The stars above Udaipur shone with an ancestral glow that night, as if even the heavens had paused to witness the unexpected wedding of Veeresh Rathore and Poornima. Though unplanned, the ceremony followed every ancient tradition—meticulously, reverently—because in Rajput culture, rituals are legacy.

It was not just a wedding.

It was a samman, a vow to the family, to bloodlines, to history itself.

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1. Rajputi Swagat (Royal Welcome)

Poornima was led into the courtyard under a velvet canopy by elder women. The air was thick with rose incense, and shankh (conch) echoed through the haveli. As per tradition, she was greeted not by the groom—but by fire, drums, and chanting.

A silver plate with aarti, rice, kumkum, and a lit lamp was circled thrice in front of her face—though her face remained hidden beneath the heavy ghoonghat.

Women sang ancestral mangal geet, blessing her journey from kumari to kshatriya vadhu—a warrior bride.

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2. Rajput Groom’s Sword Ritual

Before stepping into the mandap, Veeresh was handed the Rajput talwar—a curved ancestral sword that symbolized protection, power, and purity. It wasn’t just ornamentation—it meant responsibility.

The priest chanted the Veer Kavach Mantra, invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva and the clan deity Kuldevi.

He held the sword close to his heart.

The message was clear:

"Your heart is now a battlefield—guard her with your life."

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3. Mandap and Agni Sthapana (Setting of the Sacred Fire)

The mandap was decorated with orange marigolds, banana leaves, and torches. In the center, the havan kund burned steadily, the flames representing Agni Devta, the divine witness of their union.

Poornima sat beside Veeresh, her head bowed, her veil never lifted.

Their hands were joined with a silk scarf. A holy thread (mouli) was tied around their wrists, binding them not just to each other—but to dharma (duty), karma (action), and rajya maryada (royal code).

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4. Kanyadaan – Giving the Bride as Gift

Poornima’s father, though still shaken by the sudden turn of events, stepped forward.

With trembling hands and a heavy heart, he performed the most emotional rite—Kanyadaan. He placed her hand into Veeresh’s and whispered:

"From this moment, she is yours—not just to love, but to respect, to protect, to honor."

Veeresh bowed solemnly.

He didn’t speak.

But his grip on her hand tightened, steady and silent—his first promise.

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5. Paanigrahan – Acceptance of the Bride

Veeresh then recited the Vedic vow aloud, words that Rajput grooms had spoken for centuries:

"I take your hand in mine, for happiness, for righteousness, for spiritual growth. Together, we shall walk as one soul in two bodies."

Poornima didn’t lift her veil.

But beneath it, her lips quivered.

And she held his hand back.

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6. Agni Parikrama – The Seven Sacred Rounds

The two stood and began the saat phere—seven rounds around the sacred fire, each signifying a vow:

1. Food and livelihood – “We’ll nourish each other.”

2. Strength – “Together, we’ll grow in physical, mental, and emotional strength.”

3. Wealth and prosperity – “We’ll share what we earn.”

4. Love and respect – “We’ll love and cherish each other.”

5. Children – “We’ll pray for healthy progeny and guide them.”

6. Health and harmony – “We’ll stand beside each other in illness and health.”

7. Friendship and loyalty – “We’ll remain true companions for life.”

As they circled the fire, her anklets jingled softly, her bangles dancing with each step. Veeresh held her hand the entire time, never letting go—even when she stumbled on the third round.

She didn’t speak.

But her hand never left his.

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7. Sindoor and Mangalsutra

The final moment arrived.

Veeresh was handed the sindoor—the sacred red vermilion powder. With a deep breath, he lifted the veil slightly from behind and parted her hair.

His fingers trembled, but his hand was steady.

He filled her maang with red, marking her as his wife.

Then came the Rajputi mangalsutra—not a simple chain, but a heavy black-and-gold necklace embedded with a ruby locket. He tied it around her neck, the final seal of fate.

From that moment, Poornima was no longer a girl of dreams.

She was a married Rajput woman.

A Rathore vadhu.

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8. Post-wedding Blessings and Departure

The crowd erupted into emotional chants and tears. Firecrackers burst into the sky.

Veeresh and Poornima touched the feet of the elders—his hand guiding hers each time. Every blessing came with a whisper of shock, a trace of pity, and yet, an undeniable sense of fate.

And when they finally stood side by side for the Rajput family portrait, she remained behind the veil, silent and composed.

Veeresh stood firm.

A husband now.

Still silent.

But something inside him… had awakened.