Based on traditional Hindu Shastric law, not marrying is generally considered a deviation from an essential sacrament and a religious obligation for most individuals on the householder path.
The Significance of Marriage in Hinduism
In Hinduism, marriage is not merely a social contract but is revered as one of the most vital sanskara (sacraments or rites of passage) for every Hindu. These sacraments are believed to purify and perfect an individual, preparing them for various stages of life and spiritual progression. The deep-rooted belief holds that every Hindu is expected to enter into matrimony.
- Essential Sacrament: Marriage is regarded as an indispensable ritual that marks a significant transition in one's life, from a student to a householder.
- Procreation and Family: There's a fundamental understanding that women are created to be mothers and men to be fathers, emphasizing the importance of procreation for the continuation of family lines and societal well-being.
Dharma and Family Life
The ancient scriptures, particularly the Vedas, explicitly ordain that Dharma—righteous conduct, moral duty, and religious observance—should be practiced by a man alongside his wife and offspring. This highlights the family unit as the fundamental context for fulfilling many religious and societal duties.
| Aspect | Traditional Hindu View on Marriage |
|---|---|
| Status | Essential Sanskara (Sacrament) |
| Obligation | Every Hindu must marry (for the householder stage) |
| Purpose | Fulfilling Dharma, procreation, continuation of lineage, societal contribution |
| Vedic Mandate | Practice Dharma together with wife and offspring |
Implications of Not Marrying
Given that marriage is established as an essential sacrament and an explicit obligation for every Hindu following the householder path, choosing not to marry is seen as a failure to fulfill a significant religious and social duty. While the concept of "sin" (often termed papa) in Hinduism is complex and multifaceted, failing to adhere to prescribed Dharma or neglecting essential sanskara can lead to spiritual imbalances and is generally viewed unfavorably within the traditional framework.
For the majority of individuals, marriage provides the prescribed means to fulfill one's duties to ancestors (by having children), to society, and to the divine. Consequently, a deliberate decision to remain unmarried, outside of specific ascetic paths (like sannyasa), would be considered a deviation from the expected life course and a neglect of a fundamental religious obligation.
