The Hindu marriage ceremony is the thirteenth among the sixteen samskaras that the Hindu observes in his lifetime. It is also the beginning of the Grahastha Ashrama stage of a Hindu, which is the householder phase whose main duties include raising a family and working for the betterment of society. According to Vedic tradition, marriage is meant to "unite two individuals firmly together so that, although they retain their separate bodies, they become one in spirit." Thus, Hindus view marriage as a "sacrament" and not a contract. Since such importance is placed on marriage, it is conducted in accordance with the rites prescribed in the ancient scriptures, the Vedas. Most Hindu marriage ceremonies last for several hours and involve a priest who recites the rites in Sanskrit and makes fire offerings. The God of Fire (Agni) serves as the holy witness of the marriage and there is a small fire present in front of the bride and groom where offerings are made to ensu
