Why is Marriage Necessary? In Hinduism, marriage is one of the sixteen *samskaras* (sacraments). Marriage can be described as the first step of the *Grihastha Ashram* (the householder stage of life). If you were asked why marriage is essential, a few common answers might immediately come to mind; however, the *Garuda Purana* explains the significance of marriage in the context of attaining Heaven and *Moksha* (liberation). Such a perspective on marriage might not have previously occurred to you.

Why is Marriage Essential?
According to the *Garuda Purana*, Sage Markandeya recited the *Pitra Stotra* (Hymn to the Ancestors), which includes a description of marriage. In ancient times, there lived a *Prajapati* (creator-sage) named Ruchi. Having renounced worldly attachments and illusions (*Mohamaya*), he wandered across the earth. He had abandoned his home, subsisted on a single meal a day, and lived completely detached from the rules and duties of a householder. He lived a solitary life, wandering alone.

One day, his ancestors (*Pitras*) asked him, "For what reason have you chosen not to marry? Marriage is the very means through which one attains Heaven and *Moksha*. Without entering the *Grihastha Ashram*, an individual remains bound by karmic debts; for it is the householder who attains the higher realms by worshipping all the deities, ancestors, sages, and supplicants."

"Householders propitiate the deities by uttering the word *'Swaha'*, the ancestors by uttering *'Swadha'*, and guests by offering them food. By failing to perform these duties, you are incurring debts to the deities (*Deva Rina*) and to the ancestors (*Pitra Rina*). Furthermore, you are daily accumulating debts toward humanity, the sages, and all other living beings. How can you possibly aspire to attain Heaven without fulfilling the duties of procreation, deity worship, ancestral oblations (*Pitra Tarpan*), or formally embracing the ascetic life (*Sannyasa*)? Such a path will lead only to suffering; after death, you will be cast into Hell, and even your subsequent births will be fraught with misery."

Marriage is a Source of Extreme Suffering
In response to his ancestors' questions, Ruchi Prajapati replied that marriage leads to immense suffering, an increase in sinful acts, and a wretched state at the time of death; for these very reasons, he had chosen not to marry. He explained that he continuously purifies his soul through the power of his spiritual knowledge. Indeed, wise individuals should constantly strive to cleanse and purify their souls through the application of their wisdom. **Scripturally Sanctioned Deeds Lead to Liberation**

In response, the Pitrs (ancestral spirits) stated: "What you say is indeed correct; however, the path you are currently treading is not one that leads to ultimate welfare. Neither auspicious nor inauspicious deeds, in themselves, constitute the cause of bondage; rather, the karma accumulated in the past is exhausted through the process of experiencing its consequences. The meritorious karma constituting one's *Prarabdha* (destiny) is continuously depleted through the experience of both joy and sorrow. In this manner, the wise ceaselessly purify the soul, thereby safeguarding it from the fetters of karma."

Ruchi replied: "O revered Ancestors! The Vedas assert that the 'Path of Action' (*Karma Marga*) serves to reinforce *Avidya* (ignorance) and *Maya* (illusion). How, then, can you now instruct me to follow that very same path?" To this, the Pitrs responded: "Indeed, everything accomplished through the medium of action falls under the realm of *Avidya*. What you have stated in this regard is entirely accurate. However, action (*Karma*) itself serves as the indispensable medium for the attainment of true knowledge (*Vidya*). Virtuous individuals perform the duties prescribed by the scriptures; it is precisely through the diligent execution of these duties that they attain liberation. Conversely, the failure to fulfill one's prescribed duties leads to a wretched spiritual state."

**Why Marriage is Essential**

"You harbor the belief that by refraining from marriage, you are purifying yourself. Yet, by neglecting to perform the duties prescribed by the scriptures—duties that are incumbent upon you—you are, in reality, consuming yourself in the fire of the sins generated by such omission. The Pitrs further explained: 'Even *Avidya* (ignorance) serves a purpose in the ultimate salvation of the individual. Engaging in actions rooted in *Avidya* can, in fact, contribute to a person's spiritual welfare. These actions are not intended to create bondage; rather, they serve as a means to attain liberation.' For this very reason, you must proceed to enter into marriage in strict accordance with the prescribed scriptural rites."

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