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
Quem deseja estabelecer a vida familiar deve casar-se com uma esposa de sua própria varṇa, irrepreensível e mais jovem. Se desejar aceitar várias esposas, deve fazê-lo após o primeiro casamento, em ordem, e cada esposa deve ser de varṇa sucessivamente inferior.
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.