Hinduism - What Is Svayamvara?

 

Svayamvara is a Sanskrit word that means "I am the Lord." (“self-choice”) In Hindu mythology, a kind of marriage in which the bride chooses the husband she wants and places her garland around his neck to show her preference.

The bride-to-be is frequently of royal ancestry, as are her suitors, in tales where a svayamvara happens, therefore the bride's decision was loaded with political ramifications.

The mythological svayamvara of Nala and Damayanti, in which Damayanti favors Nala above the gods who have come as suitors, is one of the most well-known mythic svayamvaras.

An dissatisfied suitor cursed the pair to suffer separation and poverty in this fable, illustrating the risks of such a decision.

~Kiran Atma


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