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In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, which one of the following hymns reflects upon the marriage ceremonies?
Explanation
The 10th Mandala of the Rigveda contains several hymns of significant socio-cultural importance. Specifically, the Surya Sukta (Hymn 10.85) is the primary hymn that reflects upon marriage ceremonies. It describes the wedding of Surya, the daughter of the Sun god, to Soma, and provides the foundational mantras used in traditional Hindu marriage rituals even today. These mantras accompany various stages of the ceremony, such as the bride wearing wedding clothes and the invocation of deities for a harmonious life. In contrast, the Purusha Sukta (10.90) focuses on the primeval sacrifice and the origin of the four social classes (varnas) [1]. The Dana Stutis are hymns in praise of generosity and gifts, while the 'Uma Sutra' is not a recognized hymn of the 10th Mandala. Thus, the Surya Sukta is the definitive source for Vedic marriage rites.
Sources
- [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > A divine order? > p. 61