Deborah Chan
Mandaps are covered structures with four pillars that are used in Hindu and Jain ceremonies. They are highly customisable and can be adorned with flowers, fabrics, and other decorations. The four pillars of a mandap symbolise the four parents, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, and the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. The structure is typically perched atop a stage and can be made using bamboo or wooden poles, with lashings to hold the corners together. Mandaps can be expensive to rent, so some people choose to build their own, with PVC piping or wood being relatively inexpensive options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pillars | 4 |
| Materials | Bamboo, PVC, wood, flowers, fabric, lace, concrete, rebar, plastic, duct tape, paint cans, umbrella stands, potted vines, royal chairs, side chairs, pedestal for sacred fire |
| Cost | $50-$10,000 |
| Size | 8'x8'x8' or 12'x12'x12' |
| Shape | Square |
| Direction | Northeast |
| Roof | Covered with fabric or lace |
| Fire | Small sacred fire in the centre |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
The mandap is a structure used in Hindu and Jain ceremonies that consists of four posts, which represent the four parents, earth, air, water, and fire. The structure must be covered, and it is typically adorned with beautiful fabrics and florals. The mandap also holds a small sacred fire in the centre, which is an important distinction between a mandap and a wedding arch.
When choosing the materials for your mandap, you should consider the following:
Posts
The most commonly used material for the posts is bamboo. You will need 10 bamboo poles, each measuring 1" by 8' or 12" by 8'. You can also use other materials such as PVC pipes, wood, or clear plastic poles. The number of poles you need will depend on the size and style of your mandap. For example, if you choose to have a roof, you will need four additional poles.
Covering
A mandap must be covered, and a large cloth can be used for this purpose. A lace tablecloth is a good option, as you can use the holes in the lace to attach the cloth to the structure. You can also use other types of fabric, such as draping or garlands.
Flowers and Decorations
Flowers and decorations are not mandatory, but they can add a beautiful touch to your mandap. You can use fresh flowers, such as marigolds, sunflowers, pink blooms, or orchids, or opt for fabric flowers or garlands. Vines, ribbons, and statues of Hindu gods can also be used to decorate the mandap.
Base
The mandap is usually placed on a stage or platform, and a rug can be laid out underneath it. You can use a simple Turkish rug or choose something more intricate, depending on your preference.
Fire Pit
A fire pit is an important element of the mandap, as it symbolises purity. You can use a simple pedestal or a custom-designed fire pit with gold details.
Seating
The mandap typically includes seating for the couple and their parents. You can use royal chairs for the bride and groom and smaller chairs for the parents. It is also important to remember that anyone entering the mandap should take off their shoes, so comfortable seating that is easy to sit on while barefoot is ideal.
Additional Support
If you are using a cloth covering, you may need additional support poles to prevent the fabric from drooping too much in the middle. You can also use concrete, rebar, and bamboo to create a sturdy base for your side poles. Alternatively, you can rent heavy umbrella stands to hold up your bamboo poles.
When choosing your materials, it is important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your budget. You can find many of these materials at your local hardware store or rent them from companies that specialise in Indian wedding supplies.
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Mandap decorations
Mandaps are the spiritual equivalent of altars and are used in Hindu and Jain ceremonies. They are typically constructed with four pillars, representing the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire, and the four pillars of human life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. The structure is covered and adorned with beautiful fabrics and flowers.
Flowers and Greenery
- Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular choice for mandap flowers as they symbolize joy, love, and grace. You can use them to create a colourful garland or hang them from the mandap structure.
- Roses: Roses add elegance to the mandap, especially if the ceremony is outdoors. Opt for pastel roses for a luxurious and whimsical look.
- Pampas Grass: Pampas grass adds a bohemian touch to the mandap design.
- Hydrangeas: White hydrangeas paired with ample greenery create a lush and romantic look.
- Orchids: Hang a garland of orchids from the mandap for a unique and elegant touch.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers have a commanding presence and can make a bold statement without needing too many blooms.
- Carnations: Pink carnations add a whimsical touch to a neutral-coloured mandap.
- Ranunculus: Bright ranunculus paired with marigolds, roses, and greenery create a vibrant and cheerful design.
Fabrics and Draping
- Blush Draping: Blush-coloured fabric complements lush blooms and adds a romantic touch to the mandap.
- Dramatic Red Draping: Red draping extending from the mandap structure creates a bold and cohesive look for the ceremony space.
- Lavender Draping: Lavender-coloured fabric gives a soft and romantic feel to the mandap.
- Bright Pink Fabric: Bright pink fabric with yellow and pink flowers creates a vibrant and modern mandap.
- Sheer Canopy: A semi-sheer canopy connecting two archways creates a unique and intimate space for the couple.
- Mandap with a Chandelier: Hang a crystal chandelier from the mandap and adorn it with thousands of blooms for a truly memorable design.
Other Decorations
- Rugs: Lay out intricate rugs in front of the mandap to create a cohesive and elegant look.
- Statues: Include statues of Hindu gods on a small altar within the mandap for a traditional touch.
- Fire Pit: Incorporate a custom-designed fire pit with gold details. The sacred fire is an important element of the mandap and symbolizes purity.
- Chairs: Place a shared couch or sofa for the couple to sit on during the ceremony.
- Baskets: Use a woven basket to hold the herbs, sandalwood, rice, and other offerings that will be scattered into the sacred fire.
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Lashing the corners
Lashings are a great way to secure the mandap because they allow for easy adjustments to the size of the structure without the need for hardware like nuts or bolts. They also give the mandap a rustic look that complements an outdoor setting. When creating the lashings, it is important to practice beforehand and work on a small-scale mock-up to perfect the technique. This will ensure that the lashings are secure and can withstand the weight of the structure.
To create the lashings, start by gathering the necessary materials: manila rope, bamboo poles, and plastic tubing. The manila rope should be 1/4" thick, and the bamboo poles can be 10 12" by 8' or 1" by 8' in size. The plastic tubing should be 1 1/4" in diameter.
Once you have your materials, follow these steps:
- Practice your lashing technique on a small-scale mock-up that is low to the ground so you don't have to work overhead.
- Set up the mandap and use a step stool to reach the corners if needed.
- Create the lashings by wrapping the manila rope around the corners of the bamboo poles in a secure pattern. Make sure the lashings are tight and secure enough to bear weight.
- Consider adding extra support: one option is to pour concrete into empty paint cans, insert rebar, and then stick the bamboo poles onto the rebar. Alternatively, use heavy umbrella stands with PVC pipe and plastic hose shims to secure the bamboo poles.
- Decorate the mandap with flowers, vines, or ribbon.
By following these steps and practicing your lashing technique, you can create a beautiful and secure mandap for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
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Adding a cover
When adding a cover, it is important to consider the overall design and theme of the wedding. For example, if the wedding has a rustic theme, the cover could be made from burlap or a similar material. If the wedding is more formal, a more luxurious fabric such as silk or satin may be preferred.
Additionally, the cover can be decorated with flowers, vines, or other embellishments to match the wedding's colour scheme or theme. For instance, for a wedding with a garden theme, the cover could be adorned with bright marigolds, roses, and greenery.
It is also important to ensure that the cover is securely attached to the mandap, especially if the wedding is outdoors, to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. This can be achieved by using ribbon or string to tie the cloth to the structure.
Overall, adding a cover to a mandap is a simple yet important step in creating a beautiful and functional structure for a wedding ceremony.
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Facing the right direction
The mandap is a covered structure with four pillars used in Hindu and Jain ceremonies. The ideal direction for the mandap to face is northeast, with the couple seated facing east. This is because religious sacrifices, spiritual oaths, and marriage vows are considered to be best taken with one's back to the east.
The mandap should be constructed with four corner posts and four posts for the roof. The corners of the posts are typically held together using traditional lashings made from manila rope, although modern alternatives such as nuts and bolts can also be used. The benefit of using lashings is that they allow for easy adjustment of the mandap's size without the need for hardware. Additionally, the use of lashings gives the mandap a rustic appearance, complementing an outdoor setting.
When planning the mandap, it is important to adhere to Vaastu guidelines, as it is believed that seeking blessings and following these principles ensures a peaceful, well-planned, and successful wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need 10 bamboo poles, 30 feet of manila rope, plastic tubing, and a large cloth for the cover. You can also use PVC pipes and connectors, or wood with decorated material.
The ideal size of a mandap is at least 8 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet, and the ideal shape is a square.
Mandaps can be decorated with flowers, vines, ribbons, or fabric. You can also add statues of Hindu gods or personal touches such as initials, names, heirlooms, or photos.
A mandap is a covered structure with four pillars, while an arch is typically a two-pole structure adorned with flowers. A mandap is used for Hindu or Jain wedding ceremonies, while an arch is used for non-religious wedding ceremonies.
