The day of Vivah Panchami is considered a special day in Hinduism. This day is celebrated every year on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Magashish month according to Hindu date. Panchami is special in Hinduism because it is believed that Lord Rama and Mother Sita got married on this day. That’s why ‘Vivah Panchami’ is also known as ‘Ram Vivah’. Vivah Panchami is celebrated like a festival in Hinduism. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The day of Vivah Panchami is celebrated as the marriage festival of Sita and Rama in temples and holy places associated with Sri Rama in the Mithila region of India and Nepal.

Significance of Vivah Panchami

The day of Vivah Panchami is considered as an auspicious and holy day according to the scriptures. Vivah Panchami festival is held in almost all Ram-Sita temple areas in India and Nepal. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm especially in Ayodhya. On this day the temples of Ram-Sita are decorated with lamps and flower garlands. The idols of all the deities in the temples are beautified with new clothes and ornaments. On this day in the temples of Ram-Sita marriage-like conversation takes place. This social program is popularly known as ‘Ram Vivah Utsav’. According to astrology, the day of Vivah Panchami is not considered auspicious for marriage. Lord Rama and Mother Sita were married on the day of Vivah Panchami, but then this day is not considered perfect for common people for marriage. Because the life after the marriage of Lord Rama and Sita was full of sorrows and hardships. That’s why it is believed that getting married on this day can make a person’s married life as painful as Ram and Sita’s.

Vivah Panchami Story

King Dasharath was once approached by Maharishi Vishwamitra, requesting him to allow Ram to guard his Yagna. King Dasharath reluctantly agreed and allowed Prince Ram and Lakshman to go with sage Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra successfully completed his Yagna and returned to Mithila along with Ram and Laxman. During that time, Mithila’s ruler Janak had organised a Swayamvar for Princess Sita.

The Swayamvar task for all participants was to lift and string a massive bow, Shiva Dhanusha, which was laid resting on the ground. However, it was such a heavy and enormous bow that participants failed to lift it. Sage Vishwamitra then asked Ram, who strung the bow, breaking it into two. King Janak was delighted and got Sita married to Lord Ram.

Vivah Panchami Rituals

–              In the morning, devotees bathe and dress in clean, fresh clothes.

–              The idols of Bhagwan Rama and Mata Sita are decorated.

–              Bhagwan Ram is given yellow robes, while Mata Sita is given crimson clothes.

–              ‘Vivah Prasang,’ the sacred Baal-Kand script, was read by either the priest or family members.

–              Listening to the legend of Lord Rama and Maa Sita’s wedding is believed to bring happiness and blessings.

–              On this day, reciting the Ramcharitmana ensures a happy and wealthy family life.

–              The devotion of Bhagwan Rama and Mata Sita would help you in resolving all family conflicts.

–              Devotees chant devotional and religious songs as well as sacred mantras in praise of the deities (bhajans).

–              In the  ‘Ramleela,’ the Vivah Panchami takes place in various settings.

–              The celebration is concluded with the offering of a final Aarti and Bhog Prasad after the priest completes the Vivah Panchami Puja.

Vivah Panchami Benefits

–              If any difficulties develop in your marriage, performing puja on the day of Vivah Panchami can help you in overcoming them.

–              Worship on this day may remove any difficulty that arises in a person’s married life.

–              Worshipping the combined form of Lord Shri Ram and Mata Sita aids in obtaining both of their blessings as well as the removal of all obstacles in a person’s marriage.

–              Furthermore, chanting Bala Kanda’s Path is very important during the idols’ wedding ceremony.

–              Reciting the Ramcharitmanas also promotes pleasant family life.