Vindhyavasini's 'sindoor' to adorn Ash's forehead

Mirzapur, Jan 24 (UNI) The much-awaited marriage of Bollywood heart-throbs Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, would be solemnised with the blessed 'sindoor' (vermillion) from the reverred Vindhyavasini shrine here.

According to sources, the early morning rituals comprise special prayers including Vedic chants by pundits from Varanasi, who have specially been invited for the puja.

The couple would offer 'sindoor', 'chunri' (cloth) and coconut to Goddess Vindhyavasini.

Samajwadi Party leader and close friend of Bachchan family, Amar Singh would also accompany them, on his 51st birthday.

A 'panda' (priest) on condition of anonymity, said "Vindhyachal me saakshat Maa Jagdamba virajman hain. Unke ashirvad se Aishwayra ka suhag amar ho jayega jo ek har suhagin ka sapna hota hai." (Goddess Jagdamba will bless the couple for their marital life).

He said Abhishek would fill the 'maang' (the parting of the hair from forehead) of Aishwarya with the 'sindoor' .

This would be the first time since January 14 Ash-Abhishek 'roka' (engagement) ceremony, when both the film actors would be together offering prayers at a temple.

On November 27 last year, Aishwarya and Abhishek had participated in special puja at the world famous Kashi Vishwanath and Sankatmochan temples in Varanasi, much before the formal announcement of the alliance between the Bollywood heartthrobs.

Sources said several high profile guests, including Jaya Prada, Actor-turned-SP MP from Rampur, industrialist Anil Ambani's wife Tina Ambani and Bollywood beauty Preity Zinta have been invited for the function.

UNI