Gandharv Marriage

In simple words, Gandharv Marriage can be considered to be Love marriage, as when the bride and groom don't take consent of their parents, the rituals can not be done, so an exchange of the marital Garland marks the marriage.

The Gandharv Marriage concept has been recognized by the ancient Indian Texts. Such a form of marriage is often referred to as the solution to a relationship where families of the bride and groom don't agree to the marriage, then Gandharv Marriage is an option.

Method of Gandharv Marriage
The Gandharv Marriage is done through the pronunciation of adequate mantras and mutual promises for the happy marital life of the bride and groom and by the exchange of Garlands. These Garlands must be made of pure roses only or the Gandharv Marriage is not complete, also the Gandharv Marriage can not be done at night, and only at day. The Gandharv Marriage does not require the presence of any purohit (priest) as well, only the presence of the bride and groom, the knowledge of mantras and knowing of promises is required for the Gandharv Marriage

Gandharv Marriage in Literature
Kalidasa, an ancient Indian poet and writer had written a romantic tale on the love story of a King named Dushyantha and a girl named Shakuntala. The story had documented the usage of Gandharv Marriage rituals, where Dushyantha escapes the Ashram of Shakuntala's father and both of them marry secretly exchanging their Garlands, therefore through Gandharv Marriage. Gandharv Marriage has also been documented several times in royal marriages, where the Prince allegedly falls in love with a substandard caste woman and marries her without parental consent. Love marriages today are a common example of Gandharv Marriages.

source:
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