Sagun Maharaj, Uganda (East Africa)
Marriage and horoscope are often interconnected in many cultures, including Hinduism, where astrology plays a significant role. In Hindu astrology, the matching of horoscopes (known as “kundali matching” or “horoscope compatibility”) is commonly practiced before finalizing a marriage. The belief is that the alignment of celestial bodies at the time of a person’s birth can influence their personality, destiny, and marital compatibility.
In Hinduism, marriage joins two individuals for the purpose of jointly pursuing the four aims of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation ). Marriage is considered a spiritual partnership which unites the minds, bodies, and souls of the partners in this and future lives, and builds sacred bonds between their two families. Many elements of the Hindu wedding ceremony have remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. The ceremony consists of a series of rituals and ceremonies to promote righteous living and sharing of values such as selfless love, kindness, compassion, honesty, fidelity and mutual respect. The rituals are originally in Sanskrit.
There are many elements and rituals both before and after the actual wedding ceremony, which vary by deity tradition, linguistic region, community, and family.
Wedding rituals embrace the five elements of nature: fire, earth, water, air and ether, and include invocations to the Divine, followed by vows. It is conducted in the presence of a sacred fire, representing the God of Fire (Agni). Agni exists as a divine and impartial witness to the vows taken by the bride and groom and symbolizes the light of knowledge which is the key to everlasting happiness.
While many of the rituals may involve family elders or the women of the household, Hindu priests generally perform the actual marriage rituals.
Horoscope Matching for Marriage:
In the Eastern tradition, Kundli Matching or Horoscope Matching plays a vital role at the time of marriage. Hindu Scriptures consider marriage as a holy union planned even before taking birth. Marriage is also one of the most beautiful moments in one’s life. In Hinduism, horoscope or kundli of both boy and girl are matched in order to nullify any bad effects after marriage. Also, in case of any doshas, astrology offers several remedies and solutions to overcome its malefic effects.
While kundali matching is still widely practiced and valued in many communities, it’s important to note that its significance varies among individuals and regions. Some people place a strong emphasis on horoscope compatibility, while others may consider it as just one factor among many when deciding on a marriage. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with a marriage is a personal one, and individual beliefs, cultural customs, and personal compatibility are also essential factors to consider alongside astrology.