 The god Vishnu and his consorts Lakshmi and <unk> should be represented as taking the place of Parvati 's parents in the ceremony . The four @-@ armed Vishnu should be shown in the background in between Shiva and Parvati ; in one of his front hands is a golden pot from which he <unk> water over the hands of the couple , symbolizing giving away the bride to the groom . He holds his usual attributes , the <unk> <unk> ( discus ) and a <unk> ( <unk> ) , in his back arms . Vishnu 's wives , dressed in royal finery , stand behind Parvati and hold her waist , symbolizing the handing over . 
