You are currently viewing The Purpose of a Hindu Marriage & What’s on the Menu

The Purpose of a Hindu Marriage & What’s on the Menu

The purpose of a Hindu Marriage and What’s on the Menu

According to the Rig Veda, marriage was to enable a man, by becoming a householder, to perform sacrifices to God and to procreate sons.

The Satapatha Brahmaṇa. V.2.1.10 says:

‘The wife is indeed half of one’s self, therefore as long as a man does not secure a

wife so long he does not beget a son and so he is till then not complete (or whole)

but when he secures a wife he gets progeny and then he becomes complete’.

There are four purposes in Hindu marriage.

1. Progeny (prajā);

2. Sexual pleasure (rati);

3. Happiness (ānandam);

4. Companionship in the performance of Dharma (sahatvam or dharmasampatti).

Importance of children

Hindus have always been focussed on children which were seen as the greatest givers of happiness. In pre-modern times they were also essential for one’s security in old age. One’s future depended upon sons; but above all, the future of one’s ancestors hinged upon the male descendants who would make the funeral offerings. Sons were a source of labour, strength and power to people in those pre-industrial days. The birth of a daughter is seen that the family is blessed by the appearance of Mother Lakshmi who brings them happiness and abundance.  It is for this reason woman are treated with love, care and affection. A daughter is cared for by her parents in preparation for her wedding day when she will be handed over to her husband and new family to carry out her duty to bring good, loving and good loving children into the world.

REINSTATE OUR DIVINE VALUES

It is now time to reinstate these divine values and virtues in our lives to avoid ourselves from falling into the melting pot of modernisation that is creeping into our lives and our weddings. It is clear that this is happening in most weddings as the couple choose their partners and plan their weddings without placing much emphasis on the actual ceremony and vows that are taken in the presence of the Lord (Agnidev) and their guests.

WHATS ON THE MENU AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In recent times wedding venues that were not accessible to “Indians” in the past are being used. They have their set menus which include non vegetarian food and do not allow the user to cook or bring in their food, couples without much thought make use these venues and non vegetarian food is served to their guests.  It is time for us to take stock of our lives and avoid making use of these venues in order to maintain the set down principles of Sanathan Dharma. On the other hand there are venues that do allow for the couple to engage the services of catering companies who will prepare and serve meals according to their requirements. 

Dr Roshan Singh – Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit

Leave a Reply