Paanigrahan Sanskaar/Wedding

It was time for the wedding ceremony. The Munis and Devtas were summoned to take their respective seats . The Bedi (wedding Mundap/altar) was decorated according to the Vedic traditions. Celestial music was being played while the ladies could be heard singing on the other side. A magnificent throne was placed in the middle, it's beauty could not be described in words. It was made by the creator Bramha himself. Shivji bowed to the Brahmans present, and keeping Ram in his heart, sat on the throne.

At the appropriate time the Munis called Parvati to the Mundap. Her bridesmaids who had dressed her up, brought her along. All the Devtas were charmed at her beauty and glamour. No poet could try to describe her beauty, even the Vedas hesitated to do so.

Jagdambika Jaani Bhuv Bhaama

Surahn Manahin Man Kinhan Pranama

Knowing that Parvati was Jagdambika and Shivji's wife the Devtas secretly bowed to her . Parvati, a vision to behold then sat next to Shiva in the Mandap. The munis started the Pooja/service to Ganesh (who is the God who removes all obstacles). Since Ganesh is forever present and not bound by time, TD says that nobody should think why Ganesh came at the time of his parents wedding.

The wedding ceremony was done with all the Vedic rites. The king of the mountains Himanchal then took some flowers, and handed his daughter's hand to Shankar. When Shivji
took Parvati's hand from her, the Paanigrahan ceremony was completed. The grand priests started chanting the Vedic Mantras and all the guests burst into cheers of Jai Ho!!!!
The palace started ringing with joy and sweet melodies. Various different species of flowers were raining from the heavens. The whole 'Brahmand' / universe was happy now that Shiv and Parvati were married.

Himanchal gave a king's dowry as was the custom. Servants, carriages, horses, elephants, cows, grains, gems, utensils of gold were given in loads. After giving all kinds of dowry that cannot even be described, Himanchal with folded hands said to Shiva that what could he give to somebody who had everything. Then one, who is so kind and pure blessed his father -in-law and gave him more than he could ever ask for. Then, Maina being the mother, asked Shankar to for ever keep her daughter happy and be unmindful of her faults. Shiv assured Maina that Parvati will always be loved and be a part of him.

May all couples have the same love and devotion that Shiva and Parvati had for each other. Then we will have Ram Rajya. JAI HO!