The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s6.8

c7.s6.8

After the conclusion of the marriage, the ritual required the parties to observe a *vrata* for three days, during which they could increase mutual acquaintance, but were to observe strict celibacy. It is laid down that during this period the couple was to sleep in the same room, but on different beds, and were to abstain from consummating their marriage. The idea was to emphasise at the outset on the mind of the young couple that self control was as much necessary in married life as it was before. Some writers have recommended this *vrata* for a longer period, if very capable children were desired (*B. G. S.*, I, 7, 9), while others have complained that this ordeal, even if for three days only, puts too strong a strain upon the self-restraint of the newly married couple². The period of three days’ celibacy seems to have been selected as a golden mean between extreme views. If, however, a couple felt unequal to the ordeal, the marriage was allowed to be consummated on the first night¹.