Book - Handbook of Vivaaha The primeval natural urge among living species is the craving to experience the ecstasy of sensual gratification by the way of union between the male and female. Nature, by this overt enticement has ensured its goal of propagation of species across the spectrum of creation. But unlike in all the other species, wherein this coitus between the sexes is untrammelled and impulsive, human societies in general have evolved several regulatory and control procedures, so that the stability and psychological well-being of their respective cultures and way of life are safeguarded. The cardinal and very ancient societal organization put in place to manage this interaction is the institution of marriage. The philosophical underpinning built into the structure of this institution is the perspective that Human Beings are superior in intellect and capabilities besides being spiritually endowed as compared to any other species. Human beings derive their sense of mooring and anchor to this institution and hence marriages become important occasions in life to celebrate. However, the goals, the rituals, the dress codes, the fidelity requirements etc., that accompany marriage ceremonies and the trajectory of Married life are quite varied across cultures and civilizations. Marriages in some forest societies is purely governed by a physical necessity accompanied with rudimentary rituals, while in other evolved societies it may be governed by physical, moral and emotional needs. But in Maharshi Bhaarata, Vivaaha (marriage) is phenomenally a unique event and a rich experience by itself, because it has an overarching divine dimension that is embedded which governs the physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual needs of the couple. Unlike in most other cultures wherein the spiritual realm is merely a mumbo-jumbo phantasmagoria, the maharshis of Bhaarata have integrated their deep mystical experiences of the Atman and visions of various deities into the goals and proceedings of marriage to such astounding levels of detail that watching and participating in this event gives ONE a profound sense of joy. Enveloping the physical, subtle and transcendental realms it reminds all of their true nature. Beginning with a wonderful preamble of how Vivaha is a key samskara in the life of the couple, the booklet concisely describes, the goal and eligibility criteria for Vivaha, the certifying authority for the proceedings, and the various associated rituals to be performed to buttress its main intended goal. The subtle and exalted meanings hidden in the major rituals like Kashiyatra, Veekshana (Co-mingling of Sights), Kanyadaana (giving away of bride), Mangalya-dhaarana (Tying the auspicious thread), Saptapadi, Asmaarohana and Sighting of the Pole star etc., are impeccably presented to capture the attention of the reader. Therefore, it is strongly believed that all Dharma-lovers would be enriched immensely by reading this Handbook. It is also earnestly hoped that it will provide a deeper meaning and perspective to married life, not only for young couples who are in the threshold of entry into this institution, but will also provide an amazing focus for those who have been married for decades but are blissfully unaware of its foundations.