Vivāha

In Sanskrit, 

Vivāha (विवाह) primarily translates to "marriage" or "wedding." It is the standard term used across classical, legal, and contemporary Sanskrit to denote matrimony.

1. Etymology and Literal Meaning

The word is a compound of the prefix vi- (signifying "away" or "in a special manner") and the root vah (to carry, lead, or transport).

• Literal Meaning: "Leading away" or "carrying away."
• Historical Context: It refers to the ritual act of the bridegroom leading the bride away from her parental home to his own [1, 2].

2. Cultural and Religious Significance

• Samskara: In Hindu tradition, Vivāha is one of the most important Samskaras(sacraments). It is the gateway to the Gṛhastha-āśrama (householder stage of life), which is considered the basis for all other social stages [1].
• Legal Categorization: Ancient legal texts like the Manusmriti describe eight types of Vivāha, ranging from the highly spiritual Brāhma marriage to the love-based Gāndharva marriage [2, 4].

3. Cosmological Meaning: The Fifth Wind

In Puranic cosmology, Vivāha is also the name of one of the seven celestial winds(Vāyus or Maruts).

• It is identified as the fifth wind that resides in the higher atmosphere. It is believed to sustain the movement of the planets and the stellar spheres [3, 4].

4. Common Phrases and Related Terms

• Vivāha-saṁskāra: The marriage sacrament.
• Vivāha-paṭala: A text or chapter on the astrological and procedural rules of marriage.
• Pāṇigrahaṇa: "Taking the hand," a core ritual of the wedding ceremony.
• Vivāhita: A married man; Vivāhitā: A married woman [2].

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Sources & References:
[1] Vedic Heritage: The Concept of Vivaha
[2] Wisdom Library: Definition and Context of Vivaha
[3] Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 5, Chapter 20, Verse 38): The Seven Cosmic Winds
[4] Sanskrit Dictionary: Lexicon entries for Vivāha

more samples:

In Sanskrit, 

विवाह (vivāha) primarily means "marriage" or "wedding." It is derived from the root vah (to carry/lead) and refers to the act of the groom leading the bride to his home.

Below are samples of how the word is used in classical and scriptural Sanskrit:

1. Samples Meaning "Marriage" (The Sacrament)

In the Smritis and Puranas, it describes the legal and spiritual union of a couple.

• From the Manusmṛti (3.20):

  ...caturṇām api varṇānāṃ pretya ceha hitān śṛṇu | aṣṭau vivāhā dharmasya...
  Translation: "Hear now the eight types of marriage (vivāhā) which are beneficial for the four classes in this life and the next." [1]

• From the Rāmāyaṇa (Bala Kanda):

  ...kanyānāṃ vivāha-kāle...
  Translation: "...at the time of the marriage (vivāha) of the daughters..." [2]

2. Samples Regarding "Cosmic Wind"

In Puranic cosmology, Vivāha is the name of one of the seven celestial winds (Vāyus) that support the movement of the planets.

• From the Viṣṇu Purāṇa (2.12.32):

  ...vivāho nāma vāyus tatra tiṣṭhati...
  Translation: "...there resides the wind named Vivāha..." [3]

• From the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (5.20.38):

  ...saṁvaho vivahaḥ parivaho...
  Translation: "...[listing the winds] ...Saṁvaha, Vivaha, and Parivaha." [4]

3. Common Compound Phrases

• Vivāha-saṁskāra: The sacred rite of marriage (one of the 16 primary sacraments). [2]
• Vivāha-bandhana: The bond of matrimony. [1]
• Vivāha-maṅgala: An auspicious wedding or marriage blessing. [2]

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References:
[1] Manusmriti Chapter 3: Laws of Marriage
[2] Wisdom Library: Definition and types of Vivaha
[3] Vishnu Purana: The Seven Celestial Winds
[4] Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 5.20.38: Structure of the Universe