Hindu
marriage joins two individuals for life, so that they can pursue dharma (duty), artha (possessions), kama
(physical desires) and moksha
(ultimate spiritual release) together. It is a union of two individuals and is
recognized by law. In Hinduism, marriage also joins two families together. There
is more diversity in Hinduism when it comes to marriage
than we know of. EXIN Shagoon brings for you the eight types of marriage
that has been described in ancient Hindu texts.
Not all had religious sanction. The first four were considered proper.
1.
Rite of Brahmana — The Brahma marriage is the marriage of one's daughter, after decking
her with costly garments and with presents of jewels, to a man of good conduct
learned in the Vedas, and invited by oneself.
2.
Rite of the Daiva— The Daiva rite is the marriage of one's daughter, decked with ornaments
to a priest who duly officiates at a religious ceremony, during the course of
its performance.
3.
Rite of the Arsha — Arsha marriage is when the father gives away his daughter, after
receiving from the bridegroom a cow and a bull or two pairs of either as Bride
price
4.
Rite of the Prajapati — Prajapati is when a girl's father gives her in marriage to the
bridegroom, treating him with respect, and addresses them: 'May both of you
perform together your duties'.
5.
Rite of the Gandharva — The voluntary union of a
maiden and her lover which springs from sexual desire is called Gandharva marriage.
6.
Rite of the Asuras — Asura marriage is when the bridegroom receives a maiden, after
having given of his own free will as much wealth as he can afford, to the bride
and her kinsmen.
7.
Rite of the Rakshasa — Rakshasa marriage is the marriage of a maiden involving her
forcible abduction from her home after her kinsmen have been slain or wounded.
8.
Rite of the Pisaka — When a man by stealth seduces a
girl who is sleeping, intoxicated, or mentally challenged, it is called Paisaka marriage. This is condemned in
the Manusmriti as a base and sinful
act
Rakshasa and Gandharva marriage was regarded
acceptable to Kshatriyas as was Asura marriage for Vaishyas and Shudras.
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