Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 39
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
गृहार्थी सदृशीं भार्यामुद्वहेदजुगुप्सिताम् । यवीयसीं तु वयसा यां सवर्णामनुक्रमात् ॥ ३९ ॥
gṛhārthī sadṛśīṁ bhāryām udvahed ajugupsitām yavīyasīṁ tu vayasā yāṁ sa-varṇām anu kramāt
One who desires to establish household life should marry a wife of his own varṇa, beyond reproach and younger in age. If he desires many wives, he must marry them after the first marriage, in order, and each wife should be of a successively lower varṇa.
As stated in the Vedic literature,
FAQs
In 11.17.39, Lord Krishna says a man intending household life should marry a compatible, respectable (not objectionable) wife, younger in age, and traditionally within the same varṇa according to prescribed order.
These instructions occur in Krishna’s teachings to Uddhava on varnashrama-dharma, showing how regulated social and family life can support purity, responsibility, and spiritual progress.
Apply the principle of compatibility and character: choose a spouse with good conduct and shared values, and approach marriage as a dharmic responsibility that supports steady spiritual practice.