Hindu Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions
Author: Prem P. Bhalla
Publisher: Hindoology Books
Rites, rituals, customs and traditions play a major role in the life of every person, irrespective of religious affinity. However, this is more prominent in the case of Hindus.
The Hindu way of life is based upon the teachings in the Vedas. Upanishads also have a profound influence on it Hinduism is a practical philosophy of life.
If we can call it a religion, then it is a religion of freedom. Everyone is free to investigate and inquire about their utility and, then, accept or reject them.
The present day youth looks for reasons to uphold traditions. They want facts to decide what they can accept or reject.
In this book, the author has made an effort to trace the origins of as many as 145 rituals and customs and, based on ancient Holy Hindu Scriptures, finds explanations for their usage. A few examples from the book:
* Why do Hindus consider the word Om sacred?
* Why do Hindus offer prayers to Ganesh before a special occasion?
* Why is a coconut used in all Hindu religious ceremonies?
* Why is a kalash seen at all Hindu religious ceremonies?
* Why is lighting the lamp important at all religious ceremonies?
* Why does a husband apply sindoor in the wife’s hair?
* Why do married women wear a mangal sutra around the neck?
* Why is a red thread tied on the wrist during a religious ceremony?
* Why is tilak applied on the forehead in a religious ceremony?
Hinduism is the oldest of all religions. No individual or prophet has founded it. While other religions are dated in that you can go back to their origin, Hinduism emerges from timelessness.
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