Arya Samaj Marriage: A Ray Of Hope Against The Orthodox Society

Arya Samaj was founded to reform the Indian society, especially the Hindu society, of its vices. This was a progressive and forward-looking movement which sought to interpret the age-old Vedic teachings from the standpoint of humanity and applied them for social good. Some of the main vices against which it fought were the child marriage, caste system, dowry, alcoholism and other similar vices which were considered to be against the Vedas. One of its many activities and institutions is the famed Arya Samaj Marriage.

Arya Samaj Wedding is made special due to its simplistic rituals, non-adherence to orthodox social thoughts and practices and in its being a legal way of marriage. Its popularity is due to fact the people do not have to spend huge sums of money. Due to use of Vedic rituals, the weddings are solemnized in complete conformity with the purity of the Vedic traditions. This lends it the divine sanction. Further, it is legal, being governed by a section of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The marriage follows the laws of land and this lends it credibility among the people who want to get married in this way.

This marriage is preferred by people who do not subscribe to the idea of making elaborate expenditure of money. These are not necessarily the people from the financially weak backgrounds. Even the rich and the able also take to wedding in this way. The Samaj also supports this view that the money to be spent on decoration and splendor shall be used more productively. This also provides a way to the people who are marrying against the social norms but in a perfectly legal way. This provides a ray of hope to begin a new life with the person of choice and against unacceptable social norms. So, you will find couple from different caste and religion backgrounds marrying each other against the wishes of their social set ups and even against the orthodox mindsets of their families.

It is also the preferred mode of marriage by the people who are remarrying. Remarriage is usually a much watered down affair in India, meaning that there are no elaborate arrangements done for the same. Most of the people remarrying prefer to use this institution which is socially acceptable and legally tenable.

People who are orphans and other destitute lots also take to Arya Samaj marriage. You might have seen many weddings being conducted for these people on a single day, giving them a chance to usher in new lives. Its efforts since centuries have ameliorated the lives of many, ridding them of their problems and bringing them peace of mind. These have brought hope and meaning to the lives of many people. It has carried on the fight against the well entrenched social evils of the Hindu society and attempted to develop progressive mindsets. Arya Samaj wedding institution has contributed significantly to meeting its overall missionary objectives.