Arya samaj was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. Its members believe in one god and they reject the worship of idols. It believes in three external existences God, soul and nature which are distinct from each other.
Arya Samaj says that four Vedas as non-illusory and true. They do not depend on any verbal authority for authenticity as they are self-evident. It does not believe and denounces idolatry, animal sacrifices, ancestor worship, the caste system, Sati system for widows, inequality of women and untouchability, on the ground that all these lacked Vedic sanction.
The Arya Samaj has set up hundreds of schools and missionary organizations, extending its activities outside India.
Arya Samaj mandir is a place where marriages take place. An Arya Samaj mandir in Ghaziabad performs marriages under Hindu marriage act. After the completion of the marriage rituals, they even provide provisional marriage certificates on the basis of which couple can apply for the marriage certificate from the office of the Registrar of Marriages. As Arya Samaj believes in Intercaste marriage and Inter-religion marriage, couples who wish to do such marriages are always welcomed in the Arya Samaj temple.
Marriages performed in Arya samaj mandir are very simple and gets solemnized within 2-3 hours. Marriages performed here are based on Vedas. Vedic mantras and chants are recited and are further translated into simple language so that both the bride and the groom can understand the meaning and significance of marriage. Although these marriage procedures are applicable solely for Hindus, any non-Hindu or Muslims/Christians can also get married according to this system.
The first step in the Arya Samaj marriage procedure is that both the families should welcome and greet each other. This is the time of brief introduction where friends and relatives from both sides are introduced to one another, and this cheerfulness sets the stage for conducting a marriage in a happy environment.
After this the bride and groom exchange garlands, just like in other Hindu marriages; with the bride taking the lead in putting the garland around the neck of the groom. After exchanging of garlands Madhuparka ritual is performed, where the groom eats Madhuparka which is a mixture of curd, honey and cream. The bride then offers him water three time and each time the groom sprinkles water on his body and feet and finally drinks it the third time. This practice symbolizes the happy beginning of the couple into the new life after marriage.
After this, the bride and the groom sit in the mandap in front of the holy fire and the pundit starts chanting mantras and tells them about their duties after marriage. Once the marriage procedure is completed couple touches the feet of their elders and takes their blessings after which the bride leaves her parents house and starts living in her husband’s home. Marriages in Arya samaj is not a 2-3 days affair, it starts and completes within few hours.