Has Marriage Lost Its Utility as a Social Institution?

The Amirthakadeswarar temple (A shiva temple) situated in Thirukkadaiyur village, Tanjore District in Tamil Nadu is one such temple, which is very famous for the celebration of such anniversaries. It is believed that the celebration of such anniversaries, in this temple elongate their life as well as their marital life.

 When a person attains the age of 70, he celebrates it along with his spouse once again as a marriage which is known as ‘Beema Ratha Santhi’.

When a person attains the age of 80, he celebrates it as ‘Sathabhishekam’.

When a person attains the age of 100, he celebrates it as ‘Swarnabishekam.’

The salient feature in celebrating the above said anniversaries is that the above said functions are celebrated practically as re-marriages at each stage. Therefore, such anniversaries signify their longevity of their life as well as their marital life. Usually, people in these age groups are retired and these functions are organized by their wards. Therefore, it also shows that the social fabric of the Hindu family system has not so far dismembered and still it is relevant.

It is significant to note that such anniversaries at the age of 60, 70, 80 and 100 can be celebrated by a Hindu only along with his wife and therefore a widower or a divorcee is not eligible to perform such ceremonies. Therefore, such ceremonies actually add to the value, longevity and sanctity of the marriage as a social institution.

Recently, a famous political leader from Tamil Nadu, celebrated his 60 th anniversary at Thirukkadaiyur temple along with his two wives and even tied the nuptial knot to both of them!! But it is not known whether a Hindu having more than one wife can perform such ceremonies.

But it goes without saying to perform such ceremonies and anniversaries by a Hindu: 1) He must have a living spouse. 2) He should have a subsisting marriage with his spouse. Therefore, such ceremonies actually promote the longevity and sanctity of the Hindu marriages.

Therefore, despite of the degeneration of marriage as a social and sacred institution, still it has not lost its utility, sanctity and relevance at least in some parts of the world.