The Art Of Choosing An Auspicious Hindu Wedding Date

Hindu weddings are a sacred union of two souls who have vowed to pursue dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. The date and time of the wedding are carefully determined by an astrologer based on the position of celestial bodies. The astrologer considers the birth charts of the couple, the time of year, the tithi (lunar day), and the nakshatra (lunar constellation). The idea is to maximise the celestial gains for the newly-wed couple.

In addition, the days of the week are also considered when selecting a wedding date. For marriage, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are considered auspicious, while Tuesdays are not.

Auspicious Nakshatra for marriage

In Hindu astrology, there are 27 Nakshatras or Moon houses, which are regions of the sky that the Moon passes through in a single day. These Nakshatras are believed to influence the success and happiness of a marriage, and choosing the right one is considered important.

The following are 11 Nakshatras that are considered auspicious for marriage:

Rohini Nakshatra

The first most auspicious Nakshatra for marriage, governed by prajapati Brahma. It is associated with fertility, communication, growth and development, and couples who marry during this Nakshatra are considered extremely lucky.

Mrigashirsha Nakshatra

The planet Mars rules this Nakshatra, and its animal is the deer. Marrying during this Nakshatra allows couples to enjoy sensitivity in their relationship and a strong bond. However, it can also make them suspicious of each other, especially if they have a cryptic history.

Magha Nakshatra

This Nakshatra comprises the brightest star, Regulus, and couples who marry during this Nakshatra are said to be influenced by power. They can tackle the toughest situations together and are able to be soft-spoken and caring.

Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra

The planet Sun governs this Nakshatra, which is associated with a life of comfort and luxury. Couples who marry during this Nakshatra are blessed with friendship, happiness, love, and peace, and the female is blessed with fertility and a sense of humour.

Hasta Nakshatra

This Nakshatra is ruled by the Moon and is known for its power to attract two individuals to each other, both physically and emotionally. It may also bestow the couple with professional prosperity.

Swati Nakshatra

The first drop of rain defines this Nakshatra, and couples who marry during this Nakshatra are bestowed with incomparable sharpness and talents. They are forward-thinking and can turn problems into opportunities. As it sits in the Scorpio sign, the couple will be sensual, spontaneous, and independent.

Anuradha Nakshatra

This Nakshatra consists of three stars—Beta, Delta, and Pi Scorpions—which are visible in a straight line in the night sky. It is ruled by Saturn and is considered one of the best Nakshatras for marriage as it represents balance, honour, and harmony.

Mula or Moola Nakshatra

The ruler of this Nakshatra is Ketu, and people who marry during this Nakshatra like to live in a peaceful atmosphere. The male native can be carefree and spendthrift, so the female needs to guide him. As it is in the Sagittarius sign, the couple is likely to travel a lot and bond during their adventures.

Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra

This Nakshatra is about leadership, commitment, and duty, and it is considered auspicious for marriage as it embeds a sense of duty in the couple. However, they should ensure they don't become too obsessed with each other.

Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra

This Nakshatra is suitable for performing important tasks like weddings, business deals, and other significant events.

Revati Nakshatra

The last good Nakshatra for marriage is ruled by the planet Mercury. Couples who marry during this Nakshatra are ensured a pure-hearted, soft-spoken, and sincere attitude, but the last quarter of this Nakshatra is considered inauspicious and should be avoided.

Prohibited Yoga for marriage

In Vedic astrology, there are 27 yogas, or planetary combinations in the Janam Kundli, that can have auspicious or inauspicious effects on an individual's life. Of these, 8 or 9 yogas are considered inauspicious for marriage. These prohibited yogas, or Ashubh Yogas, can result in conflicts, unhappiness, separation, divorce, long-distance relationships, ill health, financial loss, delay in marriage, lack of financial stability, family troubles, loneliness, and sensual frustrations.

The prohibited yogas for marriage are:

• Vishkambha (1st Yoga)
• Vyaghata (13th Yoga)
• Vyatipata (17th Yoga)
• Vaidhriti (27th Yoga)

It is believed that marriages held during these yogas result in the death of the bride or groom, diseases for the bride, drunkenness, meat-eating, and timidity for the groom, and the death of a son for the couple.

Prohibited Karana for marriage

The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 prohibits marriage on account of relationships under two counts: sapinda relationships and degrees of prohibited relationships. Prohibited relationships include relationships by full, half, and uterine blood.

Degrees of Prohibited Relationship

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, states that two people are within the "degrees of prohibited relationship" if:

• One is a lineal ascendant of the other. This includes a father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother, as well as great-grandparents.
• One was the wife or husband of a lineal ascendant or descendant of the other. A lineal descendant includes not only children and grandchildren but also great-grandchildren and their children.
• One was the wife of the brother or of the father's or mother's brother or of the grandfather's or grandmother's brother of the other.
• The two are brother and sister, uncle and niece, aunt and nephew, or children of brother and sister or of two brothers or of two sisters.

Sapinda Relationship

According to the Hindu Marriage Act, a "sapinda relationship" with reference to any person extends as far as the third generation (inclusive) in the line of ascent through the mother, and the fifth (inclusive) in the line of ascent through the father. Two people are said to be "sapindas" of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship with reference to each of them.

Auspicious days of the week

When it comes to choosing an auspicious date for a Hindu wedding, there are several factors to consider.

The first step is to consult with an astrologer, who will take into account the birth charts of the couple, the time of year, the lunar day or tithi, and the lunar constellation or nakshatra.

While each day of the week has its own ruling planet and characteristics, some days are considered more auspicious for weddings than others.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are considered auspicious days for Hindu weddings.

• Monday is ruled by the Moon and is a good day for purchasing agricultural equipment, engaging in agricultural activities, tourism, wearing new clothes, or buying and selling jewellery.
• Wednesday is ruled by Mercury and is considered good for applying for loans, education, housewarmings, and opening new accounts.
• Thursday is ruled by Jupiter and is auspicious for pursuing an education in Science, judicial work, religious works, and buying jewellery. It is also considered a good day for marital works.
• Friday is ruled by Venus and is auspicious for agricultural works, motion pictures, co-curricular activities, and initiating romance.

On the other hand, Tuesdays are considered inauspicious for Hindu weddings, as this day is ruled by Mars and is associated with military work and important decision-making.

Additionally, Saturdays are also generally considered inauspicious for most activities except for housewarmings, religious activities, and employment-related matters.

When selecting an auspicious wedding date, it is important to consider the day of the week along with other astrological factors to ensure a favourable outcome.

Auspicious lunar days

The tithi, or lunar day, is an important factor when choosing an auspicious Hindu wedding date. The tithi is the phase of the moon, and certain days of the lunar cycle are considered more beneficial than others. For instance, the tithis of dwitiya (second day), panchami (fifth day), and saptami (seventh day) are considered auspicious for Hindu weddings.

In addition to the lunar day, the nakshatra, or lunar constellation, is also considered when choosing an auspicious wedding date. The nakshatra porutham, or star match, is widely considered when inviting matrimonial proposals. Higher compatibility between the nakshatras of the prospective bride and groom is deemed important when proceeding with marriage.

When selecting an auspicious date, it is recommended to consult an astrologer, who can determine the position of the celestial bodies and suggest dates and times that will bring positive energies to the couple.

Frequently asked questions