When a women priest solemnised a marriage in Rajkot

February 21, 2007

By Masooma Bharmal

Rajkot, Feb.20 (ANI): The Hindu women have been known for their religious practices but it was a break from the tradition when a women priest solemnised a marriage in Gujarat recently.

Till date solemnising marriages have been the privilege of male priests.

Though there are records of women scholars and priests in Vedic India, contemporary India has restricted the position of women to supportive roles in religious ceremonies.

The new beginning was made during the marriage of a hotelier's son where women priests performed the marriage while chanting Vedic hymns and mantras from the Hindu scriptures to the rhythm of musical instruments.

"When women priests conduct marriage rites, they do not skimp or pad on the prescribed procedures. We, women also adhere to the sacred words and in no way defile or alter them. We consider ourselves the carriers of the "Rishis" (sages in ancient India who also wrote divinely inspired verses) tradition," said Shardaben, the head of the trained group in priesthood.

The family of Kirit Kundaliya, groom's father also wholeheartedly d to the new trend.

"Many a times one sees that marriage rites are completed within a short time. It may be 10 minutes to just an hour at times. We don't like it. But these women priests from the 'Gayatri organization' told me beforehand itself that they would not oblige me by hurrying up rituals before the prescribed time in religious texts," said Kirit Kundaliya.

For the bride, Kesha, it was something new, something different.

"In normal ceremonies, they (the priests, usually Brahmins) just recite the Sanskarit mantras without explaining their meaning in plain language. But it felt pleasant when our priest made us understand every mantra in the language both-the bride and groom-could understand," said Kesha.

Brahmins have traditionally held the rights to conduct major religious ceremonies including marriages or death rituals. (ANI)

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/116488.php/When-a-women-priest-solemnised-a-marriage-in-Rajkot

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