The eight types of marriages prescribed for Hindus are:
- Brahma marriage: This is the most sacred form of marriage, and it is arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. The bride is given away as a gift to the groom, and the groom’s family does not pay any dowry.
- Daiva marriage: In this type of marriage, the bride is given away to a priest or other religious scholar. The groom’s family pays a dowry to the bride’s family.
- Arsha marriage: In this type of marriage, the bride is given away to a groom in exchange for a cow or other animal.
- Prajapatya marriage: In this type of marriage, the bride is given away to a groom on the condition that he will perform certain religious rituals for her family.
- Gandharva marriage: This is a love marriage, in which the bride and groom choose each other without the consent of their parents.
- Asura marriage: In this type of marriage, the groom pays a dowry to the bride’s family in order to marry her.
- Rakshasa marriage: In this type of marriage, the groom kidnaps the bride and takes her away by force.
- Paishacha marriage: This is the most degraded form of marriage, and it involves the abduction and rape of the bride.
The first four types of marriages (Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, and Prajapatya) are considered to be approved forms of marriage, while the last four types of marriages (Gandharva, Asura, Rakshasa, and Paishacha) are considered to be unapproved forms of marriage.
In modern India, the first four types of marriages are the most common. The last four types of marriages are rare and are generally frowned upon.
It is important to note that the eight types of marriages prescribed for Hindus are not legally binding in India. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, recognizes only two types of marriages: monogamous marriages and polygamous marriages. Polygamous marriages are only allowed for Hindu men who belong to certain communities.