Editorial March 2025

Dear Readers, and specifically those who are just about to get married,

A Hindu wedding is not just a union of two individuals; it is a sacred bond, a commitment that extends beyond this lifetime. Rooted in timeless traditions and guided by deep spiritual significance, every ritual in a Hindu marriage carries blessings for prosperity, harmony, and devotion.

Rather than writing a full editorial, I am honored to present Mangala Ashtakam that beautifully encapsulates the essence of these Hindu traditions.

Mangala Ashtakam—Blessings for Marriage by Dr. Mohini Shinde offers a heartfelt composition recited during weddings, invoking divine blessings for the couple’s lifelong happiness and unity.

Dr. Mohini Shinde is a professor of religions of India and has taught Hindu religion and world religion in several US universities before her retirement. Her research was on religion and politics in South Asia. In her research engagements, she lived several years in India where she studied vedas and upanishads. She lives in California with her husband.

Mangala Ashtakam – Blessings for Marriage By Dr. Mohini Shinde

Mangala Ashtakam is a sacred hymn traditionally recited during Hindu weddings to invoke blessings and auspiciousness for the couple. The word “Mangala” means auspicious, and “Ashtakam” signifies a composition of eight verses. This hymn praises divine elements such as Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, sacred rivers, Vedic scriptures, and noble virtues, all of which contribute to a harmonious and prosperous married life. Each verse emphasizes dharma (righteousness), peace, and happiness, seeking divine grace for the couple’s well-being, unity, and prosperity. By chanting Mangala Ashtakam, the couple, their families, and guests invoke spiritual blessings, ensuring that the marriage is filled with love, harmony, and devotion.

1 मङ्गलं भगवान् विष्णुः, मङ्गलं मधुसूदनः।
मङ्गलं पुन्डरीकाक्षः, मङ्गलाय तनुः हरेः॥

Mangalam Bhagavān Viṣhṇuḥ,
Mangalam Madhusūdanah ।
Mangalam Puṇḍarīkākṣhaḥ,
Mangalāya Tanuḥ Hareḥ ॥

May Lord Vishnu bring auspicious light,
The slayer of demons, shining bright.
With lotus eyes, serene and true,
May Hari’s blessings fall on you.

2 मङ्गलं लक्ष्मीपतिः श्रीः, मङ्गलं कमलालयः।
मङ्गलं भक्तवरदः, मङ्गलं सर्वमङ्गलः॥

Mangalam Lakṣhmīpatiḥ Śhrīḥ,
Mangalam Kamalālayaḥ ।
Mangalam Bhaktavaradaḥ,
Mangalam Sarvamangalaḥ ॥

May Lakshmi’s Lord in golden grace,
Shower fortune in every place.
The one who blesses devotees,
May He bring joy and endless peace.

3 मङ्गलं वेदवेदान्तः, मङ्गलं धर्मसंस्थितः।
मङ्गलं सत्यधर्मेण, मङ्गलं शिवशासनम्॥

Mangalam Vedavedāntaḥ,
Mangalam Dharmasaṃsthitaḥ।
Mangalam Satyadharmeṇa,
Mangalam Śhivaśāsanam॥

May Vedic wisdom guide your way,
With righteousness your hearts do stay.
Truth and dharma, ever near,
May bliss and love remove all fear.

4 मङ्गलं सुमुखं सोम्यं, मङ्गलं शुभदर्शनम्।
मङ्गलं करुणासिन्धुः, मङ्गलं प्रेमरञ्जनम्॥

Mangalam Sumukhaṃ Somyaṃ,
Mangalam Śhubhadarśanam।
Mangalam Karuṇāsindhuḥ,
Mangalam Premarañjanam॥

May faces glow with smiles so bright,
May every day be bathed in light.
Ocean of mercy, Lord divine,
May your hearts in love entwine.

5 मङ्गलं गौरीवरदा, मङ्गलं गिरिजाप्रिया।
मङ्गलं पार्वती नाथः, मङ्गलं शंकरः शिवः॥

Mangalam Gaurīvaradā,
Mangalam Girijāpriyā।
Mangalam Pārvatīnāthaḥ,
Mangalam Śaṃkaraḥ Śivaḥ॥

May Parvati’s grace shine from above,
Blessing the couple with endless love.
And Shiva’s strength, serene and wise,
Keep them happy beneath His skies.

6 मङ्गलं राम सीता च, मङ्गलं राघवोत्तमः।
मङ्गलं जनकनन्दिनी, मङ्गलं प्रेममन्दिरम्॥

Mangalam Rāma Sītā Cha,
Mangalam Rāghavottamaḥ।
Mangalam Janakanandinī,
Mangalam Premamandiram॥

Like Rama and Sita, pure and strong,
May your love forever prolong.
The temple of hearts, divine and free,
May your bond be eternity.

7 मङ्गलं सर्वलोकानां, मङ्गलं सर्वदेहिनाम्।
मङ्गलं सर्वभूतेषु, मङ्गलं अस्तु भारतम्॥

Mangalam Sarvalokānāṃ,
Mangalam Sarvadehinām।
Mangalam Sarvabhūteṣhu,
Mangalam Astu Bhāratam॥

For all the worlds, may blessings pour,
For every soul, love evermore.
For all beings, peace profound,
May auspiciousness forever abound.

8 शुभं करोति कल्याणं, आरोग्यं धनसंपदः।
शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय, दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Śhubhaṃ Karoti Kalyāṇaṃ,
Ārogyaṃ Dhanasaṃpadaḥ।
Śatrubuddhivināśāya,
Dīpajyotirnamo’stu Te॥

May health and wealth fill your days,
May wisdom shine in righteous ways.
May darkness fade, and light arise,
A golden dawn in loving ties.

• इति मङ्गलाष्टकं समाप्तम् •

This ends the Mangala Ashtakam, bestowing auspiciousness upon the wedding couple.

As we celebrate the sacred traditions of Hindu weddings, let us remember that these rituals are more than just ceremonies—they are profound commitments that lay the foundation for a harmonious and fulfilling life together. The blessings of Mangala Ashtakam and the vows of Saptapadi serve as timeless reminders of love, respect, and devotion in marriage. May every couple embracing these traditions find joy, strength, and divine grace in their journey. We hope this issue enriches your understanding of these cherished customs. Wishing all couples a lifetime of love and togetherness!

Raj Shah

Managing Editor