Family and marriage

विवाह कुटुम्ब

Also written: hindu marriage · saptapadi · vivaha · seven vows hindu wedding · joint family · विवाह

Marriage is the fifteenth saṃskāra and the pivot of the whole scheme: it begins the householder stage, which supports every other stage, and it lights the domestic fire on which all later household rites are performed.

The seven steps

The saptapadī is the legally and ritually decisive act — after the seventh step the marriage is complete. Each step is taken with a stated purpose.

Step	Asked for
First	Food and nourishment
Second	Strength — physical, mental and spiritual
Third	Prosperity, by righteous means
Fourth	Happiness, through mutual respect
Fifth	Progeny, and their wellbeing
Sixth	The seasons in their due order — a life lived in rhythm
Seventh	Lifelong friendship: 'with seven steps, become my friend'

सखा सप्तपदी भव।

sakhā saptapadī bhava

With these seven steps, become my friend.

— The seventh step of the saptapadī

The eight classical forms

The Dharma Śāstra lists eight forms of marriage and ranks them: Brāhma (given to a learned man, with honour), Daiva, Ārṣa, Prājāpatya — the four approved; and Āsura (bride bought), Gāndharva (by mutual consent alone, without ceremony), Rākṣasa (by force) and Paiśāca (by deception) — the four disapproved, the last two condemned outright. That marriage by mutual love was recognised as a valid form at all, and that marriage by purchase was ranked below it, is worth noting.

Family and marriage

The seven steps

The eight classical forms

Daily life — dinacaryā, ṛtucaryā and āhāra

Social structure — varṇa, āśrama, kula and gotra

Festivals — the year as it is kept

Temples and tīrthas

Guru and paramparā

Seva and dāna — service and giving