Like Samantha-Raj, These Couples Opted For Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha At Sadhguru Ashram: Know The Rituals

Last Updated:December 07, 2025, 18:43 IST

The circumambulation of the sacred fire consecrates the couple’s union on the elemental level and completes the Bhuta Shuddhi (five-element purification)

Away from the ostentatious celebrations, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru chose to solemnise their bond through Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha at the Linga Bhairavi abode within the Sadhguru’s ashram at Coimbatore.

This unique yogic wedding ritual centres around the elemental purification of earth, water, fire, air, and space, creating a union far beyond the physical. This ancient yogic ritual has been quietly redefining the meaning of weddings. It turns the gaze inward — away from audience, lights, cameras — and toward what truly binds two people, according to Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation.

‘Extraordinary’: 2 couples narrate their experience

Vibhu Nayan and Keshini, from Varanasi and Kolkata, broke away from expectations and found the extraordinary. Vibhu shares, “These days, weddings often feel like they’re more about pomp and show, just elaborate photo sessions and meaningless rituals. For us, our Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha was a breath of fresh air.”

“We took an out-of-the-box step that initially surprised our relatives, but in the end, everyone, including us, found it deeply meaningful and a moment we will cherish our whole life. From that moment on, we’ve felt a gentle grace over our marriage that makes it truly special.”

For Ankita and Matthew, worlds collided and united in Devi’s presence. Ankita grew up along India’s coastline, travelling from city to city with her father’s naval postings. Life took her from Mumbai to Pune, eventually across continents into analytics and consulting roles in the US. Matthew began in Sydney, working in his family’s transport business until a simple introduction to Isha Kriya changed the direction of his life, calling him into inner exploration and years of volunteering at the ashram.

In 2023, both arrived at the Isha Yoga Centre for Sadhanapada, a seven-month free residential program for inner transformation. Between stillness and seva (activity)… their paths crossed and “stayed crossed”.

When they stood before Devi to take their next step, something inside them overflowed. “To get married in the abode of Devi was a blessing and a truly beautiful experience. The moment I walked into the hall, I looked at Sadhguru’s photo and Devi, and I immediately started tearing up. There was an overwhelming presence unlike anything I had experienced before,” Ankita shared.

The families joined in the ritual, tears mixing with laughter and joy —a union celebrated not as an event, but as a sacred experience. “By the end of it, everyone was full of joy, tears,

smiles, and laughter. An incredible experience and one we would recommend for a deeper sense of union and commitment.”

A Ceremony Rooted in Yogic Science

According to Isha Foundation, many couples feel a longing for something real, intimate and spiritual. That longing has led more seekers — including public figures like Aishwarya Nigam and Gia Manek — to choose weddings that feel less like ceremonies and more like consecrations.

The circumambulation of the sacred fire — a central part of the vivaha — consecrates the couple’s union on the elemental level and completes the Bhuta Shuddhi (five-element purification).

At the wedding:

The devi pendant is mandatory as the mangalsutra for Bhuta Shuddhi. The mangalsutra is made of turmeric.

Additional traditional mangalsutra may be tied along with the mandatory Devi pendant/sutra.

The duration is approximately 1 hour.

It is open to all guests as requested by bride and groom.

Garlands and kumkum are also used as a part of the wedding process as adorning for the bride and groom.

Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha can be done at any Linga Bhairavi abode or at a location of the couple’s choice in consultation with the Vivaha team.

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