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.
In this form of marriage the father gives away his daughter as a "Dakshina" (sacrificial fee) along with heavy ornaments to a young priest who officially performs the yajna which is arranged by him. This form of marriage is called "Daiva" because the girl is gifted to a priest as sacrifice to a daiva or god. These girls are maidens who are offered as dakshina. They are called "vadhus". Though this form of marriage was in practice during the early period, when Yajna was a vital part of the daily activities of Hindus. During the later days it was considered improper. According to the shastras, Daiva marriage is considered inferior to Brahma marriage because it is considered degrading for the womanhood to look for groom.
In this marriage holy yajna is performed and to perform the yajna, number of learned boys is also invited. And in this marriage some good articles, clothes etc., are donated whereas in above stated Brahma marriage nothing is donated.
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