Types of Marriage by Bhavishya Puran
The part that I am currently reading is dedicated to the concept of marriage in Hinduism. It talks about the different types of marriages that are recognized in the religion, such as arranged marriages, love marriages, and inter-caste marriages. The book also sheds light on the various customs and traditions that are followed during the wedding ceremony, such as the exchange of garlands, the tying of the sacred thread, and the seven vows that the couple takes. Here are some or those,
1. Brahma - It's consider to be the most holy marriage in Hindu religion. Here, a well dressed bride full of all kinds of jewellery is given away in marriage to a learned husband from a noble family and the husband have been especially invited for the occasion.
2. Daiva - It's consider to be the second most holy marriage in Hindu religion. Here, a well good looking beautiful wife is given in marriage to a husband of good conduct. The ceremony of wedding takes place like a festival in the presence of the invited guests. The priest conducts the ceremony in which the performance of the sacrifice is a must.
3. Arsha - Arsha marriage consider to be the third most holy marriage in Hindu religion. It's literally means traditional marriage. Here the bride's father gives his daughter away to the husband while instructing the pair to always remain together in the discharge of their religious duties.
4. Prajapatya - It's consider to be the forth most holy marriage in Hindu religion. Here, bride's father gives his daughter away to the husband after performing rites and donating a cow. [Some versions claim the cow donation to have been a part of Aai'sha marriage.]
5. Asura - It's consider to be the fifth most holy marriage in Hindu religion although it's not completely holy. It's a mix of good & bad. Here, the father and his relations give the daughter against the receipt of some kind of money, property and gift etc.
6. Gandharva - It's consider to be the third bad arriage in Hindu religion. This is an ancient equivalent of the modern love marriage.Here, a man and a woman falling in love & decide to get tied in a nuptial bond without caring any religious condition or ritual whatsoever.
7. Rakshasa - It's consider to be the second most evil marriage in Hindu religion. Here, a man abducting a woman and forcing her to surrender herself to his lust without any precondition.
8. Paishacha - It's consider to be the most evil marriage in Hindu religion. It is similar to Rakshasa marriage with the difference that in it the man uses his tricks and deceit to forcibly possess the woman.
The aforementioned categories of marriage are ranked as either holy or non-holy. The first four types, namely bramha, daiva, arsha, and prajapatya, are considered to be part of the holy marriage system. On the other hand, the remaining four types, which are asura, gandharva, rakshasa, and paishacha, are deemed as non-holy or wrong types of marriage.
