Television actress Giaa Manek, fondly remembered as the original Gopi Bahu from the popular Indian soap opera Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, has officially tied the knot with fellow actor Varunn Jain. The couple, who had managed to keep their relationship private until now, surprised fans with a wedding announcement that took the internet by storm.
On Thursday, August 22, Giaa and Varunn shared the news of their marriage via a joint post on Instagram. The couple posted two intimate, informal photos from their traditional wedding ceremony, conducted on the peaceful grounds of the Isha Foundation in Tamil Nadu. What particularly caught the eye was the religious aspect of the wedding, a “Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha,” an unrecognizable concept for many but one based on yogic traditions.
In the caption accompanying the photographs, Giaa and Varunn wrote:
“With the grace of the Divine and Masters and with all the love showered, we’ve stepped into this forever union hand in hand, heart to heart. We were two friends; today we’re husband & wife. So grateful for the love, blessings, and wishes from all our loved ones who made this day so special. Cheers to a lifetime of laughter, adventure, memories, and togetherness as Mr. & Mrs.
The post used hashtags like #BhutaShuddhiWedding, #Isha, and #Gratitude to specify that the wedding ceremony was based on the spiritual guidance and rituals of the Isha Foundation that Sadhguru had founded. Surprisingly, the couple turned off the comment option on the post, perhaps to make the event private and prevent it from being marred by online chatter.
A Traditional Yet Spiritual Celebration
The wedding pictures ooze warmth, happiness, and elegance. Both Giaa and Varunn chose stylish, coordinated golden outfits. Giaa had on a mustard-gold silk saree with a wide zari border and accessorized it with traditional bridal jewelry: a show-stopping gold necklace, long layered chains, a maang tikka, and thick bangles. Her hair was well-tied into a neat bun that featured fresh jasmine flowers, making her look like a classic South Indian bride.
Varunn complemented her style perfectly in a cream kurta paired with a golden dupatta. Standing behind Giaa in the photographs, he can be seen affectionately hugging her as the two present big smiles and an undeniable sparkle of chemistry.
While they have maintained information about their relationship largely in private, their wedding post tells us a lot about their familiarity and evolution from friends to partners for life.
What is Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha?
One of the biggest points of discussion regarding this wedding has been the term “Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha.” A yogic science term, Bhuta Shuddhi means “purification of the elements.” In yogic lore, the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—are the foundation of all life. Bhuta Shuddhi is the process of purifying and balancing these elements within the human body so that the human being gets attuned to nature and the universe.
In the Isha Foundation, weddings conducted under this tradition aim to go beyond ritualistic and social considerations. Instead, they tend to establish a sacred union based on inner harmony, spiritual growth, and awareness-based living. These weddings are consciously minimalist and yogic wisdom-based, with energy, union, and spiritual harmony being given more importance than extravagance.
This type of marriage ceremony is not very popular within the common media circles, so Giaa and Varunn’s wedding is even more special and true to their beliefs.
The Journey of Giaa and Varunn
Giaa Manek gained popularity first as the gentle and lovable Gopi Bahu in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. Her performance earned her a huge fan following and a household name. She left the show in 2012 and worked in Jeannie Aur Juju and Tera Mera Saath Rahe. She also participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5, proving herself to be more than a daily soap star.
Varunn Jain, on the other hand, gained popularity through his role in Diya Aur Baati Hum, in which he played the brother of the male lead. Recently, he has made an appearance in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, and he continues to make his presence known on TV.
Although both of them were in the limelight, Giaa and Varunn were able to keep their relationship under wraps, something unheard of in today’s social media age. Their sudden announcement, intimate photos, and choice of spiritual ceremony have left fans surprised but also deeply moved.
Final Thoughts
Giaa Manek and Varunn Jain’s wedding was not only a celebration of love but also a thoughtful commitment based on spirituality and simplicity. By opting for a Bhuta Shuddhi ceremony in Isha Foundation, the couple has set a new trend of thoughtful marriage that is far away from the glitz and glamour that typically encompass celebrity weddings.
Though they’ve opted to keep some parts of their affair under wraps, as seen through disabling comments on their wedding post, the love and peacefulness that radiate through their photos tell a thousand words. All the best to them in a lifetime of love, growth, and celestial oneness.