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In ancient Indian Smṛti literature, marriage functioned as a fundamental spiritual sacrament and structural framework that regulated individual conduct, sustained dharma, and preserved social discipline and cultural continuity. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research critically examines the concept of marriage as depicted in Smṛti literature, focusing on its spiritual and ethical significance.

June 7, 2026Open Access

Marriage System in the Light of Smṛti Literature: A Critical Study

Key Points

This research critically examines the concept of marriage as depicted in Smṛti literature, focusing on its spiritual and ethical significance.
Analysis of Smṛti texts to understand marriage classifications and their implications.
Exploration of the transition from Brahmacarya to Gṛhastha and its societal impact.
Contextual examination of marriage practices, including polygamy.
Marriage is portrayed as a sacred union that sustains dharma and ethical living.
Eight forms of marriage are identified, with implications for lineage and social order.
The wife is revered within marriage, symbolizing the integral role in upholding moral responsibility.

Abstract

Abstract: In ancient Indian philosophy, Saṃskāra signifies the purification and refinement of human existence. Within the Smṛti literature, marriage (Vivāha) is the most fundamental sacrament, marking an individual's crucial transition from student life (Brahmacarya) to householder life (Gṛhastha). Far from being a mere social contract, it is a sacred spiritual partnership where the wife is revered as Ardhāṅginī (the other half), symbolizing unity and shared moral responsibility. As the foundation of Gṛhastha Āśrama, marriage sustains dharma, ensures lineage continuity, and regulates human desires within ethical boundaries. Smṛti texts classify marriage into eight distinct forms, ranging from the socially approved Brāhma to the unapproved Paiśāca, while also addressing contextual practices like polygamy. Ultimately, this structural framework regulated individual conduct and preserved social discipline, ethical values, and cultural continuity in ancient Indian society.

Marriage System in the Light of Smṛti Literature: A Critical Study

Key Points

Abstract

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