Gandharva Vivah, also known as Gandharva Marriage, is a type of marriage in Hinduism that is based on mutual love and attraction between the bride and groom. It is believed to be one of the oldest forms of marriage in India and has been mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts such as the Rigveda, Mahabharata, and Manusmriti.

In a Gandharva Vivah, the bride and groom choose each other as partners and get married without the consent of their parents or any formal ceremony. The marriage is considered valid as long as the couple is in love and committed to each other. It is believed that this type of marriage was prevalent in ancient times among the Gandharva community, who were known for their musical talents and love for music.

Introduction;
The term "Gandharva" is derived from the Sanskrit word Gandharva." which means a celestial musician. According to Hindu mythology, the Gandharva were celestial musicians and singers who lived in the heavens and entertained the gods and goddesses with their music. They were also known for their love for music and were believed to have the power to create and control the emotions of people through their music.

Argument;
The concept of Gandharva Vivah is based on the idea of love and attraction between two individuals. It is believed that love is a powerful force that can bring two people together and create a strong bond between them. In a Gandharva Vivah, the bride and The bride and groom are believed to have a deep and genuine love for each other, which is why they choose to get married without the approval of their families or society.

The concept of Gandharva Vivah is also associated with the idea of freedom and individual choice. It is believed that in ancient times, individuals had the freedom to choose their life partners based on their own preferences and criteria. This idea of freedom of choice is reflected in the Gandharva Vivah where the bride and groom choose each other without any external pressure or influence.

However, it is important to note that the concept of Gandharva Vivah is not without its criticisms and controversies. Some argue that this type of marriage promotes individualism and goes against the traditional values of Hinduism which emphasizes the importance of family and community. Others argue that it can lead to social and cultural conflicts as it goes against the norms and values of society.

Despite the criticisms, Gandharva Vivah remains a popular concept in Hinduism, especially among those who believe in the power of love and the importance of individual choice. In modern times, the concept of Gandharva Vivah has evolved to include elements of traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies such as exchange of vows and blessings from family and friends.

It is also worth noting that Gandharva Vivah is not the only type of marriage mentioned in Hinduism. There are several other types of marriages such as Brahma Vivah (where the bride's family chooses the groom), Daiva Vivah (where the marriage is arranged by the gods), and Asura Vivah (where the groom pays a bride price to the bride's family).

In conclusion, Gandharva Vivah is a unique and ancient concept in Hinduism that is based on the idea of mutual love and attraction between the bride and groom. While it has its criticisms and controversies, it remains a popular concept among those who value the importance of individual choice and freedom. Its relevance and significance continue to be debated and discussed in modern times, but its impact on the culture and traditions of Hinduism cannot be denied.

In ancient times, Gandharva Vivah was considered an unapproved form of marriage because it did not involve the consent of the parents or guardians of the bride and groom. Gandharva Vivah was a type of marriage where the couple married each other without the knowledge or consent of their families. This type of marriage was typically conducted in secret and was considered to be a form of elopement.

In ancient Hindu society, arranged marriages were the norm, and the parents or guardians of the bride and groom played a significant role in the selection of their partners. The consent of both parties' families was considered essential for a marriage to be considered valid. Gandharva Vivah, however, did not involve the participation of the families and was therefore viewed as an improper and unacceptable form of marriage.

In the ancient Hindu texts, such as the Manu Smriti and the Mahabharata, Gandharva Vivah is described as a form of marriage that is inferior to the traditional arranged marriage. The Manu smriti, in particular, states that a Gandharva Vivah is not a valid form of marriage and should be avoided.

Overall, Gandharva Vivah was considered an unapproved form of marriage in ancient times because it went against the traditional customs and expectations of Hindu society, which emphasized the importance of parental consent and family involvement in the marriage process.

Yes, that's correct. In ancient Hindu texts, including the Manusmriti and the Mahabharata, Gandharva Vivah was viewed as an inferior form of marriage, as it did not follow the traditional customs and expectations of Hindu society.

According to Hindu tradition, arranged marriages were considered the most ideal and socially acceptable form of marriage. These marriages were typically arranged by the parents or other family members of the bride and groom, and were seen as a way to ensure compatibility between the two individuals, as well as to strengthen family ties and alliances

On the other hand, Gandharva Vivah was seen as a marriage that was entered into solely by the bride and groom, without the consent or involvement of their families. This form of marriage was considered to be based purely on love and attraction, rather than on practical considerations such as family connections or social status.

As a result, Gandharva Vivah was not considered a valid form of marriage according to the Manu smriti, which stated that only marriages that were entered into with the consent of the parents and other family members were considered legitimate. Despite this, however, Gandharva Vivah continued to be practiced in ancient Hindu society, albeit in a somewhat secretive manner.

While the laws and regulations surrounding Gandharva Vivah have undergone significant changes from ancient times to modern times, it can be argued that these changes have been mostly positive and have improved the status and recognition of this form of marriage.

In ancient times, Gandharva Vivah was considered a invalid form of marriage in Hinduism, and it was recognized as a unapproved union between the bride and groom. However, with the passage of time and the influence of various social and religious factors, the laws and regulations surrounding Gandharva Vivah have changed.

In modern times, Gandharva Vivah is recognized as a legal form of marriage under the Indian legal system. Though, the laws regarding marriage have also become more inclusive and progressive. For example, the minimum age of marriage has been increased to 18 years for females and 21 years for males, and the consent of both parties is required for the marriage to be considered legal.

Furthermore, the Indian legal system recognizes various forms of marriage, including civil marriages, religious marriages, and customary marriages. While Gandharva Vivah may not be recognized as a legal form of marriage, couples who choose to get married in this manner can still have their union recognized through various means such as a court affidavit or a religious ceremony.

Moreover, the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion and the right to choose one's partner, and these rights have been upheld by the judiciary in several landmark cases. In recent years, there have been several cases where couples who have chosen to get married in the Gandharva Vivah style have faced legal challenges and opposition from their families and society. However, the courts have upheld their right to choose their partner and have recognized their union as valid.

In addition, the concept of Gandharva Vivah has been reinterpreted and redefined in modern times to be more inclusive and accepting. It has been adapted to include same-sex marriages, thus promoting inclusivity and acceptance in the Hindu community.

Overall, while Gandharva Vivah may not be recognized as a legal form of marriage under the Indian legal system, the laws and regulations surrounding marriage have become more inclusive and progressive in modern times. The right to choose one's partner and the right to freedom of religion have been upheld by the judiciary, and the concept of Gandharva Vivah has been reinterpreted to be more inclusive and accepting. These changes have improved the status and recognition of Gandharva Vivah and have promoted the importance of love, freedom of choice, and individuality in the Hindu community.

One of the interesting aspects of Gandharva Vivah is that it is not restricted by any caste, creed or religion. Anyone, regardless of their social status, can choose to get married in this manner as long as they have mutual love and respect for each other.

Moreover, the concept of Gandharva Vivah is not limited to just heterosexual couples. In recent times, it has been adapted to include same-sex marriages as well, thus promoting inclusivity and acceptance in the Hindu community.

It is also important to note that while Gandharva Vivah is based on the idea of love and attraction, it does not mean that it is devoid of responsibility and commitment. The couple is expected to be loyal and faithful to each other and to work together to build a harmonious and fulfilling life.

Another interesting aspect of Gandharva Vivah is its association with music and art. As mentioned earlier, the Gandharva were known for their musical talents and love for music. In modern times, many couples choose to incorporate music and art into their Gandharva Vivah ceremonies, thus adding a unique and creative touch to their wedding.

Conclusion:
Overall, Gandharva Vivah is a fascinating and unique concept in Hinduism that promotes the importance of love, freedom of choice, and individuality. Its relevance and significance continue to be debated and discussed in modern times, but its impact on the culture and traditions of Hinduism cannot be ignored.