Namaste,

In an other thread in Indian Arts sub-forum I posted about the ritual of Akshataropana.
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/sho...ic-Books/page2

Some members were interested to know about this ritual.I would like to share some video links of how this ritual looks like.

Some info. on the ritual from the net:
After the most prominent aspect of a marriage, the 'Mangalasutra dharana',we move on to a very exciting event in the marriage, the pouring of 'Talambralu' on each others head by the bride and groom. This is also called as the 'Akshataaropanam'. 'Akshatah' means unbreakable.Which means the unbreakable bond of Love. 'talan' + 'braalu' meaning that which slide from the head.These could be pearls, or rice colored yellow by turmeric.

The bride and groom take 'talambraalu' in their cupped hands and reciting the mantras the priest who is presiding over the marriage will let them slide over each others head for three time. The meaning of the mantras is thus:

"May I have the children of my desire", saying so the bride pours the talambralu on the grooms head."

"May we have happiness, ecstasy, joy, bravery.May we we enjoy every happiness in a married life", saying so the groom pours the talambralu over the brides head.

Then the priest recites a mantra:

"The wanderings of the heart of desire,
words and truth, may they experience all this together.
By their senses, by their food may they
prosper and may wealth approach them",

then the bride and groom pour the talambraalu over each other with joy.

Initially they take turns to shower the rice, but as time progresses the bride and groom begin to
compete with each other, making for an entertaining scene.
In Lord Sri Ramachandra's marriage with Goddess Sita,a unique thing is said to have happened.

Janakya kamalamalanjali puteh ya padmaragayita
Nyasta raghava mastakechavilasatkunda prasoonayita
Srasta shymala kayakanthi kalitha ya indraneelayita
Muktastah shubhada bhavantu bhavatam Sree Rama vyvahikaha

Sita took pearls in her hand and due to bright redness of her red lotus like palms,these pearls appeared like rubies.When she poured them over Sri Rama,these pearls seemed like white jasmine buds and as they fell they transformed into blue sapphires(as Rama is blue in complexion).
Seeing the pearls change so many colors,Sita Devi was surprised.
Seeing the wonder on her face,Lord Rama smiled at her.

You can see this wonderful scene in this Ramayana movie video clip link ( starting at 00:33 seconds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZDnVoS31Gs

This ritual in a general marriage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RHu3QD8yW8

Akshataropana conducted in Lord Vishnu's Kalyana with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.(Starts at 00:49 seconds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLYI1B3WS4