Marriage in Jaina Literature
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.
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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.