Marriage in Jaina Literature
By Kamta Prasad Jain
Summary
Jaina literature depicts marriage as a karmic phenomenon, driven by *riga* (love) and *aversion*, which bind souls through mental, verbal, and physical impulses. In the *Bhogabhumi* era, couples were born and lived together naturally due to *caritra-moha* (deluding karma), with no formal ceremonies. Later, during the *Karmabhimi* era, structured marriages like *Svayamvara* (self-choice), *Gaudharva* (love-marriage), and *Rakshasa* (forcibly taking a bride) emerged. Polygamy was historically prevalent among Jains. Caste distinctions were largely absent in *Svayamvara*, allowing inter-caste unions, as seen in examples like Kshatriya prince Vesudeva marrying a Brahmana girl and merchant Dhanyakumira marrying a Rajput princess. However, social hierarchies persisted, with lower castes like *Sidras* often unable to marry into higher classes. Marriages between Jains and non-Jains occurred, sometimes leading to religious conversions, as seen with King Bimbisara’s marriage to a Jain princess. Interfaith and intercultural marriages were documented, including unions with Buddhists and *Mlecchas* (foreigners). Despite occasional resistance, such marriages were not uncommon in early periods. The text emphasizes Jainism’s flexible yet karma-driven approach to marriage, balancing spiritual principles with societal norms.
Conclusion
The analysis of marriage in Jaina literature reveals its complex interplay with karma and societal structures, highlighting how marital bonds arise from karmic forces like *ciritramohaya-karma*, which stirs sensual desires and binds souls. The transition from the *Bhogabhumi*’s natural, love-based unions to the *Karmabhumi*’s structured systems like *Svayamvara* and *Sadana* underscores Jainism’s evolving ethical frameworks. Notably, the absence of caste restrictions in *Svayamvara* contrasts sharply with later social realities, as evidenced by inter-caste marriages and the rigid class boundaries that occasionally led to social ostracization. The persistence of polygamy and the inclusion of non-Jain partnerships further illustrate the tension between karmic influences and societal norms. Ultimately, Jaina texts present marriage as a karmic phenomenon, shaped by both spiritual principles and the contingent realities of human existence, offering insights into how ancient Indian thought navigated desire, duty, and social hierarchy.