Hindu view of marriage - Definition and Overview

The Hindu religion has a deep significance and meaning for the institution of marriage. It is viewed as a sacrament and not a contract. Invariably a Hindu marriage is monogamous and the second marriage is considered illegal and immoral. Legally also the Bigamy act in India prohibits the second marriage, while the first wife is living. Hindu marriage is a life-long commitment of one wife and one husband, and is the strongest social bond that takes place between a man and a woman. As per Hindu view marriage is not just for obtaining carnal pleasures but it has a multi dimensional significance. It almost enjoins it as a DUTY. The GRAHASTHA ASHRAM (which means the institution or phase in a person's life) begins when a man and a woman marry and start a household. For a Hindu -marriage is the only way to continue the family and thereby repay his debt to his/her ancestors. The continuance of one's family by procreation (called VAMSHOTPATHi) is a sacred duty to keep the line going. This does not just mean a biological creation but implies the perpetuation of the tradition, values and heritage of the family in particular and the society in general.

In Hindu view, marriage does not mean giving in to any kind of human weakness though there is such a view among those who have renounced the material life. The view of the celibate monks (sanyasi) is that being JITENDRIYA (one who can win over the carnal desires as symbolized by the sensory organs ) reaches greater heights of spiritual enlgihtenment. But there are other Hindu views that it is possible for an individual to manage the marital life while pursuing a spiritual path. This kind of a duality is not a paradox but a practical opinion because while on one hand the person has a fulfiment of his human needs and desires, and does his duties towards his family, his mind will be more free of the burden of DESIRE which is the prime distracting factor for spiritual enlightenment. The Hindu view further believes that marriage is a kind of fulfilment of the spirituality of both the husband and wife who are soul mates who aid and support each other to walk the path of spiritual enlightenment. The marriage rituals like the SAAT PHERA ( the seven rounds around the holy fire)and the marriage vows like DHARMECHA ARTHECHA KAMECHA NATHI CHARAMI ( which means I shall not over step or impose on my spouse in all matters related to religion ( or the righteous path ), the material issues and the issues related to physical desires) are meant to ensure a sense of fairness, equality and a value system and framework. Though the rituals may vary among various castes, the core concepts are the same. The Hindu law also has incorporated many of the principles which are contained in the ancient scriptures called SMRITIS. Thus the Hindu view of marriage is religious, spiritual and moralistic rather than a mere contract between two consenting individuals. The rituals and procedures are aimed at bringing about and maintaining the noble intents and ideals of the cultural traditions based on humanity.--202.9.146.106 12:05, 19 Jan 2005 (UTC)N.Subramanya,Ph.D