Auspicious Timing for the Pavilion

The Ritual of Parched Rice (Lajahoma)

The ritual attendant original: "Pokhiyata"; in Western Indian traditions, this refers to the bride's brother or a close male relative who assists in the wedding places the Wooden Ladle Saru|A ritual spoon used specifically for pouring clarified butter (ghee) into the sacrificial fire into the Cupped Hands Anjali|The gesture of hollowed palms held together to receive offerings. On top of that, he places the ghee.
One by one, he places the Parched Rice Laja|Grains of rice that have been puffed or parched, symbolizing fertility and the flourishing of the new household into the hands. Upon the ladle, the ghee is poured... [the groom] performs the consecration. With the mantra, "This woman speaks..." original: "Iyenāyupabrūta"; a corruption of the Vedic mantra "Iyam nāryupabrūte" in which the bride prays for the longevity of her husband and the prosperity of her relatives, the Groom makes the offering. The groom and the bride follow one another. That is the clarified butter. Indeed, by this [offering], they strengthen the very self from within. They perform the Circumambulation Pradakshina|The ritual act of walking clockwise around the sacred fire (Agni), which serves as the divine witness to the marriage around the fire. The groom leads, followed by the bride. The bride also [follows] the man.
The groom says: "I am the vital breath, you are the speech; I am the heaven, you are the earth..." original: "Prāgayoudamrudayāham..."; part of the Amohamasmi mantra where the couple acknowledges their complementary roles in the universe. These [offerings] are made outside. The attendant places the bride’s Foot original: "pāga"; refers to the Ashmarohana ritual where the bride steps on a grinding stone to symbolize her firmness and constancy in the marriage upon the stone.

The groom recites this mantra... In the bride’s cupped hands, the ritual attendant places the parched rice. Again, he places the ladle and the ghee. In the winnowing fan, the ghee is dripped.
The groom [recites]: "To Aryaman Aryaman|The Vedic deity of chivalry and marriage, who facilitates the union of families, Hail!" original: "Aryamanvade... svāhā". Following behind, the bride... with this mantra, performs the circumambulation. Once more, the attendant places the bride's foot upon the stone. The groom [recites] the mantra for the Second Time. The attendant places the parched rice into the cupped hands. Once more, the ladle and ghee are placed. The parched rice is consecrated with the ghee...