In the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda, which specific hymn is known for reflecting and describing ancient Vedic marriage ceremonies?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to ancient Indian history and Vedic literature. It asks about a specific hymn from the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda that deals with marriage ceremonies. Knowing which hymn is associated with marriage helps students place social customs and rituals within the larger context of early Vedic religious texts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda.
• The question is about a hymn that reflects marriage ceremonies.
• Options given are Surya Sukta, Purusha Sukta, Dana Stutis and Urna Sutra.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to associate each hymn with its main subject. Purusha Sukta describes the cosmic being and the origin of the varna system. Dana Stutis praise generosity and gifts. Urna Sutra is not a standard name tied to Rigvedic marriage rituals. Surya Sukta, however, especially hymn 10.85, is known as the marriage hymn describing the wedding of the solar deity Surya with Soma or other deities, and it outlines several aspects of Vedic marriage rituals. Therefore, the right approach is to recall that Surya Sukta is directly linked to marriage ceremonies in Vedic literature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda contains hymns dealing with social and ritual themes. Step 2: Identify Purusha Sukta as a cosmic hymn related to the primordial being and not particularly about marriage. Step 3: Recognize Dana Stutis as hymns praising the act of giving and generosity. Step 4: Note that Surya Sukta in the tenth Mandala contains verses recited during marriage, describing the wedding of the solar deity. Step 5: Choose Surya Sukta as the hymn that reflects marriage ceremonies.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard references on Vedic rituals state that verses from Rigveda 10.85, often associated with Surya Sukta, are recited during traditional Hindu weddings even today. This continuity of practice is a strong verification that this hymn is indeed linked to marriage rituals. In contrast, Purusha Sukta is more philosophical and cosmological in tone, while Dana Stutis are about charitable giving. Urna Sutra does not appear as a widely cited marriage hymn in mainstream Rigvedic studies. This confirms Surya Sukta as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Purusha Sukta: It mainly describes the cosmic being and the origin of society and is not specifically a marriage hymn.
Dana Stutis: These hymns celebrate the act of giving and the generosity of patrons, not marriage ceremonies.
Urna Sutra: This is not recognized as the key Rigvedic hymn that guided marriage rituals in the tenth Mandala context.

Common Pitfalls:
Students can confuse Purusha Sukta with many social topics because it mentions varnas and social order, leading them to think it covers marriage. Another mistake is to choose Dana Stutis simply because marriage involves gifts and dowry, which is an indirect connection at best. The safest strategy is to remember that Surya Sukta, especially Rigveda 10.85, is the famous marriage hymn that continues to influence Hindu wedding practices even in modern times.

Final Answer:
The hymn that reflects marriage ceremonies in the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda is Surya Sukta.