Indian wedding glossary · Wedding day rituals
What is Mangalashtak?
Also written: Mangalashtake, मंगलाष्टक
Mangalashtak are the eight auspicious verses sung by the priest and relatives in a Marathi wedding just before the muhurat, while the antarpat is held between the couple.
- Who keeps it
- Marathi families.
- When
- Right before the muhurat, ending as the antarpat is lowered.
About Mangalashtak
What should you know about Mangalashtak?
Each verse calls on the gods and the elements to bless the couple, and ends with the refrain "shubh mangal saavdhan". Relatives often write a new verse with the couple's names, and guests throw akshata at the end of each one.
Some families print their own mangalashtak in the card or in a small booklet for guests. A relative with a good voice is often asked to lead one verse, and it is a proud moment for them.
In the order of functions
Where does Mangalashtak come in an Indian wedding?
Right before the muhurat, ending as the antarpat is lowered.
- Before the weddingFixing the match, the engagement, the date and the card.
- The functionsPujas, haldi, mehndi, sangeet and the family days before the wedding.
- Wedding day ritualsFrom the baraat to the pheras, nikah and anand karaj.
- After the weddingVidaai, the new home, the reception and the first visits.
Planning your own days? The free wedding function order planner puts your functions in a sensible order with dates.
On the card
What do families write on the invitation for Mangalashtak?
Mangalashtak and lagna muhurat at 12:35 pm. Please be seated by 12:15 pm.
Related words
Words that go with Mangalashtak
- Antarpat
Antarpat is the silk cloth held between the bride and groom in a Marathi wedding while the mangalashtak verses are sung, lowered at the exact muhurat so they see each other.
- Saptapadi
Saptapadi means seven steps: the bride and groom take seven steps together near the sacred fire, each step with a promise, and in many traditions this is the rite that completes the marriage.
- Kanyadaan
Kanyadaan is the ritual where the bride's parents place her hand in the groom's hand, asking him to care for her as an equal partner, while the priest chants mantras.
- Ukhana
An ukhana is a short rhyme in which a Marathi bride or groom says their spouse's name, a custom asked for at the griha pravesh and at many family gatherings after the wedding.
- Muhurat
A muhurat is the auspicious date and time chosen by a priest for the wedding, and often for each key ritual, based on the Hindu calendar and the couple's horoscopes.
Questions
Mangalashtak, answered
What is Mangalashtak?
Mangalashtak are the eight auspicious verses sung by the priest and relatives in a Marathi wedding just before the muhurat, while the antarpat is held between the couple.
Which families celebrate Mangalashtak?
Marathi families.
When does Mangalashtak happen in the order of wedding functions?
Right before the muhurat, ending as the antarpat is lowered.
What do families write on the invitation for Mangalashtak?
Mangalashtak and lagna muhurat at 12:35 pm. Please be seated by 12:15 pm.
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