Thread by @poonamdut

What was the genuine reason behind a "wedding" according to the Vedas?
To truly understand this “genuine” reason behind a wedding, we must first know Vedic nomenclature; thus its important that we start with some linguistics.
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A wedding in Sanskrit is “vivāha” - it is comprised of two roots:–

vi = viśeṣa - specific or particular.

vāha = bearing, carrying, transporting.

So it refers to the taking on, or accepting of specific burdens or responsibilities.
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So to elaborate, marriage is about responsibilities - duties and obligations which can best be dealt with as a couple.
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5 responsibilities (pañca-mahā-yajña):

1) Parental obligation (pitru-ruṇa) to care for parents in old age & to have worthy progeny to propagate & preserve our lineage.

2) Religious duties (deva ruṇa) to ensure continuation of Devas' worship.
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3) Cultural/educational obligations (rishi-ruṇa) to study Hinduism's traditions, sacred texts & philosophy & to transmit it to children so as to preserve the Noble Culture handed down for thousands of yrs & from which we have benefited.
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4) Environmental obligations (bhūta-ruṇa) to care for environment, preserve it for future generations & to ensure that all beings live well.

5)Social obligations (manuṣya -ruṇa) - caring/cooperating with society, to ensure common good for all.
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So a wedding is an induction into marriage which comprises the above mentioned duties performed in cooperation with a spouse.
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