Svayamvara (Sanskrit: स्वयंवर, romanized: svayaṃvara), in ancient India, was a method of marriage in which a woman chose a man as her husband from a group of suitors. In this context, svayaṁ in Sanskrit means 'self' and vara means 'groom'. The bride wishing to marry would select an auspicious time and venue and then broadcast her intentions. Kings typically sent messengers to outside lands, while commoners simply spread the news within the local community. On the appointed day, suitors would gather at the venue and declare their qualifications. The bride would place a garland on the man of her choice and a marriage ceremony was held immediately.