Hindu Marriage Ideals and Commitment

Vedic Hindu marriage is not a contract between two persons of the opposite sex. Marriage is viewed as a life long commitment of one wife and one husband, and it is the strongest bond between a man and woman.

Hindus believe marriage as a mean to continue the family and there by repay to his ancestors. Marriage is a way for learning many things in life through experience. This is a path for spiritual growth.

Cial bond

According to Hindus, the alliance is a union of two families, as well as the union between two individuals. The marriage ceremony will be taking place in the presence of parents, relatives and friends. So, the marriage becomes a social bond as well a commitment.

Break ups

The idea behind the Hindu marriage is to grow in the shades of each other, and not because of selfish motives. The concern for the family can be reflected in the institution of marriage. The love and duty, which is maintained for the existence of family, is the factor which prevents break ups.

Duties divided

In Hinduism, man and woman are the two halves of the divine body. As they are different, no question of inferiority or superiority arises there. The duties of both man and woman had been defined by Shastras (Hindu Scriptures) taking care of their physical and emotional status. Maintaining the domestic peace and taking care of social interactions are extremely important.

Responsibilities

By nature, men have less capability of reserving feelings and behavior than women. This is the reason why, Hindu women are supposed to lead their husband by keeping the lustful tendencies under control. After marriage, the woman who is loyal to her husband is called "Pativrata" (Pati- husband; Vrata- vow). Another synonym for Pativrata is "Sati"-one who preserves her Sattva (purity): physically, mentally and spiritually.