Hinduism + arranged marriges

[dani13]

Hi I was jsut wondering if there where and are arranged marriges in the Hinduism religion.
If there are do fathers choose a husband for their daughters and how do they go about you process?

Thank you
dani

 

[Indogenes]

Hi I was jsut wondering if there where and are arranged marriges in the Hinduism religion.

Hello Dani13,
I'm not sure if your question relates to Hindu society or scripture. In Hindu mythology and the epics like Mahabharata there are stories of different types of marriages, including arranged marriages and love marriages.

If there are do fathers choose a husband for their daughters and how do they go about you process?

Thank you
dani

In Hindu society, arranged marriages are customary. Love marriages do happen, but most marriages are still arranged.

In urban societies or among more modern families, usually the boy and the girl do have a say in the final decision to marry or not. In rural areas and among very orthodox or traditional families, marriage matches are still made by the parents, and the boy or girl may not have much say in the matter or may not meet their prospective spouse until the day of the wedding.

In an arranged marriage parents usually seek out prospective brides or grooms from the same caste and language. If a woman is educated, her parents usually seek a groom of similar or higher level of education. Parents of a marriageable boy or girl pass the word on to relatives and friends to notify them if they find an eligible match. In urban societies such matches are also found by placing a matrimonial advertisement in the newspaper and reviewing the responses. After the advent of the Internet, there are several matrimonial websites where people can place ads. for prospective brides or grooms. Some of these ads. are placed by the bride or groom themselves. Since Hindus (in general) are brought up to respect their elders, it is normal for a woman or man to seek their families' support, even if they make their own decision about whom they are going to marry.

If a match is found suitable, the parents of the boy and the girl arrange a meeting of the families. Families which believe in matching horoscopes consult an astrologer to verify if the couple is expected to be compatible astrologically before arranging the meeting. If astrologically compatible, the meeting is arranged; otherwise the match is rejected. Prior to arranging the meeting, it is also customary for the boy or girl's families to informally enquire through acquaintances, etc. about the prospective match and their family. This is to ensure that there is nothing unsavoury about the match, like issues of character, etc.: if the result is negative, the meeting is called off.

It is customary for the boy and his family to visit the girl at her parents' home, but sometimes the meeting could happen at a mutual friend's or relative's home. In traditional families the visit is limited to the boy and girl seeing each other, while their parents and other elders talk. In more modern families, the girl and the boy do spend some time talking to each other during the visit. In either event, the opinions of both the boy and the girl are taken to see if the match is a go or no-go. If it works out, the marriage is planned; otherwise, on to the next prospective match.