On Hinduism

Hinduism is not divided by denomination, but by other categories, including deity traditions, sampradaya (lineage/school), parampara (disciplic succession) and darsana (school of thought). Most Hindus belong to one of four major deity traditions—Shaiva, Shakta, Vaishnava, and Smarta. While all traditions share many beliefs and practices, the central deity worshipped as well as certain philosophical tenets differ. 

Shaivas primarily worship different forms of Lord Shiva; Shaktas worship Shakti, or the Divine Mother in Her various forms; Vaishnavas worship forms of Lord Vishnu; and Smartas worship different forms of six major deities, including Lord Shiva, Shakti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya/Karthikeya and Lord Surya, holding them all to be forms of Brahman, the eternal, infinite, unchanging principle that is the substratum of the universe and is both immanent and transcendent.

Each deity tradition may also further branch into sampradayas. Adherents of a sampradaya have familial connections and/or strong faith in the heightened spirituality, divine experiences, and philosophical knowledge of the founder and/or current guru or swami (spiritual head) of the sampradaya. Hindus may also freely choose between different sampradayas based on their liking and understanding. A sampradaya following a particular lineage or succession of swamis is said to be of a particular parampara. 

Hindus of different deity traditions, sampradaya and parampara can intermarry although many choose to marry within these branches for a variety of reasons.

Source: Short answers to real questions about Hinduism

Other reading material:

Relevant videos:

Location of this post (26a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/do-hindus-belong-to-different-denominations-if-so-can-they-intermarry/

There is no specific mention of inter-religious marriages in Hindu scriptures. However it has been a common practice amongst Hindus to marry within one’s varna and jati to maintain good harmony with two sets of families. 

Interfaith marriage is not only a marriage of two individuals but, in many respects, it is an union of two sets of extended families and communities. If two communities are at odds and have major historical conflicts, that may spill into every step of your planned married life. For this reason, parents and faith leaders from all religions wish their young ones marry a like kind person.  

Many times it is not the religion but what that person has learned from it is important. A religious fanatic will certainly create unexpected problems in the planned married life, especially while raising children in two faiths. An exclusivist supremacist will want children to follow only their faith and not the other.  

A Christian in love with a Hindu has to find out if he/she or your children will have to be a part of Hindu religious ritual practices and if that will be in conflict with fundamental Christian religious beliefs.

A Hindu in love relationship with a Christian should find out if raising children in two faiths is acceptable to the Christian intended spouse, more specifically if Baptism/Christening of children is expected. Baptism is not a hollow ritual devoid of meanings. It will set a religious tone for your planned married life and may have major legal consequences in a child custody battle during the divorce proceedings. 

There are many other points to be discussed, including what will be names of children, if it involves mandated financial contribution to a church or mandir and what will be the final rite—Hindu cremation or Christian burial—for a family member. 

Ideally it is good to share two faiths, truly respect each other’s beliefs and with equality.

.Other reading material: Book–Interfaith Marriage: Share and Respect with Equality , Hindu-Christian Marriage, Hindu-Catholic marriage,

Relevant videos: Interfaith Marriage With Equality,

Contributor: Dr. Dilip Amin

Location of this post (26b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/can-a-hindu-marry-christian/