Jain wedding invitations: the Navkar Mantra, timing rules and what to write
Jain weddings share a lot of visible structure with Hindu weddings in the same region, which is why people assume they are the same. The differences are real, and two of them will reshape your entire schedule if you find out about them late.
This page covers the invocation that opens the invitation, the ritual sequence, the food and timing rules that decide your catering, and wording you can use.
The ceremony in order
Names vary between Svetambara and Digambara families and between regions, but this is the common sequence.
- Vinayakyantra PujaPerformed at both homes to remove obstacles before the wedding begins.
- Snatra PujaA ceremonial bathing ritual honouring the Tirthankaras.
- Lagna Lekhan and Lagna Patrika VachanThe writing and then the public reading of the wedding proposal.
- Mandap Pratishtha and Vedi PratishthaConsecrating the mandap and the altar.
- KanyavaranThe bride is formally received. Her family offers her hand to the groom.
- Granthi BandhanThe knot is tied between the bride's saree and the groom's garment, binding them for the rounds that follow.
- The pherasFour in many Jain communities, each with its own vow. Some families follow seven. Ask your elders rather than assuming.
- AshirvadBlessings from elders and, where present, from the sadhus and sadhvis.
The two rules that reshape your schedule
Food before sunset. Many observant Jain families practise Chauvihar, which means no food or water after sunset. If any of your guests observe it, an evening reception with dinner at nine simply does not work for them. Families handle this by serving the main meal in daylight and keeping the evening for the function itself. Decide this before you book a venue slot, not after.
Root vegetables. Jain cuisine avoids potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radish, ginger and other underground vegetables, because harvesting them destroys the whole plant and the many small organisms around it. This is far more restrictive than ordinary vegetarian, and a caterer who has not cooked Jain food before will need a written list, not a conversation.
Naming and tone on the invitation
Jain invitations tend to be more restrained in language than the surrounding regional style. Excess is avoided as a matter of principle, so the wording is usually plainer and the imagery quieter.
Many families also add a line requesting that gifts be avoided, or redirected to a charitable cause. This is common enough that guests will not find it odd, and if you mean it, say it plainly rather than hinting.
Jain wedding invitation wording you can copy
Copy any of these and change the names, dates and places. They are written to be read out loud, so they sound right on a phone screen too.
Namo Arihantanam
With the blessings of the Panch Parmeshthi and our elders,
we invite you to the marriage of
[Name]
with
[Name]
[Day, Date] · Muhurat [Time]
[Venue]
Lunch will be served before sunset.
Namo Arihantanam
Namo Siddhanam
Namo Ayariyanam
Namo Uvajjhayanam
Namo Loe Savva Sahunam
[Family] request your presence at the wedding of
[Name] and [Name]
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Namo Arihantanam
[Name] and [Name] are getting married.
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
All food will be pure Jain, without root vegetables, and served before sunset.
Namo Arihantanam
[Name] and [Name]
[Day, Date] · [Venue]
Your blessings are the only gift we would like. If you wish to give something, please consider a donation to [cause] instead.
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Questions people actually ask
What is the Navkar Mantra and why is it on the invitation?
It is the most fundamental Jain prayer, bowing to the qualities of the enlightened rather than to a deity. Jain wedding invitations open with it, either the first line or all five.
How many pheras are there in a Jain wedding?
Four in many Jain communities, each with its own vow, though some families follow seven. It varies between Svetambara and Digambara traditions and by region, so ask your elders.
What is the sunset rule?
Many observant Jains practise Chauvihar, taking no food or water after sunset. It means an evening dinner will not work for some of your guests, so plan the main meal in daylight and decide this before booking a venue.
What is Jain food exactly?
Vegetarian, and additionally without root vegetables such as potato, onion, garlic, carrot, radish and ginger, because harvesting them kills the whole plant. Give your caterer a written list, since it is much stricter than ordinary vegetarian.
Can a Jain wedding be held in the evening?
The ceremony often is, but the meal timing is the constraint rather than the ceremony. Many families hold the wedding in daylight precisely so lunch can be served before sunset.