A Handbook of Vivaha

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Sri Sri Rangapriya Swamiji is well known among lovers of Samskruta and Samskruti as a scholar par excellence, outstanding orator, poet extempore and an ascetic of the highest order. His personality was a unique blend of Jnaana, Bhakti and Vairagya.

Born as Varadadesikacharya in 1927 in the tiny hamlet of Hedathale in Nanjangud near Mysore, he had the great fortune of being a close relative of Sriranga Mahaguru. The kinship got transformed into an intimate Guru-shishya relationship. Under the spiritual tutelage of Sriranga Mahaguru, he studied the basis and beauty of Bharatiya Samskruti and its component vidyas, kalas and shastras.

He completed formal education at the Samskrutha Pathashala, Mysore and later at Saugar University, M.P. He taught at National College in Bangalore from where he retired as HOD of Sanskrit. He delivered hundreds of invited lectures and inspired countless numbers of people to follow the path of Dharma in the best traditions of our culture. His written articles and transcribed lectures have been compiled into several books on a variety of topics such as Festivals, Bhagavad Gita, Vivaha, Upanayana and other Samskaras. His words and thought appealed to one and all-be it students or professionals, scholars or common folk, children or the elderly. His own personal life however was simple, sweet and steeped in devotion to his Guru at whose feet he surrendered his all.

A transcription of a benedictory sermon delivered by Swamiji to a newly-wed devotee couple at their Vivaha is presented here. He explains lucidly the origin of Vivaha Samskara and its goals and spirit as conceived by Jnanis of Bharata. He also illustrates in a concise and convincing manner how the rituals of Vivaha proceed from its origin and intent.

The institution of 'Samskaras' is one of the greatest contributions of the Rishis of Sanatana Arya Bharata to the world. But this institution has been ravaged over time and lies in ruins. It is a matter of great misfortune that some of these Samskaras have vanished altogether, while many others are today observed as mechanical rituals devoid of spirit. The spirit and science behind the Samskaras as devised by the Rishis were rediscovered in their entirety by Sri Sriranga Mahaguru, who ever reveled in Jnana and was an adept in Vijnana. It was his great desire, nay, a sacred mission to present to the world at large the spirit and secrets behind the Samskaras.

In this mission, he revealed the intricacies and science behind the Samskaras to a few able and distinguished disciples. One of them was the celebrated Sri Rangapriya Swamiji who, taking forward the mission of his Guru, presented its essence to scholars and common men in his own impactful and eloquent ways. He delivered lectures at Vivahas and other auspicious occasions on the topic to the assembled audience.