Nathan & Daryl's Vivaha

Our first celebration is a Vivaha, a sacred marriage conducted at the Isha Yoga Center, in the presence of the Devi, Linga Bhairavi. Rather than a civil or conventional rite, a Vivaha is a consecration: it works on the couple at the level of the five elements, so that two lives begin to merge into one from the inside out.

The Day

Order of ceremonies

5:45 AM

Arrival

Gather at the Linga Bhairavi Temple before first light.

6:00 AM

Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha — Orientation

A short introduction to what the elemental ceremony is and how it will unfold.

6:45 AM

Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha Ceremony

The elemental wedding, where we circle a consecrated fire to bind our union across earth, water, air, fire and space.

8:00 AM

Orientation

A brief pause and introduction ahead of the temple ceremony.

8:30 AM

Linga Bhairavi Vivaha Ceremony

Our union is solemnized within the sanctum of the Devi, beginning married life in her grace.

midday break to rest & explore the ashram

4:00 PM

Evening Sevas Optional

Daha Nivaranam, Kumkum Sarpa Seva & Bhairavi Villaku Seva: a trio of blessings to close the day (see below).

A Deeper Look

About each ceremony

Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha the elemental wedding

The most involved of the ceremonies. It works with the five elements that make up the human system (earth, water, air, fire and space), as we circumambulate a sacred wedding fire, forming a bond that runs deeper than the emotional or physical.

Linga Bhairavi Vivaha in the Devi's sanctum

Our marriage is consecrated inside the sanctum of Linga Bhairavi, the fierce and compassionate Divine Feminine. It begins our life together under her grace rather than by a secular procedure.

Daha Nivaranam water to the banyan

An offering of consecrated water to the sacred banyan tree, carried with a chant of praise (Stuti), a blessing for deep aspirations and new beginnings.

Kumkum Sarpa Seva weaving two into one

Together we offer kumkum — sacred vermillion — to the Sarpa deities in the Devi's abode, an offering said to weave two lives into one and strengthen the bond between them.

Bhairavi Villaku Seva the lamp offering

The lighting of many ghee lamps in the inner sanctum, offered in gratitude for the Devi's grace and for the wellbeing and auspiciousness of the whole family.

Before You Come

Additional Tips

Where it is

Isha Yoga Center, set in the Velliangiri foothills about 30 km west of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Nearest airport is Coimbatore (CJB), roughly an hour away.

What to wear

Modest, traditional Indian attire is best, with shoulders and knees covered. You'll go barefoot inside the temple spaces, so easy-off shoes help. Mornings in December are cool and pleasant.

Videos

Learn more about Isha

YouTube

Vivaha in Sadhguru's words

Watch on YouTube

YouTube

A tour of the Isha Yoga Center

Watch on YouTube