Page:Castes and Tribes of Southern India.djvu/403

Rh to you. May we be blessed to unite your body with mine." Then the bridegroom, sprinkling water over the yoke and coin, says: — " May you become purified by the sun through this purificatory water. May this water, which is the cause of thunder and lightning, bring happiness to you. Oh! girl, may this water give you health and long life. A new and costly silk cloth (kūrai), purchased by the bridegroom, is given to the bride, and the bridegroom says: — " Oh! Indra, listen to my prayers; accept them, and fulfil my desires."The bride puts on the cloth, with the assistance of the bridegroom's sister, and sits on her father's lap. The bridegroom, taking up the tāli, ties it by the string on the bride's neck, saying: — " Oh ! girl, I am tying the tāli to secure religious merit." This is not a Vēdic verse, and this part of the ceremony is not included in the Grihya Sūtras. All the Brāhmans assembled bless the couple by throwing rice over their heads. A dharbha waist-cord is passed round the waist of the bride, and the following is repeated: — " This girl is gazing at Agni, wishing for health, wealth, strength and children. I am binding her for her good." The bride-groom then holds the hand of the bride, and both go to the sacred fire, where the former says: — " Let Sūrya lead to Agni, and may you obtain permission from the Aswins to do so. Go with me to my house. Be my wife, and the mistress of my house. Instruct and help me in the performance of sacrifices." After offerings of ghī in the sacred fire, the bridegroom says: — " Sōma was your husband; Gandharva knew thee next; Agni was your third husband. I, son of man, am your fourth husband. Sōma gave you to Gandharva, and Gandharva gave you to Agni, who gave to me with progeny and wealth." The bridegroom takes hold of the bride's