Marriage in Hinduism was traditionally and historically meant for progeny and carrying out obligatory duties (dharmakaryam) in accordance with a person’s dharma (duty) so that the four major aims (purusharthas) of human life could be realized. If polygamy served such ideals, the Hindu law books did not object to its practice.
The Hindu law books (dharmashastras) made provision for polygamy, and certain marriage relationships under special circumstances, not for the purpose of carnal pleasures, but for procreation and continuation of family lineage. According to them, a woman had no independence of her own. She always needed the protection of her closest relations so that she would not seduce men and bring disrepute to her.
Hinduism Does Not Favor Polygamy
Hindu scriptures describe family as a social institution, and at the same time as an integral part of this illusory world. In the ultimate sense the institution of family is meant to keep each individual chained to the world of illusion. The relationships in the family are meant to develop attachment, selfishness and desires. In the end these relationships really do not last, just as everything here is impermanent and each individual is left to himself or herself to take care of liberation.
From a spiritual perspective, Hinduism therefore rightly views family as an illusion (samsara maya) and the main cause of our attachments. A family is a coming together of different souls, each having his or her own distinct spiritual agenda and final destiny, joined together by some predominant goals or purposes and bound by the karma of their previous lives.
Some relationships may last over several lives, while some are meant for a short duration. Hidden in each relationship are some important lessons, messages and learning opportunities, by knowing which we make progress in our lives. On the evolutionary path, each soul has to work out its own salvation by its self-effort. Others may facilitate or obstruct the process, according to the choices we make. What appears to be other peoples’ involvement or interference in one’s life is, in reality, nothing to do with oneself but with themselves.
Family relationships are, in a way, a great distraction, because they develop attachment and delay the liberation of the of the soul. What is true and what makes life meaningful is our relationship with God, because in the real sense the hidden self is nothing but God only. Hinduism therefore exhorts every individual to be wary of the illusory nature of the family and develop a divine oriented attitude, while performing their obligatory duties as a sacrifice to God.
Since family itself is an instrument of maya, polygamy makes it even more difficult for a householder who becomes entangled in it due to desires to break out of his illusions and achieve liberation. The extent of karmic burden which arises from multiple conjugal relationships is huge since one forms many relationships through multiple marriages with many women, whereby many lives become associated with him in his role as a husband, father and grandfather. As a result, his karma becomes entwined not only with his wives but also with all the children who are born through them and their descendants too. Whatever he does or does not do will affect the lives of all the women he marries and those of their children. Therefore, spiritually polygamy is the least desirable option for a householder to pursue.