Marriages are still made in heaven for the average Hindu couple. Hindus regard the institution of marriage as a sacrament and not just a contract between two persons of opposite sex. It`s a lifelong commitment and is the strongest social bond between a man and a woman.The Vedas too affirm that a person after the completion of his student life should enter the second stage of life, that is, the Grihastha or life of a householder.

Marriage period can be divided into three types--- child marriage, adolescent marriage and marriage at mature age. Child marriage which relates to marriage at the age earlier to the age of adolescence and should never be performed.

Hindu religion is based on eternal philosophy of Vedas and this philosophy is well briefed in six shastras and Manusmirti etc., written by this rishis who were philosophers of Vedas, did practice of ashtang yoga, realized God and ved mantras within their heart. Those ancient rishis were like Manu, Atri, Kambadh, Matang, Patanjali, Vashisth Vyas Muni, and dignitaries like Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Mata Sita, brahamcharini Gargi who was Guru of king Janak and so may other multi million ancient rishis and Raj rishis. In between there came a time, i.e., about 5000 years ago and thereafter started following smritis and shastras and now a days India mostly depends on the present saints and present holy books written between 3000 years time. So there are three types of periods--- eternal--l based on Vedas, middle period-- based on smritis and shastras/karam kand and present period-- which we are observing, whatsoever is going on, i.e., mostly against the Vedas and smritis. However, according to the eternal philosophy of Vedas, child marriage is not permitted. The age of marriage of boy is plus 25, 33 and 44 years up to which one has to be complete in Brahmacharya and of girl`s the age is above 18 years. In middle period and present period, the custom of child marriage against Vedas started. Reason may be any, which has created a huge loss of humanity. In Manu smriti shlok 3/21, eight types of marriages have been stated, but of eight last two are prohibited.

Hindu Marriage is a religious function. In this religious function, the holy yajna with Ved mantras is performed. The ved mantras are also recited concerning the future family life of couple which makes pious effects on both hearts. It is performed by a learned person who knows Vedas.

For many Hindus the caste system remains strong, especially in Indian villages where 75 percent of the population resides. Castes are related to the traditional occupations which are passed from father to son and influence who a Hindu marries, even with whom a person shares food. The castes are---

1. The Brahmans who are priests and philosophers.
2. The Kshatriyas who are the warriors responsible for military service and sustaining the law.
3. The Vaishyas are those responsible for trade and commerce.
4. The Shudras are manual laborers.
5. The low-caste masses called untouchables.

Years ago, parents arranged marriages for their children while they were babies or very young. Compatibility between the two families was of primary concern, for a young daughter had to live with her husband`s extended family. They believed if young people grew up together, they could learn over time how to understand and adjust to each other`s manners. The girl did not have to leave her parents to live with her husband and in-laws until she matured. In that case, she just visited them. Because the wedding occurred before puberty, the girl was a virgin and her parents did not have to be concerned about their daughter having a child out of wedlock.

Today, child marriages are forbidden, and girls can marry only after they are `4 years of age. Young girls are not permitted to have any other boyfriends prior to marriage and are expected to remain virgins. Marriages are arranged by parents, but now with the consent of their son or daughter. (Some parents consider whether or not their children`s horoscopes are compatible.) Marriages are arranged with the expectation that love will grow and blossom throughout a lifetime.

Today`s Hindu weddings are celebrated lavishly by family and friends. They also provide an opportunity for the parents to observe prospective eligible prospects for their other unmarried children.

Brahma Marriage
In ancient days, there prevailed gurukul system, where the boy goes to live with his guru to acquire knowledge and expertise. This stage is Brahmacharya or studenthood for the boy and he would be eligible to get married only once he completes his studies that is brahmacharya and this form of marriage is named Brahma Marriage.

Daiva Marriage
Daiva marriage means the girl is married to a priest during a sacrifice. After waiting for a reasonable period for a suitable man for their daughter and when they do not find anyone, the girl`s parents go looking for a groom in a place where a sacrifice is being conducted. Here the girl is groomed with ornaments and married to a priest. According to the shastras Daiva marriage is considered inferior to Brahma marriage because it is considered degrading for the womanhood to look for groom.

Arsha Marriage
Arsha means Rishi or sage in Sanskrit and hence Arsha marriage suggests marriages with the sages or rishis. In this form of marriage the bride is given in exchange for two cows received from the groom. Marriages of this type used to happen because the parents of the bride couldn`t afford the expense of their daughter`s marriage at the right time according to the brahma rite. So the girl is married off to an old sage.

Prajapatya Marriage
The joint performance of sacred duties by man and a woman is known as Prajapatya marriage. According to Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, the father gives his daughter to the bridegroom, by addressing the couple with the mantras, "May both of you perform together your dharma." This kind of marriage is similar to Brahma vivah, which may be the origin of Prajapatya vivah.

Gandharva Marriage
The Gandharva Vivaha (the marriage of the celestials) involves simple exchange of garlands upon with the marriage is confirmed. We find references of this type of wedding in Hindu mythologies and epics. This is equivalent of eloping in today`s world, and couples whose union is not blessed by families seek refuge in this custom.

Asura Marriage
Asura Marriage is when a unsuitable bridegroom approaches the family of the bride and offers a high `price` to get married to the girl. It could be looked upon as bribe for getting the girl the boy desires even if he is in no way is a match for the girl.

Rakshasa marriage
Rakshasa marriage is a type, in which the groom fights battles with the bride`s family, overcomes them and carries her away and then persuades her to marry. This is not considered as the right kind of marriage as this is forced marriage.

Paishacha marriage
Paishacha marriage is the eighth and last type of marriage. It is considered as the most inferior type of marriage. In this type the girl`s wish is not considered whether she wants to marry or not instead she was force to marry and even the bride`s family is also not given anything in cash or kind.


Swayamvara
Another form of marriage, which existed in ancient times, was one by Swayamvara.The bride had the opportunity to select a husband amongst several suitors.

Widow Marriage
There are many references of widow marriage in ancient Indian literature. In the Vedic age, widow marriages were not prohibited. According to Narad Purana, there are three types of widow marriages