At the end of the
ritual of marriage, saptapadi etc. the bride and the groom are made to
sit in a comfortable posture. A red cloth is placed on their heads, and then all
the people around offer them flowers in accompaniment of Veda mantras. This is
called worshipping the couple with flowers. The rationale behind this custom is
that the couple is considered to be Shiva and Parvati and the two are duly
worshipped. First there are mantras for the bride and the groom separately
followed by those meant for the two jointly. In contrast to this, the newly-weds
in the south are required to touch the feet of all the elderly couples present.
We are, however, of the view that marriage is a spiritual union between a boy
and a girl and they have to live this life of Artha (wealth) and Kama
(desires) with due regard to Dharma (righteousness) and aspire for Moksha
(Emancipation). The four together are called Purusharthas. That is why
the newly-weds are treated as Shiva and Parvati and worshipped as such at the
time of the Posh Puza.
