Swayamvar is the freedom of a bride to choose her husband in
an open assembly. This was an important marriage concept practiced in Hinduism.
‘Swayam’ means oneself and ‘vara’ in this context means to select a groom. Swayamvara
gives a hint into the position of women in ancient Hindu civilization.
A king would proclaim his daughter’s Swayamvara and invite
many princes, nobles, warriors and learned men. On the day of Swayamvar, all the
contenders will be present in the palace before the king.
The princess would go before each of them. She would observe
the suitor carefully. Her maid would brief her about the background of the
suitor his family, achievements, powers and other aspects of his personality.
After having studied the suitors, she would declare her
choice by garlanding that person. Her choice is honored by all present.
In another type of Swayamvar, the suitors present will have
to prove their worth by displaying their strength or martial skills or
knowledge. The suitor who successfully fulfills the conditions would win the
hand of the princess.
In another type of Swayamvara, a girl can choose her own
groom, if parents or other elders in the family are unable to find a groom even
three years after she attains puberty. The marriage is then conducted by the family members.