Hindus ask Brand-Perry to take marriage seriously as it is a sacred rite

Nevada (US), Oct 17 (ANI): Welcoming reports of English actor-comedian Russell Brand and American musician Katy Perry undergoing a Hindu wedding ceremony on October 23 at Jaipur (India), Hindus have suggested them to take marriage seriously and perform it devotedly with proper Hindu rituals and traditions.

Renowned Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said: In Hinduism, vivah (marriage) is the most important samskar (sacrament). Married couple is looked as a complete module for worship and participation in cultural/social acts. With the marriage samskar, one thoroughly enters into grihasth-ashram (householder phase), where one can attend to the goals of dharm (duty).

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further stated: Traditional Hindu marriage is a sacred rite and involves various religious steps, including-

kanyadaan (giving of the bride), panigrahan (hand grasping), reciting from scriptures, walking around the fire saying Vedic mantars (hymns), saptapadi (seven steps) on the piles of rice, etc. Course of conventional Hindu wedding includes various religious/cultural/social procedures, including-gunapariksha, patrika (horoscope) matching, vagdana (betrothal), pressing a tilak (religious mark) on the bridegroom, worship of gods/ancestors/spirits, mrdaharana (bringing of earth) by mothers, applying mehndi (henna) on the bride, Ganesh worship, worship of goddess Sitala for 3-7 days, bride's abhishek (consecration) by the priest, saptarsimandal (asking stars to be witnesses), dispersal rites, coconut smashing at the temple, etc.

If Brand-Perry needed any help, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly guide him through the process, Rajan Zed added.

The wedding will reportedly take place in Taj Rambagh Palace, whose one Grand Presidential Suite could cost about US$13,621 per night. Built in 1835 and former residence of Maharaja of Jaipur, "It offers luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings...whose every corner has a story to tell". Besides spa, golf, polo, yoga, etc., it also provides the services of palmist/astrologer.

According to reports, seven-day wedding bash will include: flying in a private jet about 85 friends/family; tiger safari during three-day stay in wilderness camp around Ranthambore National Park (about 114 miles from Jaipur); guests Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Noel Gallaghar, Jonathan Ross, David Walliams, Morrissey, etc.; color coded outfits; Brand riding a decorated horse accompanied by camels, elephants, folk dancers/singers and fireworks. It will be followed by a grand party in USA.

BAFTA nominated Russell Edward Brand (35) of England is reportedly attracted to Hinduism; carries a Sanskrit tattoo on his body; and has made visits to a Hindu temple. His catchphrase is "Hare Krishna" and Mahatma Gandhi is reportedly one of his heroes. He was quoted as saying: "I'm into yoga, I meditate all the time, I'm vegetarian." (ANI)