Kanyadan in Jainism

• In Jain weddings, the core idea is the lifelong partnership (var-vivaah) and the couple’s mutual vow to pursue a righteous life together. The ritual framework can vary by tradition, and not all Jain communities use the same set of rites as in Hindu weddings. A common Jain arrangement is the simple joining of the couple with vows for mutual support and spiritual growth (sometimes including seven steps or vows in Digambar practice), but this is not a universal requirement across all Jain communities.

• Kanyadan (the father giving away the daughter) is mentioned in some Digambar wedding explanations as one part of the ritual package, but it is not considered an essential or exclusive pillar of Jain marriage. The emphasis in Jain dharma remains on dharma (righteous conduct), samyag darshan (right belief), and the couple’s own vow to live a virtuous life together. Different Jain communities may place different emphasis on this rite, and Shwetambar interpretations can vary as well.

• In short, Kanyadan is not a universal dogma of Jain marriage. Some Digambar wedding formats include it as a blessing or rite among others, but many Jain weddings focus on the couple’s vows and the spiritual aims of a married life. For Digambar-specific details, you can read more here