Eight forms of marriage
idea · 2 works · 3 mentions · 5 anchored passages
Brāhma · Daiva · Gāndharva · Paiśāca · Prājāpatya · Rākṣasa · Ārṣa · Āsura · Brāhma, Daiva, Ārṣa, Gāndharva, Prājāpatya, Āsura
in the texts
Manusmṛti
The doctrine of eight named marriage forms ranked from most to least lawful.
Now learn in summary these eight forms of marriage for women, for the four *varnas*, which are beneficial and harmful in this world and the next.
When a man secretly approaches a girl who is sleeping, intoxicated, or mentally disordered, that is the `Paiśāca`, the eighth and most wicked of marriages.
The `Gāndharva` and `Rākṣasa` marriages, whether performed separately or mixed, are declared to be lawful for a Kṣatriya.
Nāradasmṛti
The canonical eightfold Dharmaśāstra classification of marriage types, ranked from most to least righteous.
This rule is remembered for the five forms of marriage, beginning with the Brāhma.
Eight forms of marriage are declared for the classes, for the sake of the sacrament.
The Āsura marriage is to be known from the transaction of a bride-price.