माङ्गल्यं तन्तुनानेन

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

माङ्गल्यम्

māṅgalyam

the auspicious (sacred) thread / emblem of marital good fortune

तन्तुना

tantunā

by this thread (cord)

अनेन

anena

this, with this

मम

mama

my (of mine)

जीवनहेतुना

jīvana-hetunā

the very reason / support of (my) life

कण्ठे

kaṇṭhe

around the neck

बध्नामि

badhnāmi

I tie / I bind

सुभगे

subhage

O fortunate one, O blessed lady (the bride)

त्वम्

tvam

you

जीव

jīva

may you live, live long

शरदः शतम्

śaradaḥ śatam

for a hundred autumns (a hundred years)

Complete Translation

यह मांगल्य का पवित्र सूत्र है, जो मेरे जीवन का आधार और कारण है। हे सौभाग्यवती, मैं इसे तुम्हारे कण्ठ में बाँधता हूँ; तुम सौ वर्षों तक (दीर्घायु होकर) जीवित रहो।

Origin & History

Source: Hindu Vivaha (marriage) Samskara — Grihya ritual tradition; recited at the Mangalya Dharana

Author: Traditional (Vedic-Pauranic ritual liturgy)

Period: Classical (ancient ritual tradition)

In the Hindu vivaha samskara, marriage is one of the sixteen sacraments (shodasha samskaras) and is conducted as a sacred yajna before Agni, the fire-witness. Among its many rites, the Mangalya Dharana — the tying of the mangalsutra — is the most recognisable. As the priest signals the auspicious muhurta, the groom ties the sacred cord while uttering 'Mangalyam tantunanena...', binding the two lives together under dharma. The verse, with its blessing 'live a hundred years', echoes the Vedic ideal of a long, righteous and joyful married life (grihastha).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Mangalyam mantra chanted in a Hindu wedding?▼

It is chanted at the climactic moment of the wedding (the muhurta), precisely when the groom ties the mangalsutra (Thaali / sacred marriage cord) around the bride's neck. It is considered the heart of the marriage sacrament, after which the couple is regarded as wedded.

What does the mangalsutra symbolise?▼

The mangalsutra is the 'auspicious thread' (mangalyam) signifying the sacred, lifelong bond between husband and wife. In the mantra the groom calls it 'mama jivana-hetuna' — the very support of his life — affirming his commitment, while blessing the bride with a hundred years of happy life.

Why does the mantra say 'jiva sharadah shatam'?▼

'Jiva sharadah shatam' means 'live for a hundred autumns (years)'. It is a classic Vedic benediction for long life and well-being, here offered by the groom to the bride as he ties the sacred cord.

Can this mantra be recited again after the wedding?▼

Yes. Many couples recite it on their wedding anniversary or during the renewal of vows as a way of remembering and reaffirming the sacred marital commitment made on their wedding day.

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