8 Types of Marriage in Vedic Shastras: Choosing the Uttam Path
From Brahma Vivah to Gandharv: Distinguishing Noble Unions from Inferior Ones
According to ancient scriptures, there are eight types of marriages, each reflecting a different level of morality and intention:
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Brahma Vivah: After honouring a man (Vidwan) who is worthy of the girl, who is well behaved and learned, and adorning the girl with clothes etc., and
inviting a good man, i.e. giving the daughter to someone whom the girl has pleased, is called Brahma marriage.
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Dev Vivah: In this form, the daughter is given to a scholar or purohit who is performing rituals in a grand Vistrit Yagya.
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Arsh Vivah: This union is based on the mutual choice and happiness of the Var and Kanya without any exchange of wealth or greed.
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Prajapatya Vivah: Conducted in a Yagyashala, where the couple is formally blessed and told to fulfill the duties of the Grihasthashram together with devotion.
These 4 marriages are the best marriages.
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Asur Vivah: Giving away the girl to the groom's caste and the girl by giving as much money as possible, performing 'Homa' etc. rituals, is called Asura marriage.
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Gandharv Vivah: The union of the bride and groom with the consent of both and the acceptance in their mind that both of them are man and woman, this is called Gandharva marriage done by Kama.
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Rakshash Vivah: Killing, piercing, that is, destroying those who stop the girl, abducting the angry, crying, trembling and frightened girl by rape and marrying her is a very lowly marriage.
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Paishach Vivah: To defile a girl who is sleeping, mad or intoxicated after finding her alone, is the lowest of all marriages, the most vile, the most wicked, the most wicked, the most demonic marriage. ।।१७।।
This is called 'Mahaneech' and 'Dusht'.
The 13-Step Arya Samaj Marriage Procedure: A Complete Ritual Guide
Detailed Shastriya Vidhi: From Swagat and Saptapadi to Final Aashirwad
The Arya Samaj Marriage is solemnized through 13 powerful Sanskars, each adding a layer of spiritual strength to the bond:
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Swagat Vidhi (welcome ceremony) : in an Arya Samaj wedding is the ritual of warmly welcoming the groom by the bride's family. The ceremony begins with the chanting of Vedic mantras, where the bride's parents welcome the groom upon his arrival at the temple premises and apply a tilak (a sacred thread)
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Madhupark Vidhi (Madhuparka Se Satkar): is a significant sacred ritual representing hospitality, respect, and the sweet beginning of marriage. During this ceremony, the bride offers a mixture of honey, curd, and ghee to the groom to welcome him into this new phase of life.
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Godan Vidhi (Gaudan): Focuses on the ethical and spiritual significance of honoring the cow, as prescribed by the Vedas. The cow is decorated, garlanded, and worshipped through sixteen rituals before being donated to a qualified Brahmin scholar. This act is believed to cleanse the donor of sins while inspiring a pledge of lifelong compassion and service toward the cow.
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kanya pratigrahan Vidhi (Kanyadan): It is a sacred Vedic ritual where the father entrusts his daughter's hand to the groom, transferring her responsibilities to him. It is performed with mantras, with fire and God as witnesses, symbolizing the transfer of a moral responsibility rather than the donation of property.
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Vastra Vidhi (clothing/attire procedures) : In these ceremonies like marriage or Havan emphasizes simplicity, purity (satvikta), and Vedic tradition, avoiding excessive ornamentation or showy attire. The focus remains on traditional Indian clothing that allows for easy movement during the rituals.
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Ritvik Varan Vidhi Sankalp: In this Vidhi (selection and appointment of the priest/Acharya) is a crucial part of any Yajna (Havan), ensuring that the ceremony is conducted by a qualified, knowledgeable person. It follows the principles of the Vedas and Sage Dayanand Saraswati's Sanskar Vidhi.
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Vaivaahik Yagya Vidhi: The heart of the ceremony where the Agni Dev witnesses the union. It includes:
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Pradhan hom
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Rashtrabhrit hom
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Jaya hom
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Abhyatan hom
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Ashtajyahuti Hom
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Panigrahan Vidhi: the groom takes the bride’s hand before the sacred fire, promising to support, protect, and share her responsibilities throughout life. Following the 'Kanyadaan,' this ritual is known as 'holding hands' or 'acceptance of the bride's hand,' signifying the formal completion of the marriage.
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Laja Hom: Offering parched grains (Kheel) to the fire, praying for household wealth and a long, healthy life for the couple.
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Granthi Bandhan: often referred to as Gathbandhan (tying the knot), is a significant ritual in Hindu and Jain weddings that symbolizes the union of the bride and groom for the rest of their lives. It represents the merging of two souls, minds, and bodies, as well as the joining of two families.
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Saptapadi (The Seven Vows):the most crucial, binding ritual in a Hindu wedding where the bride and groom take seven rounds around the sacred fire (Agni), exchanging vows of love and loyalty. Each step represents a specific promise, legalizing the union and sealing their lifelong commitment in the presence of the divine.
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Sumangali & Yagya Samapan: is a traditional ritual, often incorporated into Vedic ceremonies, where married women are honored to seek their blessings. This practice is intended to invoke a long, happy, and prosperous married life for the couple.
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Asivadd (Aashirwad): The grand finale where everyone chants "Om Saubhagyamastu" and "Om Shubham Bhavatu", showering flowers on the couple as they receive the blessings of the community.
सुमङ्गलीरियं वधूरिमां समेत पश्यत।
सौभाग्यमस्यै दत्वायाथास्तं विरेतन,
ऋ.मं.10, सू.85, मं.33: पार.1,8,9॥
The chanting of the ukta mantra was followed by the people who had come for the work. And at this time everyone-
ओंम् सौभाग्यमस्तु। ओम् शुभं भवतु॥
Bless the bride and groom with the ukta mantra and shower flowers on them.
