Arya Samaj Marriage Registration Procedure

Did you know that if both the parties getting married are Hindus, then an Arya Samaj marriage can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act at the nearest office of the sub-registrar? Keep reading to learn more!

Arya Samaj Marriage are fairly simple to carry out, and the ceremonies themselves are pretty straightforward. It can be performed by couples of different religions who belong under the large umbrella of Hindus in India. This is usually the preference for couples where one spouse practices Buddhism, Jainism, or Sikhism. Validation Act of 1937 under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.

Arya Samaj Marriage in India

It is a monotheistic Indian Hindu reform movement based on the belief that the Vedas are infallible. The sannyasi Dayanand Saraswati founded the samaj on 7 April 1875. It was the first Hindu organisation to introduce proselytisation.

Two Types of Marriage Registrations

• An Arya Samaj Marriage can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, in case both couples follow the same faith.
• If their beliefs differ, then the couple can register under the Special Marriage Act of 1954.

Who is Eligible for an Arya Samaj Marriage?

1. The groom’s minimum age has to be 21 whereas the bride should be 18 years of age.
2. Any person who is a Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh can perform Arya Samaj Marriage
3. Inter-Caste Marriages and Inter-Religious Marriages are eligible in an Arya Samaj Marriage.  But none of the marrying persons should be Muslim, Christian, Parsis or Jews.
4. If a non-Hindu couple would like to perform the marriage, the Samaj allows them to convert through Shuddhi. 

6 Step Procedure for Arya Samaj Registration

1. Make an appointment at the sub-divisional magistrate’s office. This step takes at least a fortnight. So it’s advisable to start this procedure before the marriage takes place.
2. Fill out the registration form.
3. Submit all the proofs and documents needed.
4. Submit two passport-size photographs of the bride and the groom along with a photograph of the marriage. You can also bring the marriage invitation card (optional).
5. Ensure that two witnesses have to be physically present to sign. Also, remember that attestation by a gazetted officer is mandatory.

Consequently, after fulfilling all the formalities, the magistrate’s office will grant the marriage certificate, which is recognised as legally valid by the court.

Documents Required for Solemnisation

1. 4 copies of coloured photographs of both the bride and the groom.
2. Proofs for the DOB and address proof of both parties.
3. Two witnesses to witness the wedding.
4. In case one of the spouses is a widow/widower, then the widow/ widower has to submit the death certificate of the dead spouse.
5. If one of the spouses is a foreign citizen or holds a foreign passport or is having a foreign residential address, then the spouse requires the Certificate of the present marital status of the party/ NOC from the concerned Embassy and a Valid VISA.

Advantages of Marrying Under Arya Samaj Customs and Rituals

1. Marriages are very cost-effective as the Arya Samaj mandir charges a very little fee to conduct the marriage.
2. The entire marriage rites take place within a few hours only.
3. Only two witnesses are enough to validate the marriage, they may be anybody including parents, siblings, friends or anybody.
4. In practicality, one can plan within 30 minutes, then go to Mandir and complete the rest of the ritual within an hour.

Arya Samaj Marriage Fees:

This marriage will cost you anywhere between ₹ 5000 and ₹10,000 depending on where the wedding is held. It is also dependent on your plans and guestlist. These Mandir marriage prices include both the wedding rites and the marriage certificate.

The Validity of the Arya Samaj Certificate:

The Arya Samaj marriage certificate is not a legitimate document under international law. A marriage certificate issued by the sub-registrar is the only one that is valid. If both parties are Hindus, It can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act at the local sub-office. registrar’s

When Is Court Marriage Better?

It’s important to understand that an Arya Samaj marriage certificate is not valid proof of the couple’s marriage abroad. The certificate holds value only in India. This problem, however, can be easily resolved by registering the marriage in the sub-registrar’s office. It must also be noted that in case you receive the certification in a local language, then you will have to translate the same to English to use it as evidence in countries outside India. Hence a Court marriage- https://courtmarriage-gov.in/ is better for those couples looking to live or work abroad.

Arya Samaj Tradition and Rituals

The tradition and rituals bring simplicity and sanctity to the marriage process, distinguishing it from traditional Hindu weddings. The ceremony, lasting only 1 to 2 hours, necessitates minimal essentials: marriage paperwork, two Jaimalas (garlands), and sweets. Selecting a nearby Arya Samaj Mandir and submitting the required documents ensures a seamless wedding experience.

On the auspicious day, the Pandit initiates the ceremony by elucidating sacred Vedic hymns, setting the tone for the Jai Mala rite, where the couple joyously exchanges garlands. The bride then performs a ritualistic washing of the groom’s hands, feet, and face before he partakes in honey, curd, and ghee. The Yagna, symbolising sacred offerings, ensues, with the couple circumambulating the holy fire.

The pivotal moments include the Pratigya Mantra, Kanyadaan rite affirming vows, and Shilarohan, where the bride’s brother places her foot on a stone. Amidst the chanting of mantras, the couple completes four Parikramas around the fire. Following the Saptapadi, reminiscent of the Hindu 7 vows, This marriage radiates simplicity and spirituality, embracing timeless traditions in a condensed yet meaningful ceremony.

Arya Samaj Marriage Application Form Online

• The application form is available at the sub-registrar’s office where the marriage will be registered.
• Both the bride and groom must fill in personal details like name, age, address, occupation, religion, etc.
• Accompany the form with two witnesses who attended the wedding ceremony.
• The form needs attestation by a gazetted officer or notary public.

How to check the Arya samaj certificate online?

To register, follow these step-by-step procedures:

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment with the sub-divisional magistrate’s office through the Arya Samaj official website or in person at least 15 days before the marriage date. This office will issue your marriage certificate.

Step 2: Fill out the Registration Form

Obtain the registration form from the office or download it from their website. Complete the form with details of the bride and groom, including names, ages, addresses, religions, etc.

Step 3: Submit Form and Required Documents

Submit the filled form along with necessary documents and proofs, such as date of birth, identity, address, and religion proofs, along with photographs. Pay the specified registration fee.

Step 4: Bring Two Witnesses

On the appointment day, bring two witnesses who know the couple well, each with their identity proofs. They will sign the form as witnesses to the marriage.

Step 5: Obtain Marriage Certificate

After verifying all details, the sub-divisional magistrate will issue the marriage certificate. This document serves as legal proof of your marriage according to Arya Samaj rules.

FAQs

Helpful Links:

• Actions for Fake Marriage Certificate
• Steps to apply for a Marriage certificate in Delhi
• Conditions to Marry a Second Wife in Islam