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Types Of Hindu Marriages:  Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, which identifies eight forms of marriage. These forms are found in ancient texts and highlight the cultural diversity of Indian society, and reflect the transforming values of society over the ages. Each form of Hindu marriage has its own traditions, levels of societal acceptance, and cultural meanings. To know more, here’s a list of eight types of Hindu marriages, according to the data by Kamakoti.org.

8 Types Of Hindu Marriages:

1. Brahma Marriage

Brahma Marriage is the most morally upright and the most righteous form of marriage. The father gives away his daughter to a man of good character and Vedic education. The woman is given away with no expectations of return or dowry involved. Brahma Marriage happens fairly based on, family background and educational background of the bridegroom. It's marriage necessitates the traditional matching of horoscopes before marriage, and many rituals as part of the wedding also take place for divine blessings. This marriage is often marked by the exchange of garlands.

2. Daiva Marriage

The ancient marriage style, Daiva Marriage, involves giving the bride to the priest who performed a sacrifice. The bride’s family is expected to offer the bride in return for the sacrificial fee. This marriage was considered a spiritual benefit for both the priest and the bride’s family. This marriage often happened when a girl’s family could not afford the expenses of the wedding.

3. Arsha Marriage

Arsha Marriage is related to saints and priests. Arsha marriage occurs when the groom gives a gift to the bride’s father in exchange for the bride, usually cows and a bull. Like the previous forms, the marriage is not a commercial transaction, but religious, and carries simplicity and feelings.

4. Prajapatya Marriage

In Prajapatya marriage, a father finds a suitable husband to marry his daughter. The daughter’s instruction is to follow household duties and live a life of virtue. In this marriage, no dowry or cash is involved, and the families of both sides only pay attention to finding suitable partners for their children who can fulfil the duties of marriage, rather than the marriage that benefits each family.

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5. Asura Marriage

Asura marriage is the least respected form of marriage. The husband pays cash or the family provides things to the wife’s family, and in a way, in this form of marriage husband is buying the bride. The bride’s consent is not prioritised, which makes the marriage unethical and not reasonable in today’s world, legally or otherwise.

6. Gandharva Marriage

The ancient equivalent of a contemporary love marriage, Gandharva marriage happens with the consent of both the bride and groom, but may not involve parental approval, elaborate and/or expensive rituals. It is based on personal choice and personal affection between the bride and groom, looking like most love marriages today.

7. Rakshasa Marriage

Rakshasa Marriage involves the forcible abduction of the bride, typically after a violent confrontation with her family. It is condemned in scriptures and considered a sin, as it disregards the bride’s will and is a forceful form of marriage.

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8. Paishacha Marriage

The least accepted and most disregarded type of marriage, Paishacha marriage, occurs when a man violates or seduces a woman without her consent or when she is unconscious. This kind of marriage is condemned, sinful, and criminal, and entirely devoid of any valid consent or sanctity.

These eight types of Hindu marriage showcase the complexity of social dynamics and norms prevalent in the society. While only some types of marriage represent the acceptable and righteous types, knowing about the others can give you insight into the variety of Hindu matrimonial customs that have evolved in history and become unacceptable.