Vivah Panchami is the festival ascribed to the wedding of Sri Ramachandra Murthy and Sri Seetha Devi. This festival occurs on the Shukla Paksha Panchami of the Margashira month.
For the Year 2023, Vivah Panchami occurs on Sunday, 17th December 2023. The exact duration of the Panchami Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional Calendar.
As per the legend, Sage Vishwamitra came to Ayodhya and had sought the permission of Dasharatha Chakravarthy for taking Sri Ram and Sri Lakshman along with him. He wished to take Them to his parnashala where he was performing Yagna. The Sage wanted Sri Ram and Sri Lakshman to provide protection and security from the demons so that he can perform the Yagna with peace.
The emperor had consented to the request. He had gladly sent his sons with Sage Vishwamitra. The Sage took the duo with him to his place and had successfully completed his yagna.
On returning to Ayodhya, the Sage made a detour to the Mithila Kingdom. He had heard that the King Janaka had proposed to arrange for the Swayamvar (Groom selection) for his daughter Sri Seetha Devi. The rule of the Swayamvar was that the groom prospect should break the bow named Shiv-Dhanush to prove his prowess. The first one to do so would be the lucky one to marry Sri Seetha.
The Sage along with the divine duo Ram and Lakshman had arrived at Mithila. On the way to the palace, Sri Ram had seen Sri Seetha playing with Her friends. The visitors had reached the palace. The King Janaka welcomed them well. He was happy that Sri Ram intended to participate in the Swayamvar as per the direction from the Sage.
The Swayamvar event began. Many princes from many countries had participated. Each was failing one by one. None of them could even lift the Dhanush. The turn of Sri Ram came. Effortlessly, He had lifted the bow and had broken it.
Sri Seetha was very happy as the prince who sighted Her while she was playing was the winner. Janaka Raja had immediately arranged for the marriage of Sri Ram and Sri Seetha. On the day of the marriage of Sri Ram and Sri Seetha, the marriages of His brothers also took place such as Sri Bharata with Sri Mandavi, Sri Lakshman with Sri Urmila and Sri Shatrugna with Sri Srutha Keerthi.
It is believed that the marriage of Sri Ram and Sri Seetha happened on the Shukla Paksha Panchami of Margashira month. Hence this Panchami is celebrated as Vivah Panchami.
On the day of Vivah Panchami, marriage anniversary of Sri Ram and Sri Seetha is celebrated across all Sri Ram and Sri Vishnu temples.
