AVivaha Mandapa (Sanskrit:विवाह मण्डप,romanized: Vivāha Maṇḍapa,lit.'Wedding pavilion'),[1][2] also referred to asKalyana Mandapa (Sanskrit:कल्याण मण्डप,romanized: Kalyāṇa Maṇḍapa)[3] or simplyWedding mandapa is amandapa (pavilion)[4][5] temporarily erected[6] for the purpose of aHindu orJain wedding. It is the term used for thewedding canopy in Dharmic religions.[7][8] The main wedding ceremonies take place under this mandapa. Vivaha Mandapas have historically also been featured adjacent toHindu temples to commemorate the wedding of Hindu deities, such asRama andSita.[9]
A Vivaha Mandapa is traditionally made of wood, although in the contemporary period, modern materials are sometimes used.[10] 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 amongoverseas Indians as well.[11]
The use of a mandapa is an ancient custom, and is described in texts likeRamacharitamanas[12] and variousSanskrit texts. The bride is often escorted to the mandapa by her maternal uncle.[13]
Traditionally, the wedding mandapa is decorated usingkalashas (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.
^Rituals & Customs of a Hindu Wedding: Design & Planning Guide by Kavita Kapoor
^Napier, John (4 June 2013).They Sing the Wedding of God: An Ethnomusicological Study of the Mahadevji ka byavala as Performed by the Nath-Jogis of Alwar. McFarland. p. 301.ISBN978-1-4766-0213-4.
^Brill, Alan (31 October 2019).Rabbi on the Ganges: A Jewish-Hindu Encounter. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 210.ISBN978-1-4985-9709-8.
