A
Vivaha Mandapa (),
also referred to as
Kalyana Mandapa ()
or simply
Wedding mandapa is a
mandapa (pavilion)
temporarily erected
[Rituals & Customs of a Hindu Wedding: Design & Planning Guide by Kavita Kapoor] for the purpose of a
Hinduism or
Jainism wedding. It is the term used for the
wedding canopy in Dharmic religions.
The main wedding ceremonies take place under this mandapa. Vivaha Mandapas have historically also been featured adjacent to
to commemorate the wedding of Hindu deities, such as
Rama and
Sita.
Description
A Vivaha Mandapa is traditionally made of wood, although in the contemporary period, modern materials are sometimes used.
It is often set up as an arrangement that includes pillars supporting a frame, royal chairs for the bride and the groom, side chairs for parents, and a pedestal for the sacred fire.
It is often rented from businesses that specialise in renting items for an Indian wedding. Its use is common among overseas Indians as well.
The use of a mandapa is an ancient custom, and is described in texts like Ramacharitamanas[Balkand, 320] and various Sanskrit texts. The bride is often escorted to the mandapa by her maternal uncle.[A Maharashtrian marriage http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990202/ile02185.html]
Decorations
Traditionally, the wedding mandapa is decorated using
(pots filled with water), garlands of mango leaves, coconuts, banana leaves, and other traditional objects.
Modern mandapas use fabrics, lights, crystals, flowers, Wrought Iron unique shapes and other materials insuring all religious aspects of a mandapa, which include the four pillars and havana kunda (fire altar) is now completely modernised by design.
See also
