Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s2.24

c10.s2.24

The Kuṣaṇḍikā is to be followed by Pāṇi-grahaṇa (the ceremony of hand-taking) in which two of the bridegroom's friends, one with a pitcher full of water and the other with a stick (Parcanikā), should stand prepared for bathing the bride and the bridegroom. After performing Mahāvyāhṛti-homa and Ājya-homa, the bridegroom should take the bride by her joined palms and make her step on a flat slab of stone furnished with another smaller piece (Saputrā Śilā). The bride should then offer to fire oblations of parched grain mixed with Ghee, and be taken round the fire by the bridegroom, who should then make oblations with Ghee and parched grain placed on a winnowing basket (Sūrpa). The bridegroom should go seven steps with the bride (Sāptapadīnā), each time placing their steps in a circle drawn beforehand; and, with the palms of the bride in those of his own he should cite Vedic Mantras. The bride should then take her seat on the left of the bridegroom, and the latter should perform their first Gṛhya Homa.