How to Pray for a Wedding Anniversary in Hinduism

In Hinduism, celebrating a wedding anniversary is a spiritual occasion to express gratitude to the divine for marital bliss, seek blessings for a harmonious future, and renew commitment to one another. This sacred event can involve simple prayers, pujas, and offerings. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you perform a meaningful wedding anniversary prayer or puja.

1. Preparations for the Anniversary Puja

Cleanliness and Purity: Start by cleaning your home and the puja area. Both spouses should take a bath early in the morning.
Clothes and Colors:
- Wear auspicious colors such as red, yellow, orange, or white.
- The husband can wear a kurta or dhoti, while the wife can wear a saree, ideally in red or gold, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.
Puja Setup:
- Set up a small altar with pictures or idols of Lord Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu-Lakshmi, and Radha-Krishna.
- Decorate the altar with flowers like marigolds, jasmine, or roses and light a lamp (diya).
- Place fruits, sweets, betel leaves, and nuts as offerings.
- Have a small kalash (sacred pot) filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut.

2. Steps for the Wedding Anniversary Puja

Step 1: Invoke Lord Ganesha

Begin the puja with prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
Mantra:
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Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
```
Offer flowers, fruits, and modaks to Lord Ganesha.

Step 2: Worship Shiva and Parvati

Pray to Shiva and Parvati, representing the ideal divine couple, for a long and blissful married life.

Mantra:

Om Namah Shivaya
Om Shree Parvati Parameshwaraya Namah

Offer bilva leaves, milk, curd, and honey to the Shiva linga if possible, symbolizing purity and devotion.

Step 3: Worship Vishnu and Lakshmi

Invoke Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, stability, and peace in married life.

Mantra:

Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, and kheer (sweet rice pudding).

Step 4: Worship Radha and Krishna

Seek blessings from Radha and Krishna for love, romance, and understanding in your relationship.
Mantra:
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Om Radha Krishnaya Namah
```
Offer butter, mishri (sugar crystals), and flowers to Radha-Krishna idols.

Step 5: Special Prayers to Dhanvantari and Annapurna

Pray to Lord Dhanvantari for health and longevity.
Mantra:
```
Om Namo Bhagavate Dhanvantaraye Namah
```
Pray to Goddess Annapurna for abundance in food and nourishment.
Mantra:
```
Om Annapurnayai Namah
```

3. Rare Facts and Insights

Gauri Puja: In traditional families, the wife may also perform a simple Gauri Puja to Goddess Parvati for the health and happiness of her husband.
108 Names: Chanting the 108 names of Shiva or Vishnu can enhance the spiritual energy of the day.
Lighting 21 Diyas: Lighting 21 diyas around the house is believed to invite divine blessings and positivity.

4. Practical Ideas for Modern Times

Virtual Participation: If family members or priests cannot attend, consider using video calls to connect and involve them in the prayers.
Eco-friendly Practices: Use biodegradable materials like clay diyas and natural flowers.
Personalized Vows: After the puja, exchange heartfelt vows reaffirming your commitment to each other.
Charitable Acts: Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy as a gesture of gratitude to the divine.

5. Simple Prayers for the Anniversary

Morning Gratitude Prayer:

O Lord, we thank You for bringing us together
in this sacred bond of love and companionship.
Bless us with harmony, understanding, and joy
as we walk this journey of life together.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Couple Prayer for Happiness:

O Shiva and Parvati, the perfect divine couple,
Guide us to love, respect, and support each other.
May our home be filled with peace, prosperity, and joy.
Bless us to grow together in wisdom and devotion.
Om Namah Shivaya

6. Modern Enhancements

Play soothing devotional music in the background.
Cook a small feast together, including dishes like kheer, puris, or halwa, to share with family and friends.
End the day with an Aarti and offer the prasadam to all attendees.

By following these simple yet meaningful steps, you can make your wedding anniversary a spiritually fulfilling and memorable event.

Hindu Blog