What is Kalyaanam?

कल्याणोत्सव तत्पर स्स भगवान् कुर्यात् सदा मङ्गलम्

What is Kalyanam>

Why and How is it required to be performed?

• Kalyaanam literally means Welfare/ Well being (Mangalam). As marriage/ initiation into Gruhastha Aashrama (System of House Holder with duties to take care of the beings around him) is vital to the world, marriage is also called Kalyaanam. In physical sense, it is to bring together two clans, two families, two bodies, two souls closer to each other. In other words, it is indicative of the process of Unification. Hence, marriage has also come to be known as an institution.
• From the philosophical perspective, Kalyanam as explained in the story cited in Brahma Vaivarta Puranam; is a metaphysical concept. It is to convey the concept of Creation and sustenance as well as delusion. Without the advent of Sakti (Raajasika Pravrutti of Maaya), Siva (Param Brahma) is a static, monistic, all pervading, omnipotent, omni scent force. The potent energy remains latent, till aroused by the dynamism of Sakti.
• To assume the form of dynamic force, the combination of Maaya is compulsory. This is well explained in the first stanza of Soundarya Lahari. (शिव श्शक्त्या युक्तो यदि भवति शक्तः प्रभवितुं नचेदेवं देवो न खलु कुशल स्स्पन्दितुमपि।) Hence, for the world to be exuberant with dynamism, creativity and incessant existential energies; the communion of Siva & Sakti (in other words Prakruti & Purusha or Saguna Brahma & Maaya) is absolutely required.
• To signify and propagate this concept of the Universal Creation and Existence, Devata Kalyanam is observed annually in temples all over India. Several Mythological stories and epics have narrated various fables to convey this concept, as part of Avataara Kathaa (Description of the incarnation of a deity).
• In fact, incarnation or Avataara is nothing but the assumption of form to limit the scope and outlook of the unlimited Almighty. (Ava is downward; Taara is to transform/ convey = Effectively it is downsizing/ downgrading the infinite Saguna Brahman to a finite existence, with Janma & Niryaanam (Birth and Expiry comparable to humans).
• Without a form, it is highly difficult to a common mortal to understand and experience this high theory/ principle of Creation. It is quite common for a professor/ teacher to draw an illustration to convey his idea effectively to his subjects.
• Hence, all the concept of Kalyanam is nothing but a metaphysical representation of the Universe. The Sankalpam and several procedures amply explain the same, if one has time and knowledge to examine the Mantras, recited in the Program.
• To affirm that the Naama & Roopa (Name & Form) are representation of the Limitless/ Infinite Almighty; the Mantras list out several benefits that can accrue to the participant in the Kalyanam, if observed and understood properly. Thus, from Nirguna Param Brahma> Saguna Brahma + Maaya > Prakruti + Purusha; our critical analysis is reaching the mythological stage.
• The concept of Prakruti & Purusha is also abstractive to explain to a common listener/ starter. Hence, the sages have explained the several stories denoting the communion of Static and Dynamic Forces (Hitherto bounded energies); leading to Unified Monist/ infinite energy of Almighty. Those who understand this concept and perceive the Meta Physical process will be enlightened to achieve Moksha (Salvation). Otherwise, the innumerable benefits, listed in the Kalyaana Sankalpam are impossible for anyone to beget.

Selection of Name & Form for Kalyaanam

• At this stage, an enquiry would be initiated to select the name and form to visualise the process of Devata Kalyanam. Naturally, we try to trace a source of information, where a similar event is purported/ reported to have occurred in the past Yugas. At this juncture, Puraanas (Epics) are the only source of exhaustive information and authentication.
• Hence, wherever a Puraana has explained in detail, a procedure of marriage citing the name and form of a deity, Kalyaana Utsavam is performed by devotees. We should not get confused to mix the philosophical concept with the selection of name and form. Precedent and Traditional Authentication is an integral mandatory part of this selection.
• For an example: Siva has many forms - some fierce, some calm, some benign, some destructive, some tranquil. Among these, the form of Kalyaana Murty, which is described in the Puraanas, is chosen for Kalyaana Utsavam. Similarly, Lord Vishnu had many incarnations, among which Seeta Raama Kalyaanam, Rukmini Krishna Kalyaanam are performed. It would be inappropriate to select Vaamana, Narasimha, Matsya, Koorma, Varaaha, Parashuraama, Buddha or Kalki, citing the Philosophical theory of one force - many names & Forms.
• Hence, understanding the logic; mythological precedent combined with tradition observed by knowledgeable elders should be the basic requirement for the observance/ celebration of any event. We should well grasp that, Bhaarateeyas are better known for their acumen rather than superstition. Though, sentiments play a greater role in our preferences, it would be wise to harmoniously blend logic and authentic traditions in choosing our options, to realise full extent of benefits, enlisted in the scriptures.

सर्वं ब्रह्ममयम्