The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s2.35

c7.s2.35

When a daughter was offered in marriage to an officiating priest by the sacrificer, the marriage was designated as a Daiva one. It was given this name, because the marriage was settled while a sacrifice to Devas was being performed. This form of marriage did not, however, receive an unstinted approval of Smṛiti writers; they felt that while a sacrifice to gods was being offered, neither the sacrificer nor any of his priests should think of secular matters like possible matrimonial alliances.