Knowledge Bank

Reprehensible marriages

Reprehensible marriages are forms of marriage deemed reprehensible by the Dharma Shastras. These include four types: asura (marriage by paying money for the bride), gandharva (love marriage), rakshasa (marriage through forcible abduction), and paishacha (marriage by exploiting an insentient woman). While asura and gandharva marriages are tolerated to some extent, rakshasa and paishacha marriages are strongly condemned. Despite their reprehensible nature, all these forms are legally recognized to ensure the woman receives the legal rights of a wife, irrespective of the marriage's circumstances. This legal stance underscores the importance of protecting women's rights in all marital contexts.

In Bhakti-yoga union with which God is sought?

In Bhakti-yoga the goal is union with Lord Krishna, not any other God, not even other avataras of Bhagavan because only Krishna is complete in all respects.