Is second cousin marriage allowed in terapanth
In Terāpanth (Śvetāmbara Terāpanth sampradāy), this is mainly a community/custom issue, not a direct Jain-scriptural rule.
From the point of view of Jain Dharma:
- Jain āgams do not specifically talk about “second cousin marriage”.
- Jain principles focus on ahimsā, aparigraha, satya, brahmacharya, samata – not on detailed kinship rules.
- Close‑blood marriages are generally discouraged because they can:
From the point of view of Terāpanth community practice:
- Terāpanth traditionally does not like cousin marriages (especially first cousins) and often treats them as socially “not acceptable”, even if law may permit them.
- For second cousins, there is no single written, pan‑India Terāpanth rule.
Therefore, in practice:
- Legally (Indian law): second‑cousin marriage is usually not in the prohibited/sapinda range, but you must confirm this with a good lawyer in your state.
- Medically: it is wise to take genetic / medical counselling before deciding.
- Terāpanth-wise: you should treat it as sensitive and generally discouraged, and:
- speak openly with both families and senior Terāpanthi elders / local Terāpanth sabhā, - be ready to avoid it if it will create serious samaj‑virodh and long‑term tension.
So:
- Pure Jain dharma does not give a specific “allowed / not allowed” rule for second cousins.
- Typical Terāpanth community custom tends to discourage marriage among blood relatives, including cousins; second cousins are in a grey area but often not welcomed socially.