Question for Swami

[Guest guest]

This question is about something close to my heart. What does

Swamiji think of a Gandharva marriage? I know to some people this is

a lower form of marriage, but I think that depends on the attitude of

the couple involved.

 

In my case both I and my fiance's parents are no longer living, so

there is no father to give the bride away and no father and mother in

law to welcome me into the family. My fiance's brothers and wives

have accepted me gladly as a new member of his family and my family

has raised no objection. We are both independent and make our own

choices, for good or ill.

 

My fiance is willing to go through a ceremony of comittment before

Deity, but I think that it would be too difficult to go through a

complicated wedding ritual. As it stands we would do a Ganesh puja,

exchange garlands, have him place the mangal sutra around my neck,

make the seven steps around the fire and then acknowledge each

other's divinity. Rings would be exchanged at a civil ceremony with

his other relatives in attendence (and mine if they want to make the

journey).

 

I desire to have Shree Maa's and Swamji's blessing on this plan and

on our relationship. If he or Shree Maa has any suggestions I would

be open to their comments. I think this is supported in the

traditions and we would go out of our way to avoid the difficulties

of this arrangement, being responsible and comitted to each other.

 

My respectful pranams to Shree Maa and Swamiji.

 

Om Jai Kali Ma! Om Namah Shivaya!

Kumari