Quite a several couples consider Arya Samaj Mandir as the best place where they can get their marriage solemnised in a simple, legally valid, and spiritually significant ceremony. Founded on the Vedas, marriages in the Arya Samaj are based on simplicity, truth, and contrast to the usual elaborate and costly Indian weddings.
The reason this preference is given to Arya Samaj Mandir marriages over others is not only because they follow the rituals in the Vedas, but also because they are legally valid, and recognised under the Hindu Marriage Act, of 1955. The Arya Samaj Mandirs thus hold an attractive appeal for the people who desire to combine spiritual importance with legality.
First and foremost, the philosophy of the Arya Samaj-anticipated by Swami Dayanand Saraswati 1875 emphasises equality, simplicity, and a return to the roots set by the Vedas. These find reflection in Arya Samaj marriages, which discard irrelevant rituals and emphasise the important element, the union of two souls.
While the general Hindu weddings have convoluted rituals and tend to be quite expensive, the Arya Samaj marriages are less elaborate and thus more affordable to people of all caste, religious, and economic backgrounds. The service is non-discriminating and hence, attracts into Arya Samaj Mandirs many interfaith and intercaste marriages that would not be accepted in more traditional settings.
Besides, Arya Samaj Mandirs grant valid marriage, legally accepted by the courts of India. This fact becomes very important in cases where the families of either the bride or groom or both do not approve of the marriage or when the two partners belong to different religious communities.
Once the marriage is thus solemnised at Arya Samaj Mandir, a marriage certificate is provided to the bride and groom, which then can be registered with the local marriage registrar to avail of all legal rights and protection accorded to the married couples in India.
This aspect of Arya Samaj marriages is most attractive to couples for a court marriage, as it embodies the essence of a religious wedding and at the same time provides it with legal validity, having been registered in court.
Spiritual and Legal Appeal of Arya Samaj Mandir Marriages
The marriage ceremonies at Arya Samaj Mandir have their spiritual nature rooted in Vedic traditions. Fire is considered a sacred witness in the ceremony, much like most Hindu rituals. Furthermore, in conducting the ceremony, Vedic mantras are said.
Far from taking away the spiritual essence of the ceremony, this increases the moment of exchanging vows and commitments between the two parties. The absence of any idol worship and emphasis on one God makes for an Arya Samaj wedding, fitting its monotheistic precepts, thus accessible to people from many different religious backgrounds who may be uneasy with polytheistic rituals and practices.
Besides being spiritually important, the legal aspects associated with marriages in Arya Samaj Mandir make it a preferred option to undertake court marriage. The marriage certificate that comes with the ceremony itself acts as the legal proof of marriage being an extremely important document.
Therefore, this marriage certificate can be utilised for a wide range of legal purposes, which also include applying for a passport, changing one’s name, or in any legal case concerning inheritances and properties. The convenience of having a legally valid marriage certificate obtained from an Arya Samaj Mandir along with the fulfilment of a Vedic marriage makes this option very attractive to couples.
Another apparent advantage of Arya Samaj Mandir marriages is that they are inclusive. The Arya Samaj Mandirs treat everybody alike irrespective of caste, religion, or financial background and thus prove an excellent venue for intercaste and interfaith marriages.
Despite societal expectations and family pressures that often dictate marriages in the country, Arya Samaj Mandirs offer a haven for couples to marry out of love and mutual respect, free from the burden of fulfilling external demands.
This all-encompassing approach also included marriage legality; an Arya Samaj marriage Certificate is considered valid by Courts of Law in India, which makes the marriage legally valid.
Arya Samaj Mandir Marriages: Combination of Tradition & Modernity
Many individuals choose Arya Samaj Mandir marriages because they combine tradition and modernity. Although the wedding ceremony follows the ancient Vedic rituals, the form performed is relevant and useful to modern society.
The simplicity, equality, and elimination of unnecessary rituals behind an Arya Samaj marriage make it appealing to many couples of today who believe in the same philosophy. Besides, the marriage solemnised by the Arya Samaj was granted legal recognition so that the couples may avail of all the rights and privileges of a valid legal marriage without necessitating a separate court procedure.
FAQs
Is Arya Samaj marriage valid in court?
Yes, the marriage performed under Arya Samaj is valid and is accepted in courts in India. The Arya Samaj marriage certificate issued after marriage is, therefore legal proof of one’s marriage, and couples can get their marriage registered with the local marriage registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act, of 1955.
Why do people get married in Arya Samaj?
Arya Samaj marriages are preferred because of their simplicity, inclusiveness, and conduction according to the Vedic rights. Perhaps, this makes it an attractive option for couples since the religiously meaningful service offered by the Arya Samaj Mandirs happens to be legally recognised.
What is the difference between Arya Samaj marriage and normal marriage?
The basic difference between Arya Samaj marriage and traditional Hindu marriage is that it is as simple as a marriage and avoids unnecessary rituals. Arya Samaj marriages are performed according to the Vedic method without idol worship. Non-exclusive of anyone, allowing all religions; hence, people prefer them for inter-religion and inter-caste marriages.
Can Hindu Muslims marry in Arya Samaj?
Yes, even Hindus and Muslims can get married under Arya Samaj if they prefer the Vedic order. Arya Samaj performs a very accommodating marriage between people from two different religions, but they should promise to follow the rituals according to the Vedas during their wedding.
What are the golden rules of Arya Samaj?
The golden rules of Arya Samaj are to believe in one God, the authority of Vedas, enjoin truth and righteousness, abolition of idol worship, and promote the well-being of all people. It embodies the code of conduct that any Arya Samaj should follow and is reflected in the simplicity and purity of an Arya Samaj wedding.