An interesting fact has come to light regarding Jaymala, which is considered to be the most attractive and memorable moment in wedding rituals. There is a general belief that this tradition is to the Vedic period, but Acharya Premnarayan Mishra explains that this ritual of changing the garland between the bride and groom before marriage is not recorded as a mandatory marriage ritual in any Vedic text or Grihyasutra. Acharya ji told that the Jayamala process started with Sita Swayamvar, according to Ramayana, the Jayamala process was completed in Sita Swayamvar after marriage.
Acharya Premnarayan Mishra ji says that for normal marriages, no importance of the Jaimala process has been mentioned in the Vedas or in any of the Vedic books on marriage rituals. Acharya ji says that the importance of Jayamala process after marriage has been mentioned in the Vedas during Swayamvar. Jayamala is a tradition that evolved from folk traditions, epics and later social customs, which over time has become an important ritual of today’s Hindu marriage.
While rites like Saptapadi, Panigrahan and Kanyadaan were considered important in Vedic marriage, Jayamala is a symbolic ritual, which gives a public sign of love, acceptance and respect. Originating from the ancient tradition of offering flower garlands, this ritual has become a major part of the grandeur and emotional connect in modern Indian weddings.
The ritual of Jayamala is mentioned in mythological stories and texts. According to the legend, during the Swayamvar, Lord Shri Ram broke the bow of Lord Shiva, after which Goddess Sita and Ram got married and after that Goddess Sita garlanded Lord Ram and accepted him as her life partner. The ritual of Jayamala is considered to have started from that time. According to Acharya Premnarayan Mishra ji, ‘This is a system of swayamvar and not of a normal marriage.’
Jaymala is made with the help of many types of flowers, because flowers are considered a symbol of enthusiasm, beauty and love. According to belief, Jaymala is considered a symbol of good luck. This ritual is being performed during marriage since ancient times.
