Eight Different Forms of Marriage

Brahma Vivaha is considered the highest and most respected form of marriage. In this type of marriage, the bride's father willingly gives away his daughter to a groom who is well-educated, knowledgeable in the Vedas, and of good character. No dowry is expected in this form of marriage, and it is solemnized through religious rituals and ceremonies.

In Daiva Vivaha, the bride is given away to a priest or a Brahmin as an offering or 'dakshina' for conducting a religious ceremony or yajna.

This type of marriage is considered inferior to Brahma Vivaha because it implies that the bride's family is unable to find a suitable groom and, therefore, offers her to a priest. The bride's consent is generally not required in this form of marriage.

Arsha Vivaha is a marriage in which the bride's father gives his daughter in exchange for a gift or token, usually a pair of cows, from the groom. This type of marriage is considered less honorable than Brahma Vivaha, as it involves a transaction. The bride and groom are generally of the same social status, and the primary aim of this marriage is to fulfill the duties of procreation and family life.

In Prajapatya Vivaha, the bride's father gives away his daughter to a groom without expecting any material exchange or dowry. The primary goal of this marriage is to follow the path of Dharma and carry out their social and religious duties together. The couple's consent is important in this form of marriage.

Gandharva Vivaha is a love marriage based on mutual attraction and consent between the bride and the groom, without any involvement from their families or any exchange of gifts. This type of marriage is named after the celestial beings called Gandharvas, who are known for their artistic abilities and passionate love affairs. Gandharva Vivaha is considered less honorable compared to the first four types of marriages, as it does not follow the traditional norms and rituals.

Asura Vivaha is a marriage in which the groom gives a substantial amount of wealth or property to the bride's family in exchange for the bride. This form of marriage is considered impure because it involves a transaction and is often carried out without the bride's consent. It is named after the Asuras, who were known for their materialistic nature and disregard for Dharma.

Rakshasa Vivaha, also known as the "marriage by abduction," is a forced marriage where the groom abducts the bride against her will and the consent of her family. Often, the groom's family uses force or deceit to capture the bride. This form of marriage is considered the least honorable and is named after the Rakshasas, who were known for their violent and aggressive nature.

Paishacha Vivaha is the most condemned form of marriage, in which the groom seduces or takes advantage of an unconscious or mentally incapacitated bride. This form of marriage is considered sinful and is named after the Paishachas, who were malevolent spirits known for their wickedness.

These eight forms of marriage reflect the diverse social customs and practices that existed in ancient India.