Hindu Views on Cohabitation
The traditional teachings in Hinduism recognized and acknowledged that the most basic instinct of all was the need for companionship, thus, founded an honorable institution called marriage. The early Hindus set out certain guidelines to ensure that the union is a permanent one capable of bringing happiness to the man and woman, and also provide them with a balance such that the family could enjoy the fullness of life within the framework of Dharma, the Hindu code of right conduct.
Self-control is a crucial aspect of Hindu teachings and tradition. At the time stage of Brahmacharya stage in life that is generally form birth to around 25 years of age, young people are expect to concentrate on their education. Sexual relationships at this stage would be a great distraction; they are encouraged to avoid them. Today quite a number of young people are engaging in cohabitation including even Hindus and even from other religious communities. Despite the teachings, it has been very difficult for young Hindus to steer clear of such sexually exploitative relationships.
A live-in relation is currently a major form of lifestyle that is slowly creeping into Hinduism. In the ancient Hindu traditions, though marriage was a general norm, the scriptures give a description and admit that premarital relationships existed as well. Manu details that premarital relationships existed in the Vedic period and even in the times that followed. However, it occurred rarely.
The concept of cohabitation is not new among Hindus, in the ancient times it was referred to as maiti-karar whereby a written agreement was to be prepared between the man and woman so that they would be joined in holy matrimony, marriage. Only if that was done were the two opposite sex expected to live together as friends and take care of each other as husband and wife.
In Gandhavara marriage, one of the Hindu marriages, there are incidences that resemble those that are found in cohabitation. This concept is not defined in the dictionary or in law. Cohabitation refers to a man living with a woman as husband and wife for a reasonable period, without marrying her. These relationships are considered not holy as required by the Hindu traditions.
Despite the plenty of information regarding cohabitation among Hindus, the concept of the institution of the marriage is inherent in every man. The fact is evident from the fact that marriage is a concept that has evolved and exists in every religion and civilized nation. The need for marriage is deeply rooted in the man’s urge for certainty and for achieving stability in life. Such kind of stability and certainty can only be achieved through marriage even if it means cohabitation.
Among modern Hindus who engage in cohabitation, whenever a new relationship between a man and woman is kindled, it is bound to acquire the form and characteristics of a marriage. This is the similar case in live-in relationship. In the early times, it began as something different from marriage, but has gradually evolved into a scenario with the traits of marriage.
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