Anonymous: Is Intercaste marriage allowed in Vedas like shudra man marrying a Brahmin woman etc. is it permitted. Can a man of lower varna marry a woman of higher varna What do Vedas say about it?
Swami Ram Swarup: In this connection, I paste my article below—-
Caste system has not been made by God in Vedas. So in case of marriage, qualities of both bride and bridegroom must be kept in mind. Therefore different castes make no difference if boy and girl have good qualities to discharge their family duties and look after their children well. Good qualities must be learnt from Vedas, shastras and holy books. For example, Boy and girls must serve their parents, elders, must be God fearing, boy must be earning well to feed family properly, boy and girl must be educated. Both must shower their love to children of whole family and others. Boy and girl must never lie. Girl must be obedient to in-laws. She must be hardworking and several other good qualities must be gained by listening Vedas. Family of both sides must be satisfied by each others qualities.
Vedas always allow inter-caste marriage, based on good qualities. You see five Pandavas were disguised as Brahmin and got victory in swayamvar to marry Draupadi who was a kshatriya girl. So, based on good qualities, marriage took place between Brahmin boy and Kshatriya girl. However, it was later discovered that Pandavas were also Kshatriyas.
In Vedas, caste-system does not exist. Marriages are based on good qualities of both the sides but in case of Sharoopnakha, she tried to marry forcibly. Forcible marriages are not recommended in Vedas. Sharoopnakha was Ravanna’s sister and Ravanna used to rule in that area. So, Sharoopnakha with pride tried to do forcible marriage. As, I explained above, Vedas never deny to do inter-caste marriages irrespective of higher-lower positions. However, Vedas are knowledge and Vedas do not contain history or any proper name etc.
Vedala: Hello Swami Ji. I have a question. Which copy of Veda do you think is the best and would recommend all to read? Is there any place whether physically or digitally that you would recommend me to read from or to get a copy? Thank You.
Swami Ram Swarup: You are advised to get the copies from M/s Vijay Kumar Govindram Hasanand, Nai Sadak, Delhi.
My blessings to you.
