Customer Reviews

The Vedic Wedding: Origins, Tradition and Practice

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Hinduism Today
July-August-September 2007
Review of The Vedic Wedding by Dr. A. V. Srinivasan

Books
The Vedic Wedding, Understanding what it all means, step by step

By Tara Katir, Washington
The ritual of circumambulating the sacred fire binds a Hindu couple together in a tradition that has been followed in India for thousands of years. To sustain these customs outside India is Dr. A.V. Srinivasan's stated intention in his new book, The Vedic Wedding: Origins, Tradition and Practice (Periplus Line LLC, 268 pages). Srinivasan explains, "The inspiration came from the young Indians in the United States who sought my advice in the past three decades and asked me to officiate at their weddings. I have been impressed by their genuine interest in understanding Vedic wedding practices and philosophy." Srinivasan's book is a solution for contemporary Hindu couples in the West who wish to fully comprehend their marriage ceremony. Chapters on the Hindu philosophy of marriage, the origins of the ceremony in the Vedas, Shastras, Grihya Sutras and popular traditions and customs, provide good preparation for understanding the ritualistic ceremony, which is covered in chapter four. In addition, readers will find detailed instructions for required accoutrements, music selection, rehearsal, bridal attire and cosmetics, special pujas done by the bride and groom and a bevy of additional ceremonies one may choose to include. There is even a practical section on homa fire safety. The book is well researched and a welcome help.
The Vedic Wedding, Origins, Tradition and practice by A.V. Srinivasan, Periplus line LLC, P.O. Box 56, East Glastonbury, CT 06025-0056
2006. 268 pages.