Scientific Relevance of Vedic Rituals with Special Reference

Abstract

The 85th hymn in the Xth maṇḍala of the Ṛgveda is known as Vivāha-Sūkta. This particular Sūkta is the highest ideal of marriage and conjugal relations. Out of a total of forty seven verses in this hymn some are recited during wedding rituals even today as these are related to their relevance in the wedding rituals, wedding vows, suitable relation between the husband and wife, about happy married life and the birth of able children. This particular hymn refers to a mythical marriage of Surya, the daughter of Savitṛ with 
Soma. This kind of literature is not available in any other ancient literature of the world. Marriages, all over India, are celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety along with many rituals. These rituals are not just for show and rejoicing but there are many reasons behind them some being scientific, some being psychologically and sociologically significant. Scientific theories can be noticed in the use of the materials and also how they are used during the wedding. Certain rites like the worship of planets, tying of pratisāra-the marriage string or ribbon around the wrist and so on are usual and performed with Vedic mantras. Some of these rituals like—Haridralepana (use of turmeric), Yajn͂opavīta (use of screed thread), Kankanabandhanam, dvārapūjā, Maṇḍapa, Madhuparka, Application of vermillion (sindoor), wearing silver anklets and toe rings, Havan and Saptapadi—have been elaborated here. It is amazing to note that most of the verses from the Vivāha-sūkta of the Ṛgveda and some from the Atharvaveda are still recited during wedding rituals. These show a remarkable continuity for several thousand years from the time ofthe Rigveda down to modern times and this cannot be without a solid and satisfying scientific reason. This holds special significance for our younger generation which questions everything and will not follow any ritual which is not convincing logically and scientifically.