essential ceremonies for Hindu marriages

After the Vedas, the most important source of Hindu law is the Smriti. When translated into English, the word “Smriti” means ‘that which is remembered.” The Smritis represent what was heard as God’s revelation by the sages which was later shared by these sages in their own words.

For many purposes such as marriage, adoption, succession and dissolution of marriage, Hindus in India follow the laws as revealed in the Vedas and through divine commentaries. Courts in India recognize the Vedas as a source of divine law because the Vedas are believed to be divine. Hindus believe that the Vedas were revealed to sages and ascetics. These revelations were made to guide people through different phases of life as explained in the Vedas.

Hindu Law: Traditional Sources

The traditional sources of Hindu law are: