TYPES OF HINDU MARRIAGE

TYPES OF HINDU MARRIAGE

There are eight types of marriage described in Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) or Manava Dharma Shastra.

1.  Rites of Brahaman (Brahma) -  Where father of bride invites a man learned in the vedas and a good conduct; and gives his daughter in marriage to him after decking her with jewels and costly garments.

2.  Rites of Gods (Daiva)  -  Where the daughter is groomed with ornaments and given to the priest who duly officiates at a sacrifice during the course of its performance.

3.  Rite of the Rishis (Arsha)  -  When the father gives away his daughter after receiving a cow and a bull from the bridegroom.

4.  Rite of Prajapati (Prajapatya)  -  Where father gives away his daughter after blessing the couple with the text "May both of you perform together your duties".

5.  Rite of Asuras (Demons)  -  When the bridegroom receives a maiden after bestowing wealth to the kins men and to the bride according to his own will.

6.  Rite of Gandharva  -  The voluntary union of a maiden and her lover, which arises from desire and physical relations for its purpose.

7.  Rites of Rakshasa  -  Forcible abduction of a maiden from her home after her kinsmen have been slain or wounded and their houses broken open.

8.  Rite of the Pisacha  -  When a man by stealth seduces a girl who is sleeping or intoxicated or is mentally disbalanced or handicapped.