Vivaha (marriage) is perhaps the most important samskara. Traditionally it was the only rite  performed for women, and for men in the fourth varna (shudras). A couple would stay  together for life or until the husband took to the path of renunciation. Divorce was not  allowed, and those who left their partners were often ostracised from society. Matches were  usually arranged by the elders and based on astrological principles. Despite modern attitudes  towards this practice, evidence suggests that these marriages worked relatively well.

 Marriage was usually between members of the same varna, and the same jati (occupational  sub-group). Scripture approved of a woman accepting a partner from a higher varna but the  opposite was shunned. Men in some varnas could accept more than one wife provided they  could adequately maintain them. Almost all marriages today are monogamous. Until more  recent times, women were often married very early, to protect their chastity and because  women were considered to mature much quicker than young men. So-called child marriage  was often akin to a system of betrothal and marriage was only consummated when the bride  reached adulthood. The giving of a dowry, as a symbol of the father's affection towards his  daughter, is an ancient practice, apparently going back at least to the time of Lord Krishna. At  that time, the wealth remained the bride's personal property. Because of more recent wide  abuse, the Indian government declared the dowry system illegal in 1961.

 Scripture lists eight types of marriage and current rituals fall within the "Brahma" category.  The ancient, elaborate and often lengthy ceremony is usually performed by brahmana priests.  There is much regional and denominational variation, but certain features are common. These  include: