Shagun is a word that comes from the Sanskrit language. It means “good luck” or “blessing.” Hinduism is a religion that has been around for hundreds of years. The Vedic scriptures, the Upanishads, and other books are the foundation of Hinduism.
Hinduism is made up of a lot of rituals and beliefs. These works were written by saints and rishis a few hundred years ago. It also shows how important it is to do long rituals to get the blessings of the gods.
What is Shagun?
In Hinduism & Indian culture, marriage is very important. It is a big part of their culture to unite two families and two people. Hindu wedding ceremonies are complicated and can last more than three days. Several rituals happen before, after, and during the wedding ceremony. Shagun is one of these ceremonies as part of a Hindu wedding in India.
In the past, during an unplanned ceremony called Roka, the bride’s family gave Shagun to the groom’s family. During Roka, the groom’s family gives the bride a nose ring or a family heirloom. It is an informal way to let people know about the wedding ceremony.
The bride’s family puts Tilak or vermilion on the groom’s forehead after the groom’s family gives the bride a piece of jewellery. After Tilak has been put on, the bride’s family gives Shagun. It would mostly be expensive gifts like jewellery, clothes, dry fruits, sweets, etc. It’s a way to prove that the wedding took place. Two to three weeks before the wedding, these things happen.
Even though it was a short, unplanned event in the past, many families make Roka and Shagun into big events these days. The groom’s family is mainly given gifts or Shagun to show they are willing to hold the wedding ceremony. It’s a ceremony that takes place before the engagement programs.
Hindus often give Shagun as a gift at other rituals, ceremonies, and festivals besides weddings. Shagun is also given by wedding guests and other people invited to a ceremony or wedding. It shows they are happy for the people hosting the ceremony and wish them well. It is also a way to get the blessings of gods and goddesses.
Why do we give out a one-rupee coin with the Shagun?
You may have noticed that when Indians, especially Hindus, give gifts, they include a one rupee coin and other bills like 50, 100, 200, 500, and 2000. We give it the numbers 51, 101, 201, 501, and 2001. Along with the Shagun, we will also give you an extra rupee. There are several reasons for giving a one rupee coin and the Shagun. Among them are:
- One is a number that can’t be split into smaller parts. Adding one rupee to our Shagun is a way to show that things will always be the same. Based on belief, the relationship between the giver and the receiver would last a long time.
- Giving the person an extra rupee is a way of giving them hope. It shows that they would keep getting good things in their lives.
- Many people think that Zero is an unlucky number. This is another reason why people add one rupee to bills whose values end in zero.
In the past, people gave coins made of silver, gold, or other metals as Shagun. But in our time, these metals can only be used to make coins for some. So, people give the Shagun a metal coin worth one rupee, as the Shagun. Since metals come from the Earth, it is a way to show Goddess Lakshmi that we respect her.
Some people add a one-rupee coin to the notes as Shagun for these reasons. You can offer other things besides money as part of Shagun. They can be things like clothes or gold or silver jewellery.
Significance of Offering Shagun in Marriage Ceremony
In Hinduism, there are a lot of different meanings for offering Shagun. There are no religious texts that explain what Shagun is. But it has been part of Hindu ceremonies and practices for a long time. It plays a pivotal role in marriage ceremonies, festivals, housewarming programs, etc. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why Hindus offer Shagun.
- It is a way to bring blessings and peace into people’s lives. When you give Shagun to a newlywed couple, you send them your prayers as they start a new life together.
- Some people consider it a debt that needs to be paid back as part of their belief system. It aids in the creation of a stronger bond between the giver and the receiver. Shagun is also a promise that the person who gives it and gets it will meet again.
- Giving Shagun as part of the wedding ceremony is an unofficial way to say that the couple is getting married.
- The items provided as part of the Shagun, especially coins, can invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. It is a way to welcome wealth, knowledge, and happiness.
These are some of the most important things to know about the gift of Shagun. By offering Shagun, we invite good omens, happiness, and auspicious powers into our lives. It also helps you get the blessings of gods and goddesses. Shagun should always be given as part of religious ceremonies, rituals, and programs.