Does Hinduism Support Marriage to a 6-Year-Old Girl?
Yes, Hinduism historically allows child marriage, including girls as young as six, according to ancient scriptures. However, it is important to note that these texts permit it; they do not mandate or coerce it. The practice was shaped by social and cultural norms, rather than forced compliance, and emphasized parental consent, suitability of the groom, and the well-being of the girl.
Ancient Hindu texts like the Vedas, Puranas, Manusmriti, Ramayana, and Mahabharata contain references to girls being married before puberty, sometimes between the ages of 6 and 12. These teachings influenced Hindu society historically, making child marriage a common tradition among Hindus.
Scriptural References:
📖Gautama Dharmasutra 18:21-22
He who neglects the marriage of girls before her menstruation commits sin.
📖Padma Purana Section 6 – Uttara-Khaṇḍa 2-15
A man should marry his daughter as long as she has not attained puberty. Wise men recommend a girl’s marriage when she is eight years old.
📖Skanda Purana 2:30-8-9
The bow of Īśvara that was kept in the abode of Janaka, was broken. In his fifteenth year, O king, Rāma married the six-year old beautiful daughter of the king of Mithilā, Sītā, who was not born of a womb. On getting Sītā, Rāghava became contented and happy.
(This shows Ram married Sita when she was six; Sita is described as emerging miraculously rather than being born from a mother’s womb.)
📖Devi Bhagavata Purana 3:40
My daughter has come to a marriageable age; I have no money. Her age has exceeded ten years; the marriageable age limit has been exceeded. Alas! What am I to do?
📖Manusmriti Verse 9.94
A man thirty years old shall marry a charming maiden twelve years old; or one twenty four years old, a damsel eight years old; in the event of his duties suffering, he may do it sooner
📖Mahabharata 13.44.13
A person of thirty years of age should wed a girl of ten years of age called a Nagnika. Or, a person of one and twenty years of age should wed a girl of seven years of age.
📖Manusmriti 9:88
One shall give his daughter in the proper form, even though she may not have attained (the age), to a bridegroom who is of exceptionally distinguished appearance, and her equal.
Historical Evidence:
Historical data confirms that this was widely practiced. Nearly 12 million Indian children were married before age 10, of which 84% were Hindus (IndiaSpend analysis).
Conclusion:
Hinduism permits child marriage and historically encouraged it before puberty in certain contexts. However, it is not coercive – parental discretion, social norms, and the suitability of the groom are emphasized. Modern Indian law prohibits child marriage to protect children, reflecting a shift from scriptural allowances to contemporary ethical standards.