swayamvara | स्वयंवर

swayamvara | स्वयंवर
Photo by Jason Leung / Unsplash

Swayamvara (Devanagari: स्वयंवर; ISO 15919: svayaṁvara) refers to a grand ancient ceremony in which a bride chooses her own groom (literally "self-choice").

In this tradition, parents invite eligible suitors to assemble. The bride signifies her choice by placing a garland around the neck of her selected groom. Following this selection, the formal Vedic wedding rituals are performed to solemnize the union.



Further Reading and Reference