By Admin 
Was marriage appropriate in 14 years? The statement of the narrator Anirudhacharya (Aniruddhacharya Maharaj) is in the discussions, there has been a debate on social media about it. Do scriptures really support young girls marriage?
Recently, a statement by the famous narrator Aniruddacharya of Peethadhishwar of Gauri Gopal Ashram in Vrindavan, Mathura gave rise to a big debate. He said- ‘If she used to get married at the age of 14, then she used to get mixed up in the family, but now when girls of 25 years come into the house, they have killed somewhere.’
After this statement, there are reports of protests in many places. But the question is whether his statement is only ‘archaic’ thinking, or has any classical basis in it? Come, let’s impartly analyze this dispute in the light of Vedas, memories and Puranas.
What do theology say? The opinion of Manu, Yajnavalkya and Gargya on the age of marriage
Manusmriti (Chapter 9, Shloka 88) states-
Triyavarshikam Panchavarshikam Dasavarshikmev Va.
Bhootikamordham Stree Hritva Dharma Samachrett
This verse means that if a girl is 3, 5 or 10 years old and someone marries her for the purpose of religion, then she is not an obstacle in religion.
Yajnavalkya Smriti (a. 1, Verse 64)-
In the eighth year, the girl should be married as much as possible.
The age of marriage is given as a symptomatic in the Grihayasutras and Ashawalayan Samhita, but in most of the age of 8–12 years, marriage has been considered as the appropriate state of ‘Kanyadaan’.
But was marriage appropriate in 14 years? Scripture versus modern medicine
The signs of ‘physical maturity’ in the scriptures are recognized at the end of childhood (13–16 years). Marriage was not just ‘coincidence’, ‘Sanskar’, in which entry into ‘Grihastha Ashram’ was a religious duty.
The age of 14 was, not only a possible age according to the scripture, but at that time social structure, diet, life expectancy etc. were different.
So is Anirudhacharya wrong? Scripture and religion
Manu (Manusmriti 1.85)-
The rules mentioned in the scriptures are variable according to the period.
That is, the rules which were suitable in the golden age or Dwapar, they are not necessary in the social, medical and legal structure of Kali Yuga. This should be understood seriously.
Current recognition of child marriage
According to the Government of India, the minimum age of girls is 18 years, and before that the marriage is a crime under the Child Marriage Act 2006.
Why is the matter of ‘marriage in 14 years’ in modern times?
- The 14 -year -old girl neither physically mature, nor mentally prepared for marriage and motherhood.
- According to WHO and Unicef, marriage falls under the category of physical-mental exploitation before 18 years.
- This type of public statement promotes illiteracy, child marriage and child harassment.
The scriptures do not say that… Context and warning
The marriage age given in the scriptures was on the basis of social responsibility and seasonal cycle and not on the circumstances of the modern girl. Scholars believe that if Anirudhacharya has said this on the basis of scriptures, then he should have also explained his time-length meaning.
What is the solution? Renovation of religion
Enlightened people also say that giving incomplete reference to scripture spreads confusion and unrest in the society. Dharmacharyas should present the scriptures in a timely sense.
Religion is to give priority to girls’ rights, education and security. According to Manusmriti 8.27 Neither religion opposite statements … This means-should not speak contrary to religion or should not be said against religion.
This is the reason that enlightened people believe that what Anirudhacharya ji said is partially mentioned in the scriptures, but today’s social system is not in accordance with education, health and law. The work of religion is to give direction to the society, not to tangle it in the past. That is why it is important that the Vedas and Puranas be explained with the reality of the present.
FAQS
Q1. Was the 14 -year -old girl married in the scriptures allowed?
Yes, there is a discussion of the marriage of a girl for 8–14 years in the scriptures, but it was based on the social and biological conditions of ancient times.
Q2. Was Anirudhacharya’s statement completely wrong?
Not in classical context, but modern legal and morally it is dangerous and irresponsible.
Q3. Do theology change according to the period?
Yes, Manu and other masters have clarified that the conduct of religion is variable over time.
Disclaimer: Here information provided here is based only on beliefs and information. It is important to mention here that Abplive.com does not confirm any kind of recognition, information. Before implementing any information or recognition, consult the concerned expert.