Marriage is not meant to satisfy carnal desires. Rather, it is meant to assist one’s spiritual progress, leading to God-realisation through a disciplined life. In marriage, a young man and woman practise self-discipline and self-control, even as they find support and companionship with the spouse and other members of the family, and learn to offer selfless service to society.
The Hindu scriptures refer to the married state as grihasta ashrama. May I draw your attention to the use of the word ashrama here; an ashrama is a place or a state that denotes discipline and restraint. Thus, marriage according to the Hindu ideals is not a pleasure hunting ground. It is not a license to do as one pleases. It is at once a discipline and a responsibility. In marriage, two persons—a man and a woman—offer the whole of their self, mind, body, and feelings to each other. They cease to live for their selfish ends; they live for each other, for their families and for the promotion and propagation of dharma or righteousness. True marriage thus becomes an abhyasa to attain to God.
Hindu shastras emphasise the value of grihasta ashrama as fundamental to the wellbeing of society.
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