycle of life, death and rebirth) – in increasing order of importance.

The first three goals are to be fulfilled through grihastashram or the householder’s life and for this a man needs the assistance of his bride and life partner.

Panigrahanam is believed to be of particular significance in Hindu weddings. This particular ritual usually takes place after kanyadaan i.e. after the parents hand over their daughter to the groom. The groom, in turn, accepts her and requests her support with above words of promise and reassurance.

Quote of the day: Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.:- Albert Camus

Come on ladies and gentlemen – let the war of the worlds words begin 😉

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Dahlia

Email me at mysilverstreaks@gmail.com or tweet me @mysilverstreaks

15 thoughts on “P = Panigrahanam”

  2. This is a fantastic post, D! So much information; I loved reading the rigveda chants and the translations. This is the first time I’ve heard this name for the ceremony – our Nair weddings have no officiating priest, so we never go through all these ‘daanations’ and acceptances. Way to go!

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  4. If the “daan” was not enough, this one surely ensures women are “something” that should be protected always…if i were to be the groom I might run away, with all these responsibilities being loaded onto me 😉

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    1. Yes very true – the guy doesnt know what he is letting himself in for becoz it is said in an unfamiliar language and the girl because she is dazzled by the wedding bling!

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