Nature of Hindu Marriage

Marriage and family, the two social institutions with biological foundations are complementary to
each other. “Religion clearly remains a significant force in the lives of most people, but its role varies across cultures”, said Green. This statement stands true with regard to idea about marriage prevalent in different societies. In the Indian context, both have withstood the ravages of time and shocks of centuries. Since the Vedic age great sanctity has been attached to the institution of marriage among the Hindus, though western culture seems tending in favour of its contractual nature. The wife completes man and the mutual fidelity between them is the highest dharma.

Marriage as a Sacramental Union
The Hindus have a deep-rooted, long standing and widespread tradition in favour of marriage as a basic ritual. It is almost obligatory and unavoidable for an average Indian. Marriage as a sacramental union implies three things. Firstly, marriage is a holy union for which certain rites must be performed for it to be complete. The essential ceremonies necessary for the performance of a Hindu marriage are Kanyadanam, Panigrahana and Saptapadi. It is also obligatory for begetting son, for discharging ancestral debts and for performing religious and spiritual duties. Without marriage there can be no children and without them Moksha cannot be attained. Secondly, it is an etching union as husband and wife are united to each other not merely for this life but even for the other world. Lastly, it is a permanent union as parties to marriage cannot dissolve it at will. It involves sacrifices on the part of both as each other is called upon to overcome the incompatibility of the other. Demands of personal gratification and pleasures are subordinated and the individual is called upon to make marriage a success by means of compromise and adjustment.

Under the accepted social system everyone has to pass through all the four Ashramas. A Hindu male goes through the performance of several sacraments during the course of his life starting with the laying of the foetus and ending with the cremation of his body. Similarly marriage is said to be essential for a woman because that is the only sacrament that can be performed for her.

Marriage as a ContractTraditionally marriage was regarded as a social obligation–a relationship designed to strengthen society by promoting economic security and procreation. But today people are likely to see marriage as more ‘flexible and a path towards selffulfilment’, a voluntary relationship that people can make or break at will.

(a) Imitation Marriages—The living-in relationships and contract marriages are only manifestation of original concept of marriage. The trend set by Scandinavians followed by France, Britain etc. has attracted the Indians too. Under this category of social relationship, marriage means a partnership, beautiful friendship, not a bondage but a bond… Contract marriages as an individually drawn marriages based on short-term relationships are also finding their way in the Hindu society.

(b) Changes in Marriage Institution— Earlier this institution existed for religious purposes but now people tie into marriage union only for lifelong companionship. The equality of both spouses is another significant change with wife having her own individuality and identity. The ideal of pativratya has lost its value due to existence for provisions under law for both widow remarriage and divorce. The marital ties are no longer unbreakable as divorce is socially and legally permissible. A reflection of couples quitting from married life can be seen from the doubled divorce rates over the past decade.

Provisions Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1956
Section 5 lays down five conditions for a valid Hindu marriage. Monogamy, mental capacity, completion of 21 years for bridegroom and 18 years for the bride, absence of sapinda and prohibited degree relationships are the conditions which must be fulfilled to solemnize a Hindu marriage. A Hindu marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party thereto. Sections 10 and 13 lay down grounds for judicial separation and divorce respectively at the petition of either spouse.

Conclusion

Despite the changing trends, for the majority of the Hindus, marriage is not a matter of ‘Social Contract’ nor is it deemed as a ‘License for Sex Life’. It still denotes itself as an institution for the regulation of proper relations in the society. The youngsters should realize that marriage is not only an indissoluble sacrament but a basis for a civilized society. Mobility should not be considered as a mantra for success and efforts should be made by all to conserve a stable married life.