Significance of Svayamvara
Svayamvara is an ancient practice in which a princess chooses her husband from a group of suitors, an event seen throughout various cultural narratives, highlighting the agency of women in marital decisions. This ceremony is prominently featured in stories about figures like Draupadi, Damayanti, and Rukmavati, showing the dynamics of choice and love. Often, it involves suitors demonstrating their worthiness through challenges, reflecting a blend of competition and romance in traditional Indian society.
Synonyms: Swayamvara, Choice of a bride, Self-choice marriage, Marriage ceremony, Swayamvar
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Svayamvara'
Svayamvara in Hinduism signifies a ceremonial practice where a princess chooses her husband from a group of suitors, emphasizing women's agency in marriage, vividly illustrated in the narratives of Damayanti and other royal brides.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A traditional practice where a bride chooses her husband from suitors.[1] (2) A type of marriage ceremony where a bride chooses her husband based on her own preferences.[2] (3) A practice or ceremony in which a princess chooses a husband, prominently featured in Krishna's marriage to Satyabhama.[3] (4) A traditional ceremony in ancient India where a princess chose her husband from among a group of suitors, as Rukmavati chose Pradyumna.[4] (5) A ceremony in which a woman chooses her husband from among a group of suitors, significant in the marriages described.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A traditional marriage ceremony where a princess chooses her husband from assembled suitors.[6] (2) An ancient practice in which a bride selects a husband from among assembled suitors, often through competitions or displays of prowess.[7] (3) A type of marriage where the bride selects her husband from a group of suitors, in this case, referring to Kunti's marriage to Pandu.[8] (4) A ceremony where a princess chooses her husband from among assembled princes.[9]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A ceremony in which a princess chooses her husband from among a group of suitors, indicating the agency and choice in marital unions.[10] (2) A term referring to a type of marriage ceremony where a woman chooses her own partner, which is not possible in this context.[11]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A ceremony where brides choose their husbands from a group of suitors, as seen during the selections of several princesses including Vira and Vaishalini.[12] (2) A traditional ceremony in which a princess chooses her husband from among a group of suitors.[13]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A tournament of warriors at which a noblewoman chooses a husband.[14] (2) A marriage contest that the princess participates in, ultimately choosing her former husband.[15]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A ceremony in which a princess selects her husband from among a group of suitors, approved by her father, the mountain lord.[16]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A ceremonial practice in ancient India where a princess chooses her husband from among suitors.[17]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A practice similar to gandharva marriage, where a bride is offered a garland by her favored suitor, signifying mutual consent.[18] (2) A traditional ceremony where a bride chooses her husband from among assembled suitors.[19] (3) The practice of choosing a husband from among multiple suitors, prominently featured in the tale of Nala and Damayanti.[20] (4) A ceremony where Damayanti chooses her husband and a central event in the story of Nala.[21] (5) A ceremony where a princess chooses her own husband, which in this case is King Nala chosen by Damayanti.[22]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A traditional ceremony in which a woman chooses a husband from among a group of suitors, highlighting Damayanti's feelings towards Nala amid societal expectations.[23] (2) A ceremony where a princess chooses a husband from among various suitors, significant to Damayanti in the narrative.[24] (3) A royal ceremony where a princess chooses a husband from a group of suitors.[25] (4) A practice in ancient Indian tradition where a princess chooses her husband from among several suitors, prominently featured in the story of Damayanti.[26]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) An ancient custom where a bride chooses her husband, which Bhishma disrupts by abducting the three princesses.[27]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A traditional ceremony in ancient India where a princess chooses a husband from among a group of suitors.[28] (2) A traditional practice in ancient Indian culture where a princess chooses her husband from among a list of suitors.[29]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A ceremony arranged by Rukman where Uruppini was to choose her groom among several kings.[30]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A ceremony in ancient India where a princess chooses her husband from a group of suitors.[31]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A practice in ancient narratives where a princess chooses a husband from among contenders, reflecting on the dynamics of choice and conflict.[32]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The marriage ceremony of Sita, where Ravana is depicted as a bridegroom competing for her hand.[33] (2) A ceremony in which a princess chooses her husband from among a group of suitors.[34]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A custom allowing women to choose their own husbands, enabling marriage after they have reached an appropriate age, typically after puberty.[35]
Jain concept of 'Svayamvara'
Svayamvara in Jainism refers to a ceremonial practice where a princess selects her husband from multiple suitors, highlighting themes of choice, love, and destiny, as illustrated through various historical and mythological narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ceremony where a princess chooses a husband from among a list of suitors; Ahilya's svayamvara attracts many Vidyadhara-lords.[36] (2) An ancient practice of royal families where a bride selects her husband from among assembled suitors, as seen with Princess Pritimati.[37] (3) A ceremony in which a princess chooses a husband from among a group of suitors.[38] (4) A ritual in which a princess selects her husband from among a group of suitors.[39] (5) A traditional ceremony in which a maiden chooses her husband among various suitors.[40]
The concept of Svayamvara in local and regional sources
Svayamvara is an ancient practice where a woman chooses her husband from multiple suitors, playing a crucial role in the narratives of Amba and Draupadi, highlighting themes of autonomy and choice in marital customs.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ancient practice of selecting a husband from among a group of suitors, significant in the context of Amba's and Draupadi's narratives.[41]