Open in App
Open in App

Spiritual Bliss for Newlyweds

This article, "Spiritual Bliss for Newlyweds" was published in the Springfield Leader and Press, October 11, 1972, in Springfield, Missouri.

DENVER, Colo. (AP) - Ambruish das and Vijaya dasi made all the preparation for the ceremonial fire which symbolizes purification in the Krishna cult wedding rite. 

The fire was high point of their wedding ceremony, which began with the water ceremony. Sitting on one side of an Indian print, the priest showed the couple, seated on the other side, how to spoon water from a goblet into their palms and sip it. An hour-long lecture followed on the importance of marriage and Krishna consciousness.

Spiritual bliss is more important than physical bliss, the priest told them, and sex is only for procreation.

"I accept Vijaya dasi as my wife," Ambruish said, "and I shall take charge of her throughout both our lives. We shall live together peacefully in Krishna consciousness and there will never be any separation."

Ambruish and Vijaya exchanged garlands and places. Covering his wife's head with the loose part of her sari, he then streaked the part in her hair with red, signifying that she is married.

Then the fire was lit with a candle. When the flames reached two feet, rice soaked in clarified butter (ghee) was thrown into the fire by the wedding party. The ghee brightens the flames and makes them leap higher.

Ambruish and Vijaya placed bananas on the fire and were told to tie their clothes together. The knot must remain one week.

Music and dancing, with cymbals, drums and chants of Hare Krishna, ended the ceremony. A vegetarian feast for almost 400 guests followed.

The two members of the Denver chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Inc., are now at home in the Krishna commue at New Vrindaban, W. Va.

PHOTOS
Up left: A marriage of Krishna followers will emphasize the spiritual. The couple exchanges garlands during the ceremony.
Down left: The uncovered head of the bride, Vijaya dasi, means the wedding ceremony is not over.
Middle: A wedding guest plays a small set of cymbals as music chanting and dancing are as important part of the ceremony. The long robed outfits are worn by all strict members of the cult.
Right: The newly married couple put bananas on a fire at the end of their wedding ceremony, as a priest looks on. The priest gave an hour long lecture on the importance of marriage.



Reference: Springfield Leader and Press, Denver, USA, 1972-10-11