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Grhasthashrama (Samskrit: गृहस्थाश्रमः) refers to the second of the four stages ([[Ashrama Dharma (आश्रमधर्मः)|ashramas]]) of life as per the [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varnashrama Vyavastha]]. It is the stage of a householder or Grhastha. This householder stage is entered at [[Vivaha (विवाहः)|marriage]], when a student completes his studentship and is ready to take up the duties and responsibilities of householder life.<ref name=":5">Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>  

Grhasthashrama (Samskrit: गृहस्थाश्रमः) refers to the second of the four stages (ashramas) of life as per the Varnashrama Vyavastha. It is the stage of a householder or Grhastha. This householder stage is entered at marriage, when a student completes his studentship and is ready to take up the duties and responsibilities of householder life.<ref name=":5">Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>  

== गृहस्थाश्रमस्य महत्त्वम् ॥ Greatness of Grhasthashrama ==

== गृहस्थाश्रमस्य महत्त्वम् ॥ Greatness of Grhasthashrama ==

Of all the Ashramas, the Grhasthashrama is considered the most important, because it supports all the other ashramas. It is said that, just like all creatures live supported by the air, the other ashramas exist supported by the grhastha; like all streams and rivers flow to rest in the ocean, all the ashramas flow to rest in the grhastha.<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>ब्रह्मचारी गृहस्थश्च वानप्रस्थो यतिस्तथा । एते गृहस्थप्रभवाश्चत्वारः पृथगाश्रमाः । । ६.८७ । ।<ref name=":11">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A0%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 6]</ref>  

Of all the [[Ashrama Dharma (आश्रम धर्म)|Ashramas]], the Grhasthashrama is considered the most important, because it supports all the other ashramas. It is said that, just like all creatures live supported by the air, the other ashramas exist supported by the grhastha; like all streams and rivers flow to rest in the ocean, all the ashramas flow to rest in the grhastha.<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>ब्रह्मचारी गृहस्थश्च वानप्रस्थो यतिस्तथा । एते गृहस्थप्रभवाश्चत्वारः पृथगाश्रमाः । । ६.८७ । ।<ref name=":11">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A0%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 6]</ref>  

यथा वायुं समाश्रित्य वर्तन्ते सर्वजन्तवः । तथा गृहस्थं आश्रित्य वर्तन्ते सर्व आश्रमाः । । ३.७७ । ।<ref name=":0" />

यथा वायुं समाश्रित्य वर्तन्ते सर्वजन्तवः । तथा गृहस्थं आश्रित्य वर्तन्ते सर्व आश्रमाः । । ३.७७ । ।<ref name=":0" />

=== उमाशङ्करयोः संवादः ॥ Uma Shankara Samvada ===

=== उमाशङ्करयोः संवादः ॥ Uma Shankara Samvada ===

Greatness of the Grhasthashrama is described in the conversation between Uma and Shankara occuring in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata.<ref name=":7">Bajaj, Jitendra and Mandayam, Srinivas (1996), Annam Bahu Kurvita, Madras:Centre for Policy Studies.</ref> In this dialogue, Uma seeks to know the dharma of ashramas, of the way one ought to lead life at different stages of a lifetime. And Shankara begins his answer to Uma's queries with the unequivocal assertion that of the four ashramas, grhasthashrama is indeed the foremost.<ref name=":12">Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 6), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref><blockquote>गृहस्थः प्रवरस्तेषां गार्हस्थ्यं धर्ममाश्रितः।.. १३.२०८.४२<ref name=":9">Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-208 Adhyaya 208]</ref> gr̥hasthaḥ pravarasteṣāṁ gārhasthyaṁ dharmamāśritaḥ।.. 13.208.42</blockquote>

Greatness of the Grhasthashrama is described in the conversation between Uma and Shankara occuring in the Anushasana Parva of the [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]].<ref name=":7">Bajaj, Jitendra and Mandayam, Srinivas (1996), Annam Bahu Kurvita, Madras:Centre for Policy Studies.</ref> In this dialogue, Uma seeks to know the [[Dharma (धर्मः)|dharma]] of ashramas, of the way one ought to lead life at different stages of a lifetime. And Shankara begins his answer to Uma's queries with the unequivocal assertion that of the four ashramas, grhasthashrama is indeed the foremost.<ref name=":12">Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 6), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref><blockquote>गृहस्थः प्रवरस्तेषां गार्हस्थ्यं धर्ममाश्रितः।.. १३.२०८.४२<ref name=":9">Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-208 Adhyaya 208]</ref> gr̥hasthaḥ pravarasteṣāṁ gārhasthyaṁ dharmamāśritaḥ।.. 13.208.42</blockquote>

In fact, dealing with Vanaprasthashrama and Sannyasashrama in just about six and a half verses, Shankara returns to a very detailed description of the grhasthashrama suggesting that his heart seems to be in describing the grhasthashrama dharma for Uma. He says that the core of the discipline of a grhastha is in looking after and generously providing for the sustenance of all. Especially, of the guests who arrive at his door. And this opportunity to look after and sustain others is what makes the grhasthashrama so great that the severest austerities like tapas in cold water and in heat of summer during vanaprasthashrama cannot measure up to even the one-sixteenth part of the merit acquired by properly fulfilling the duties of the grhasthashrama.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>सम्यक्तपश्चरन्तीह श्रद्दधाना वनाश्रमे । गृहाश्रमस्य ते देवि कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम् ।।१३.२११.३०<ref name=":10">Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-211 Adhyaya 211]</ref> samyaktapaścarantīha śraddadhānā vanāśrame । gr̥hāśramasya te devi kalāṁ nārhanti ṣoḍaśīm ।।13.211.30</blockquote>Shankara even provides an expansive listing of the diverse people and other living beings who keep looking up to the grhastha for their livelihood.  Thereby, emphasizing on the sustenance that flows from the grhastha in all directions. And concludes by equating the role of grhasthas in the society to protection of mothers.<ref name=":7" /> He says, <blockquote>यथा मातरमाश्रित्य सर्वे जीवन्ति जन्तवः । तथा गृहाश्रमं प्राप्य सर्वे जीवन्ति चाश्रमाः॥१३.२११.४९<ref name=":10" /> ''yathā mātaramāśritya sarve jīvanti jantavaḥ । tathā gr̥hāśramaṁ prāpya sarve jīvanti cāśramāḥ॥13.211.49''</blockquote>Meaning: Just as all living beings live under the protection of their mothers, so do all the ashramas derive sustenance from the grhasthashrama.  It is no wonder that the merit of a grhastha whose labour sustains so much of life on earth is of course great.<ref name=":7" /> Hence it is said, <blockquote>उपयुक्तं च यत्तेषां मतिमान्नानुशोचति ॥१३.२११.५४  

In fact, dealing with [[Vanaprasthashrama (वानप्रस्थाश्रमः)|Vanaprasthashrama]] and [[Sannyasashrama (सन्न्यासाश्रमः)|Sannyasashrama]] in just about six and a half verses, Shankara returns to a very detailed description of the grhasthashrama suggesting that his heart seems to be in describing the grhasthashrama dharma for Uma. He says that the core of the discipline of a grhastha is in looking after and generously providing for the sustenance of all. Especially, of the guests who arrive at his door. And this opportunity to look after and sustain others is what makes the grhasthashrama so great that the severest austerities like [[Tapas (तपस्)|tapas]] in cold water and in heat of summer during vanaprasthashrama cannot measure up to even the one-sixteenth part of the merit acquired by properly fulfilling the duties of the grhasthashrama.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>सम्यक्तपश्चरन्तीह श्रद्दधाना वनाश्रमे । गृहाश्रमस्य ते देवि कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम् ।।१३.२११.३०<ref name=":10">Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-211 Adhyaya 211]</ref> samyaktapaścarantīha śraddadhānā vanāśrame । gr̥hāśramasya te devi kalāṁ nārhanti ṣoḍaśīm ।।13.211.30</blockquote>Shankara even provides an expansive listing of the diverse people and other living beings who keep looking up to the grhastha for their livelihood.  Thereby, emphasizing on the sustenance that flows from the grhastha in all directions. And concludes by equating the role of grhasthas in the society to protection of mothers.<ref name=":7" /> He says, <blockquote>यथा मातरमाश्रित्य सर्वे जीवन्ति जन्तवः । तथा गृहाश्रमं प्राप्य सर्वे जीवन्ति चाश्रमाः॥१३.२११.४९<ref name=":10" /> ''yathā mātaramāśritya sarve jīvanti jantavaḥ । tathā gr̥hāśramaṁ prāpya sarve jīvanti cāśramāḥ॥13.211.49''</blockquote>Meaning: Just as all living beings live under the protection of their mothers, so do all the ashramas derive sustenance from the grhasthashrama.  It is no wonder that the merit of a grhastha whose labour sustains so much of life on earth is of course great.<ref name=":7" /> Hence it is said, <blockquote>उपयुक्तं च यत्तेषां मतिमान्नानुशोचति ॥१३.२११.५४  

धर्म इत्येव सङ्कल्प्य यस्तु तस्य फलं शृणु । सर्वयज्ञप्रणीतस्य हयमेधेन यत्फलम् । वर्षे स द्वादशे देवि फलेनैतेन युज्यते ॥१३.२११.५५<ref name=":10" />

धर्म इत्येव सङ्कल्प्य यस्तु तस्य फलं शृणु । सर्वयज्ञप्रणीतस्य हयमेधेन यत्फलम् । वर्षे स द्वादशे देवि फलेनैतेन युज्यते ॥१३.२११.५५<ref name=":10" />

''dharma ityeva saṅkalpya yastu tasya phalaṁ śr̥ṇu । sarvayajñapraṇītasya hayamedhena yatphalam ।''  

''dharma ityeva saṅkalpya yastu tasya phalaṁ śr̥ṇu । sarvayajñapraṇītasya hayamedhena yatphalam ।''  

''varṣe sa dvādaśe devi phalenaitena yujyate ॥13.211.55''</blockquote>Meaning: Listen to the virtue earned by the one who does not spare a second thought for what has been used up by men and other living beings that look up to him for sustenance, and who knows that sustaining them is indeed his dharma. Such a one, having fulfilled the dharma of grhasthashrama for twelve years, attains the merit that accrues to those who perform an ashvamedha after having first accomplished all other yajnas.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":12" />  

''varṣe sa dvādaśe devi phalenaitena yujyate ॥13.211.55''</blockquote>Meaning: Listen to the virtue earned by the one who does not spare a second thought for what has been used up by men and other living beings that look up to him for sustenance, and who knows that sustaining them is indeed his dharma. Such a one, having fulfilled the dharma of grhasthashrama for twelve years, attains the merit that accrues to those who perform an [[Ashvamedha Yajna (अश्वमेधयज्ञः)|ashvamedha]] after having first accomplished all other [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]].<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":12" />  

Such is the glory of grhasthashrama. And such are the yajnas of the grhastha, that sustain the whole world day after day.<ref name=":7" />

Such is the glory of grhasthashrama. And such are the yajnas of the grhastha, that sustain the whole world day after day.<ref name=":7" />

== गृहस्थाश्रमस्य अधिकारः ॥ Eligibility to Grhasthashrama ==

== गृहस्थाश्रमस्य अधिकारः ॥ Eligibility to Grhasthashrama ==

The Manusmrti states that a student who has studied, in due course, three Vedas, two Vedas or one Veda, enters the state of the householder having never deviated from the vows of brahmacharya (studentship).<ref name=":13">Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://ia801603.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.46010/2015.46010.Manusmrti--Vol-4.pdf Vol.4]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref> <blockquote>वेदानधीत्य वेदौ वा वेदं वापि यथाक्रमम् । अविप्लुतब्रह्मचर्यो गृहस्थाश्रमं आवसेत् । । ३.२ । ।<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3]</ref> vedānadhītya vedau vā vedaṁ vāpi yathākramam । aviplutabrahmacaryo gr̥hasthāśramaṁ āvaset । । 3.2 । ।</blockquote>

The [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manusmrti]] states that a student who has studied, in due course, three [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]], two Vedas or one Veda, enters the state of the householder having never deviated from the vows of [[Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्यम्)|brahmacharya]] (studentship).<ref name=":13">Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://ia801603.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.46010/2015.46010.Manusmrti--Vol-4.pdf Vol.4]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref> <blockquote>वेदानधीत्य वेदौ वा वेदं वापि यथाक्रमम् । अविप्लुतब्रह्मचर्यो गृहस्थाश्रमं आवसेत् । । ३.२ । ।<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3]</ref> vedānadhītya vedau vā vedaṁ vāpi yathākramam । aviplutabrahmacaryo gr̥hasthāśramaṁ āvaset । । 3.2 । ।</blockquote>

== गृहस्थधर्मः ॥ Grhastha Dharma ==

== गृहस्थधर्मः ॥ Grhastha Dharma ==

The Itihasas, Smrti texts as well as the Puranas delineate how grhasthas of different varnas should conduct themselves and the qualities that should be cultured by every grhastha. Dharmas of a grhastha as described in the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva<ref name=":14">Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 5-Shantiparva), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref> and Anushasana Parva<ref name=":12" />) include,

The [[Itihasa (इतिहासः)|Itihasas]], [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrti]] texts as well as the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]] delineate how grhasthas of different [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|varnas]] should conduct themselves and the qualities that should be cultured by every grhastha. Dharmas of a grhastha as described in the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva<ref name=":14">Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 5-Shantiparva), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref> and Anushasana Parva<ref name=":12" />) include,

{{Columns-list|*Observing the Pancha Mahayajnas.

{{Columns-list|*Observing the Pancha Mahayajnas.

=== गृहस्थगुणाः ॥ Qualities of a Grhastha ===

=== गृहस्थगुणाः ॥ Qualities of a Grhastha ===

The Mahabharata states that completing the study of Vedas and observing the auspicious karmas given in the Vedas, the one who gives birth to his offspring through his wedded wife and upholds the garhasthya dharma that entails duties akin to that of ascetics is the best.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>अधीत्य वेदान्कृतसर्वकृत्यः संतानमुत्पाद्य सुखानि भुक्त्वा। समाहितः प्रचरेद्दुश्चरं तं गार्हस्थ्यधर्मं मुनिधर्मजुष्टम्।।१२.६०.१०<ref name=":6" />

The Mahabharata states that completing the study of Vedas and observing the auspicious karmas given in the Vedas, the one who gives birth to his offspring through his wedded wife and upholds the garhasthya dharma that entails duties akin to that of ascetics is the best.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>अधीत्य वेदान्कृतसर्वकृत्यः संतानमुत्पाद्य सुखानि भुक्त्वा। समाहितः प्रचरेद्दुश्चरं तं गार्हस्थ्यधर्मं मुनिधर्मजुष्टम्।।१२.६०.१०<ref name=":6" /> adhītya vedān                                                                                                    kr̥tasarvakr̥tyaḥ saṁtānamutpādya sukhāni bhuktvā। samāhitaḥ pracaredduścaraṁ taṁ gārhasthyadharmaṁ munidharmajuṣṭam।।12.60.10</blockquote>The Manusmrti also iterates that among the brahmachari (student), grhastha (householder), Vanaprasthi (hermit) and the Sannyasi (renunciate), the grhastha is declared to be the best as he supports the other three.<ref>Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://archive.org/details/manusmritiwithmedhatithisbhashyaenggnjhavol5_202003_709_l/page/962/mode/2up?view=theater Vol.5]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>सर्वेषां अपि चैतेषां वेदस्मृतिविधानतः । गृहस्थ उच्यते श्रेष्ठः स त्रीनेतान्बिभर्ति हि । । ६.८९ । ।<ref name=":11" />

sarveṣāṁ api caiteṣāṁ vedasmr̥tividhānataḥ । gr̥hastha ucyate śreṣṭhaḥ sa trīnetānbibharti hi । । 6.89 । ।</blockquote>According to the Bhagavata Purana, a grhastha should be of a good character, moderate in eating, alert and prompt (in work), of reverential faith in shastras and self-controlled. It states that only when absolutely necessary and to that much extent only that a grhastha should deal with women (eg. for getting bhiksha) or with those who are influenced by women.<ref name=":3">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n99 P.no.968-969].</ref><blockquote>सुशीलो मितभुग्दक्षः श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रियः । यावदर्थं व्यवहरेत्स्त्रीषु स्त्रीनिर्जितेषु च ॥ ६॥<ref name=":4">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 12].</ref> ''suśīlo mitabhugdakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ । yāvadarthaṁ vyavaharetstrīṣu strīnirjiteṣu ca ॥ 6॥''</blockquote>The Mahabharata mentions that only that grhastha is considered righteous who purifies his mind by performing the [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], who always speaks the truth, who does not see fault in others, gives [[Dana (दानम्)|dana]], honours [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|brahmanas]], who keeps his house spic and span, gives up his pride, is always straightforward, speaks lovingly, puts his mind in serving guests and visitors, partakes the food of yajnas and offers as per shastras padya, arghya, seat, cot, light and place to stay for a guest.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>पञ्चयज्ञविशुद्धात्मा ऋतुनित्योऽनसूयकः। दान्तो ब्राह्मणसत्कर्ता सुसंमृष्टनिवेशनः।।१३.२११.१२

 

sarveṣāṁ api caiteṣāṁ vedasmr̥tividhānataḥ । gr̥hastha ucyate śreṣṭhaḥ sa trīnetānbibharti hi । । 6.89 । ।</blockquote>According to the Bhagavata Purana, a grhastha should be of a good character, moderate in eating, alert and prompt (in work), of reverential faith in shastras and self-controlled. It states that only when absolutely necessary and to that much extent only that a grhastha should deal with women (eg. for getting bhiksha) or with those who are influenced by women.<ref name=":3">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n99 P.no.968-969].</ref><blockquote>सुशीलो मितभुग्दक्षः श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रियः । यावदर्थं व्यवहरेत्स्त्रीषु स्त्रीनिर्जितेषु च ॥ ६॥<ref name=":4">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 12].</ref> ''suśīlo mitabhugdakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ । yāvadarthaṁ vyavaharetstrīṣu strīnirjiteṣu ca ॥ 6॥''</blockquote>The Mahabharata mentions that only that grhastha is considered righteous who purifies his mind by performing the Panchamahayajnas, who always speaks the truth, who does not see fault in others, gives dana, honours brahmanas, who keeps his house spic and span, gives up his pride, is always straightforward, speaks lovingly, puts his mind in serving guests and visitors, partakes the food of yajnas and offers as per shastras padya, arghya, seat, cot, light and place to stay for a guest.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>पञ्चयज्ञविशुद्धात्मा ऋतुनित्योऽनसूयकः। दान्तो ब्राह्मणसत्कर्ता सुसंमृष्टनिवेशनः।।१३.२११.१२

चक्षुःश्रोत्रमनोजिह्वास्निग्धवर्णप्रदः सदा। अतिथ्यभ्यागतरतः शेषान्नकृतभोजनः।।१३.२११.१३

चक्षुःश्रोत्रमनोजिह्वास्निग्धवर्णप्रदः सदा। अतिथ्यभ्यागतरतः शेषान्नकृतभोजनः।।१३.२११.१३

cakṣuḥśrotramanojihvāsnigdhavarṇapradaḥ sadā। atithyabhyāgatarataḥ śeṣānnakr̥tabhojanaḥ।।13.211.13

cakṣuḥśrotramanojihvāsnigdhavarṇapradaḥ sadā। atithyabhyāgatarataḥ śeṣānnakr̥tabhojanaḥ।।13.211.13

pādyamarghyaṁ yathānyāyamāsanaṁ śayanaṁ tathā। dīpaṁ pratiśrayaṁ caiva yo dadāti sa dhārmikaḥ।।13.211.14</blockquote>Infact, the Bhagavata Purana emphasizes that a grhastha should look upon deers, camels, donkeys, monkeys, rats, serpents, birds and flies like one's own sons, for there is very little difference between them and one's offsprings. Implying that they must not be driven out of the house or fields if they enter and begin to eat. <ref name=":1" /><blockquote>मृगोष्ट्रखरमर्काखु सरीसृप्खगमक्षिकाः । आत्मनः पुत्रवत्पश्येत् तैरेषामन्तरं कियत् ॥ ९ ॥<ref>Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA Adhyaya 14]</ref>

pādyamarghyaṁ yathānyāyamāsanaṁ śayanaṁ tathā। dīpaṁ pratiśrayaṁ caiva yo dadāti sa dhārmikaḥ।।13.211.14</blockquote>Infact, the Bhagavata Purana emphasizes that a grhastha should look upon deers, camels, donkeys, monkeys, rats, serpents, birds and flies like one's own sons, for there is very little difference between them and one's offsprings. Implying that they must not be driven out of the house or fields if they enter and begin to eat. <ref name=":1">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, P.no.[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n109/mode/2up 979-984].</ref><blockquote>मृगोष्ट्रखरमर्काखु सरीसृप्खगमक्षिकाः । आत्मनः पुत्रवत्पश्येत् तैरेषामन्तरं कियत् ॥ ९ ॥<ref name=":17">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA Adhyaya 14]</ref> mr̥goṣṭrakharamarkākhu sarīsr̥pkhagamakṣikāḥ । ātmanaḥ putravatpaśyet taireṣāmantaraṁ kiyat ॥ 9 ॥</blockquote>

 

mr̥goṣṭrakharamarkākhu sarīsr̥pkhagamakṣikāḥ । ātmanaḥ putravatpaśyet taireṣāmantaraṁ kiyat ॥ 9 ॥</blockquote>

=== गृहस्थस्य व्यवहारः ॥ Conduct of a Grhastha ===

=== गृहस्थस्य व्यवहारः ॥ Conduct of a Grhastha ===

The Mahabharata states that a grhastha should always be devoted to his own wife and find happiness therein. He should approach her for conjugal pleasure at an appropriate time only. He should follow the instructions given in the shastras and defer from falsehood and deceit. He should eat in moderation, be diligent in the worship of the deities, exhibit gratitude towards those who help, speak the truth, have a soft disposition towards everyone, not be cruel towards anyone and always hold on to tolerance.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>स्वदारतुष्टस्त्वृतुकालगामी नियोगसेवी न शठो न जिह्नः। मिताशनो देवरतः कृतज्ञः सत्यो मृदुश्चानृशंसः क्षमावान्।।१२.६०.११<ref name=":6" />

The Mahabharata states that a grhastha should always be devoted to his own wife and find happiness therein. He should approach her for conjugal pleasure at an appropriate time only. He should follow the instructions given in the shastras and defer from falsehood and deceit. He should eat in moderation, be diligent in the worship of the deities, exhibit gratitude towards those who help, speak the truth, have a soft disposition towards everyone, not be cruel towards anyone and always hold on to tolerance.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>स्वदारतुष्टस्त्वृतुकालगामी नियोगसेवी न शठो न जिह्नः। मिताशनो देवरतः कृतज्ञः सत्यो मृदुश्चानृशंसः क्षमावान्।।१२.६०.११<ref name=":6" /> svadāratuṣṭastvr̥tukālagāmī niyogasevī na śaṭho na jihnaḥ। mitāśano devarataḥ kr̥tajñaḥ satyo mr̥duścānr̥śaṁsaḥ kṣamāvān।।12.60.11</blockquote>Elaborating on the virtue of being devoted to one's wife alone, the Mahabharata says,<blockquote>शरीरमेकं दंपत्योर्विधात्रा पूर्वनिर्मितम्। तस्मात्स्वदारनिरतो ब्रह्मचारी विधीयते।।१३.२११.४६<ref name=":10" /> śarīramekaṁ daṁpatyorvidhātrā pūrvanirmitam। tasmātsvadāranirato brahmacārī vidhīyate।।13.211.46</blockquote>Meaning: The creator, in ancient times, had made a single body for a couple. Therefore, the one who is engaged with his wife alone is considered a brahmachari.<ref name=":12" /> The Mahabharata emphasizes that a grhastha in this world should observe truthfulness, straightforwardness, [[Atithi Satkara (अतिथिसत्कारः)|atithi satkara]], dharma, artha, devotion to his wife and happiness. Only then does he obtain happiness in the other world.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>सत्यार्जवं चातिथिपूजनं च धर्मस्तथार्थश्च रतिः स्वदारैः। निषेवितव्यानि सुखानि लोके ह्यस्मिन्परे चैव मतं ममैतत्।।१२.६०.१४<ref name=":6" /> satyārjavaṁ cātithipūjanaṁ ca dharmastathārthaśca ratiḥ svadāraiḥ। niṣevitavyāni sukhāni loke hyasminpare caiva mataṁ mamaitat।।12.60.14</blockquote>

 

svadāratuṣṭastvr̥tukālagāmī niyogasevī na śaṭho na jihnaḥ। mitāśano devarataḥ kr̥tajñaḥ satyo mr̥duścānr̥śaṁsaḥ kṣamāvān।।12.60.11</blockquote>Elaborating on the virtue of being devoted to one's wife alone, the Mahabharata says,<blockquote>शरीरमेकं दंपत्योर्विधात्रा पूर्वनिर्मितम्। तस्मात्स्वदारनिरतो ब्रह्मचारी विधीयते।।१३.२११.४६<ref name=":10" />

 

śarīramekaṁ daṁpatyorvidhātrā pūrvanirmitam। tasmātsvadāranirato brahmacārī vidhīyate।।13.211.46</blockquote>Meaning: The creator, in ancient times, had made a single body for a couple. Therefore, the one who is engaged with his wife alone is considered a brahmachari.<ref name=":12" /> The Mahabharata emphasizes that a grhastha in this world should observe truthfulness, straightforwardness, atithi satkara, dharma, artha, devotion to his wife and happiness. Only then does he obtain happiness in the other world.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>सत्यार्जवं चातिथिपूजनं च धर्मस्तथार्थश्च रतिः स्वदारैः। निषेवितव्यानि सुखानि लोके ह्यस्मिन्परे चैव मतं ममैतत्।।१२.६०.१४<ref name=":6" />

 

satyārjavaṁ cātithipūjanaṁ ca dharmastathārthaśca ratiḥ svadāraiḥ। niṣevitavyāni sukhāni loke hyasminpare caiva mataṁ mamaitat।।12.60.14</blockquote>

==== उपजीविकानियमाः ॥ Codes of Subsistence ====

==== उपजीविकानियमाः ॥ Codes of Subsistence ====

It is said that a householder should earn money by honest means and distribute it in the proper manner. He should spend one-tenth of his income in charity and enjoy sensual pleasures within the limits of the moral law.<ref name=":5" /> The Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva) while speaking of  Pravrtti dharma for grhasthas states how wealth earned  through rightful means should be utilised by dividing it into 3 portions.<blockquote>एकेनांशेन धर्मार्थः कर्तव्यो हितमिच्छता। एकेनांशेन कामार्थमेकमंशं विवर्धयेत्।।१३.२११.१७<ref name=":10" /> ekenāṁśena dharmārthaḥ kartavyo hitamicchatā। ekenāṁśena kāmārthamekamaṁśaṁ vivardhayet।।13.211.17</blockquote>Meaning: One desirous of upliftment must acquire dharma and artha with one portion, the second portion should be utilised for one's expenses while the third should be increased.<ref name=":8">Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref>

It is said that a householder should earn money by honest means and distribute it in the proper manner. He should spend one-tenth of his income in charity and enjoy sensual pleasures within the limits of the moral law.<ref name=":5" /> The Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva) while speaking of  [[Pravrtti and Nivrtti (प्रवृत्तिः निवृत्तिः च)|Pravrtti]] dharma for grhasthas states how wealth earned  through rightful means should be utilised by dividing it into 3 portions.<blockquote>एकेनांशेन धर्मार्थः कर्तव्यो हितमिच्छता। एकेनांशेन कामार्थमेकमंशं विवर्धयेत्।।१३.२११.१७<ref name=":10" /> ekenāṁśena dharmārthaḥ kartavyo hitamicchatā। ekenāṁśena kāmārthamekamaṁśaṁ vivardhayet।।13.211.17</blockquote>Meaning: One desirous of upliftment must acquire dharma and artha with one portion, the second portion should be utilised for one's expenses while the third should be increased.<ref name=":8">Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref>

The Bhagavata Purana further states that  

The Bhagavata Purana further states that  

* While working to earn one's livelihood as much as necessary to maintain one's body and house, one who is actually learned should live in human society unattached to family affairs, although externally appearing very much attached.<ref name=":16">A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam (Seventh Canto), [http://prabhupadabooks.com/pdf/SB7.3.pdf Part 3-Chapters 10-15], 1976: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.</ref>

* While working to earn one's livelihood as much as necessary to maintain one's body and house, one who is actually learned should live in human society unattached to family affairs, although externally appearing very much attached.<ref name=":16">A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam (Seventh Canto), [http://prabhupadabooks.com/pdf/SB7.3.pdf Part 3-Chapters 10-15], 1976: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.</ref>

* One should carry out one's duties while enjoying what one gets from the sky (eg. crops due to rain fall), from mines (eg. gold, precious stones etc.) and accidentally by wind fall, as all wealth is created by Bhagavan Vishnu and is obtained through his grace.

* One should carry out one's duties while enjoying what one gets from the sky (eg. crops due to rain fall), from mines (eg. gold, precious stones etc.) and accidentally by wind fall, as all wealth is created by Bhagavan Vishnu and is obtained through his grace.

=== गृहस्थकर्माणि ॥ Activities of a Grhastha ===

=== गृहस्थकर्माणि ॥ Activities of a Grhastha ===

The Mahabharata states that a grhasthashrami should control his indriyas and accept the instruction of the shastras, never fail to offer havya and kavya offering in honour of the devatas and pitrs respectively, always offer annadana to brahmanas, defer from jealousy and hatred, offer food to other ashramis and nourish them and always be engaged in yajnas and yagas.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>दान्तो विधेयो हव्यकव्याप्रमत्तो ह्यन्नस्य दाता सततं द्विजेभ्यः। अमत्सरी सर्वलिङ्गप्रदाता वैताननित्यश्च गृहाश्रमी स्यात्।।१२.६०.१२<ref name=":6" />

The Mahabharata states that a grhasthashrami should control his [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|indriyas]] and accept the instruction of the shastras, never fail to offer havya and kavya offering in honour of the devatas and [[Pitrvamsha (पितृवंशः)|pitrs]] respectively, always offer [[Annadana (अन्नदानम्)|annadana]] to brahmanas, defer from jealousy and hatred, offer food to other ashramis and nourish them and always be engaged in yajnas and yagas.<ref name=":14" /><blockquote>दान्तो विधेयो हव्यकव्याप्रमत्तो ह्यन्नस्य दाता सततं द्विजेभ्यः। अमत्सरी सर्वलिङ्गप्रदाता वैताननित्यश्च गृहाश्रमी स्यात्।।१२.६०.१२<ref name=":6" />

dānto vidheyo havyakavyāpramatto hyannasya dātā satataṁ dvijebhyaḥ।  

dānto vidheyo havyakavyāpramatto hyannasya dātā satataṁ dvijebhyaḥ।  

amatsarī sarvaliṅgapradātā vaitānanityaśca gr̥hāśramī syāt।।12.60.12</blockquote>It states that honouring of guests, protection of the 3 fires (ie. garhapatya and others) is the duty of a grhastha. And he must also perform the various ishtis and Pashubandhas according to the vidhis.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>अतिथिप्रियता धर्मो धर्मस्त्रेताग्निधारणम्। इष्टिर्वा पशुबन्धाश्च विधिपूर्वं परंतप।।१३.२०८.१८<ref name=":9" />

amatsarī sarvaliṅgapradātā vaitānanityaśca gr̥hāśramī syāt।।12.60.12</blockquote>It states that honouring of guests, protection of the [[Tretagni (त्रेताग्निः)|3 fires]] (ie. garhapatya and others) is the duty of a grhastha. And he must also perform the various ishtis and Pashubandhas according to the vidhis.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>अतिथिप्रियता धर्मो धर्मस्त्रेताग्निधारणम्। इष्टिर्वा पशुबन्धाश्च विधिपूर्वं परंतप।।१३.२०८.१८<ref name=":9" /> atithipriyatā dharmo dharmastretāgnidhāraṇam। iṣṭirvā paśubandhāśca vidhipūrvaṁ paraṁtapa।।13.208.18</blockquote>

 

atithipriyatā dharmo dharmastretāgnidhāraṇam। iṣṭirvā paśubandhāśca vidhipūrvaṁ paraṁtapa।।13.208.18</blockquote>

==== पञ्चमहायज्ञाः ॥ Panchamahayajnas ====

==== पञ्चमहायज्ञाः ॥ Panchamahayajnas ====

pañca sūnā gr̥hasthasya cullī peṣaṇyupaskaraḥ । kaṇḍanī codakumbhaśca badhyate yāstu vāhayan । । 3.68 । ।

pañca sūnā gr̥hasthasya cullī peṣaṇyupaskaraḥ । kaṇḍanī codakumbhaśca badhyate yāstu vāhayan । । 3.68 । ।

tāsāṁ krameṇa sarvāsāṁ niṣkr̥tyarthaṁ maharṣibhiḥ । pañca klptā mahāyajñāḥ pratyahaṁ gr̥hamedhinām । । 3.69 । ।</blockquote>Hence, the Mahabharata states that a grhastha should purify his mind by performing the Panchamahayajnas.<ref name=":12" /> According to Manusmrti, a grhastha should worship the sages by Vedic studies, deities by the homa-offerings, the pitrs by shraddha offering, human beings by offering food and the elements by offering bali.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>स्वाध्यायेनार्चयेत र्षीन्होमैर्देवान्यथाविधि । पितॄञ् श्राद्धैश्च नॄनन्नैर्भूतानि बलिकर्मणा । । ३.८१ । ।<ref name=":0" /> svādhyāyenārcayeta rṣīnhomairdevānyathāvidhi । pitr̥̄ñ śrāddhaiśca nr̥̄nannairbhūtāni balikarmaṇā । । 3.81 । ।</blockquote>These Panchamahayajnas are further described in the Manusmrti (3.70 and 3.74)<ref name=":0" /> as follows:

tāsāṁ krameṇa sarvāsāṁ niṣkr̥tyarthaṁ maharṣibhiḥ । pañca klptā mahāyajñāḥ pratyahaṁ gr̥hamedhinām । । 3.69 । ।</blockquote>Hence, the Mahabharata states that a grhastha should purify his mind by performing the Panchamahayajnas.<ref name=":12" /> According to Manusmrti, a grhastha should worship the sages by Vedic studies, deities by the homa-offerings, the pitrs by [[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|shraddha]] offering, human beings by offering food and the elements by offering bali.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>स्वाध्यायेनार्चयेत र्षीन्होमैर्देवान्यथाविधि । पितॄञ् श्राद्धैश्च नॄनन्नैर्भूतानि बलिकर्मणा । । ३.८१ । ।<ref name=":0" /> svādhyāyenārcayeta rṣīnhomairdevānyathāvidhi । pitr̥̄ñ śrāddhaiśca nr̥̄nannairbhūtāni balikarmaṇā । । 3.81 । ।</blockquote>These Panchamahayajnas are further described in the Manusmrti (3.70 and 3.74)<ref name=":0" /> as follows:

* '''ब्रह्मयज्ञः ॥ Brahma Yajna:''' Also called as Rshi yajna or Ahuta, it refers to an offering to the brahman or rshi in the form of teaching and studying of the vedas<ref name=":5" /> - अध्यापनं ब्रह्मयज्ञः | adhyāpanaṁ brahmayajñaḥ. Here, the offering is not given into the fire, rather it is in the form of chanting of vedic texts - जपोऽहुतो | japo'huto |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />

* '''ब्रह्मयज्ञः ॥ Brahma Yajna:''' Also called as Rshi yajna or Ahuta, it refers to an offering to the brahman or rshi in the form of teaching and studying of the vedas<ref name=":5" /> - अध्यापनं ब्रह्मयज्ञः | adhyāpanaṁ brahmayajñaḥ. Here, the offering is not given into the fire, rather it is in the form of chanting of vedic texts - जपोऽहुतो | japo'huto |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />

** Shraddha or annual religious rites performed for departed.<ref name=":5" />

** Shraddha or annual religious rites performed for departed.<ref name=":5" />

* '''देवयज्ञः ॥ Deva Yajna:''' Also called as Huta (होमो दैवो | homo daivo), Devayajna refers to offering oblations to Devas, with recitation of Vedic Mantras<ref name=":5" /> -  हुतो होमः | huto homaḥ |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />

* '''देवयज्ञः ॥ Deva Yajna:''' Also called as Huta (होमो दैवो | homo daivo), Devayajna refers to offering oblations to [[Deva (देवः)|Devas]], with recitation of Vedic Mantras<ref name=":5" /> -  हुतो होमः | huto homaḥ |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />

* '''भूतयज्ञः ॥ Bhuta Yajna:''' In general, [[Bhuta Yajna (भूतयज्ञः)|Bhuta Yajna]] refers to distribution of food to cows, crows and animals.<ref name=":5" /> Also called as Prahuta - प्रहुतो भौतिको बलिः । prahuto bhautiko baliḥ ।, it refers to the Bali offering given to the Bhutas - बलिर्भौतो | balirbhauto |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />

* '''भूतयज्ञः ॥ Bhuta Yajna:''' In general, [[Bhuta Yajna (भूतयज्ञः)|Bhuta Yajna]] refers to distribution of food to cows, crows and animals.<ref name=":5" /> Also called as Prahuta - प्रहुतो भौतिको बलिः । prahuto bhautiko baliḥ ।, it refers to the Bali offering given to the Bhutas - बलिर्भौतो | balirbhauto |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />

* '''नृयज्ञः ॥ Nru Yajna:''' Also called Brahmya-huta or the respectful reception of guests, - ब्राह्म्यं हुतं द्विजाग्र्यार्चा | brāhmyaṁ hutaṁ dvijāgryārcāis |, the Nruyajna refers to the hospitality offered to guests -  नृयज्ञोऽतिथिपूजनम् | nr̥yajño'tithipūjanam ।<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /> As it involves giving food to guests and honouring them, it is also known as Atithi yajna.<ref name=":5" />

* '''नृयज्ञः ॥ Nru Yajna:''' Also called Brahmya-huta or the respectful reception of guests, - ब्राह्म्यं हुतं द्विजाग्र्यार्चा | brāhmyaṁ hutaṁ dvijāgryārcāis |, the [[Nru Yajna (नृयज्ञः)|Nru Yajna]] refers to the hospitality offered to guests -  नृयज्ञोऽतिथिपूजनम् | nr̥yajño'tithipūjanam ।<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /> As it involves giving food to guests and honouring them, it is also known as Atithi yajna.<ref name=":5" />

The one who does not neglect these yajnas on any day, to the best of one's capacity, does not become tainted by the Papa of the slaughter-house, even though living in the householder's order. However, the one who does not make offerings to these five namely, the deities, guests, dependents, pitrus and himself does not live even though breathing. Hence, the Manusmrti states that one should be constantly engaged in Vedic study as also in acts in honour of the deities; for, one who is engaged in acts in honour of the deities upholds the world, moveable as well as immoveable.<ref name=":13" /> <blockquote>पञ्चैतान्यो महाअयज्ञान्न हापयति शक्तितः । स गृहेऽपि वसन्नित्यं सूनादोषैर्न लिप्यते । । ३.७१ । ।

The one who does not neglect these yajnas on any day, to the best of one's capacity, does not become tainted by the Papa of the slaughter-house, even though living in the householder's order. However, the one who does not make offerings to these five namely, the deities, guests, dependents, pitrus and himself does not live even though breathing. Hence, the Manusmrti states that one should be constantly engaged in Vedic study as also in acts in honour of the deities; for, one who is engaged in acts in honour of the deities upholds the world, moveable as well as immoveable.<ref name=":13" /> <blockquote>पञ्चैतान्यो महाअयज्ञान्न हापयति शक्तितः । स गृहेऽपि वसन्नित्यं सूनादोषैर्न लिप्यते । । ३.७१ । ।

==== भिक्षा अतिथिसत्कारश्च ॥ Bhiksha and Atithi Satkara ====

==== भिक्षा अतिथिसत्कारश्च ॥ Bhiksha and Atithi Satkara ====

The Manusmrti mentions that a grhastha should perform atithi satkara and give bhiksha to a sannyasi and brahmachari after the bali karma. For,  the Punya one obtains by offering bhiksha to a sannyasi and brahmachari is equal to that of offering a cow to the guru.<ref name=":15" /><blockquote>कृत्वैतद्बलिकर्मैवं अतिथिं पूर्वं आशयेत् । भिक्षां च भिक्षवे दद्याद्विधिवद्ब्रह्मचारिणे । । ३.९४ । ।

The Manusmrti mentions that a grhastha should perform atithi satkara and give bhiksha to a sannyasi and brahmachari after the bali karma. For,  the Punya one obtains by offering bhiksha to a sannyasi and brahmachari is equal to that of offering a cow to the [[Guru (गुरुः)|guru]].<ref name=":15" /><blockquote>कृत्वैतद्बलिकर्मैवं अतिथिं पूर्वं आशयेत् । भिक्षां च भिक्षवे दद्याद्विधिवद्ब्रह्मचारिणे । । ३.९४ । ।

यत्पुण्यफलं आप्नोति गां दत्त्वा विधिवद्गुरोः । तत्पुण्यफलं आप्नोति भिक्षां दत्त्वा द्विजो गृही । । ३.९५ । ।<ref name=":0" />

यत्पुण्यफलं आप्नोति गां दत्त्वा विधिवद्गुरोः । तत्पुण्यफलं आप्नोति भिक्षां दत्त्वा द्विजो गृही । । ३.९५ । ।<ref name=":0" />

kr̥tvaitadbalikarmaivaṁ atithiṁ pūrvaṁ āśayet । bhikṣāṁ ca bhikṣave dadyādvidhivadbrahmacāriṇe । । 3.94 । ।

kr̥tvaitadbalikarmaivaṁ atithiṁ pūrvaṁ āśayet । bhikṣāṁ ca bhikṣave dadyādvidhivadbrahmacāriṇe । । 3.94 । ।

yatpuṇyaphalaṁ āpnoti gāṁ dattvā vidhivadguroḥ । tatpuṇyaphalaṁ āpnoti bhikṣāṁ dattvā dvijo gr̥hī । । 3.95 । ।</blockquote>It also specifies how a grhastha should honour a guest.<blockquote>संप्राप्ताय त्वतिथये प्रदद्यादासनोदके । अन्नं चैव यथाशक्ति सत्कृत्य विधिपूर्वकम् । । ३.९९ । ।<ref name=":0" />

yatpuṇyaphalaṁ āpnoti gāṁ dattvā vidhivadguroḥ । tatpuṇyaphalaṁ āpnoti bhikṣāṁ dattvā dvijo gr̥hī । । 3.95 । ।</blockquote>It also specifies how a grhastha should honour a guest.<blockquote>संप्राप्ताय त्वतिथये प्रदद्यादासनोदके । अन्नं चैव यथाशक्ति सत्कृत्य विधिपूर्वकम् । । ३.९९ । ।<ref name=":0" /> saṁprāptāya tvatithaye pradadyādāsanodake । annaṁ caiva yathāśakti satkr̥tya vidhipūrvakam । । 3.99 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: A grhastha should honour a guest with seat, water and food as per his ability. Infact, it is stated that a grhastha and his wife should partake of the food leftover after the worship of deities, rshis, human beings, ancestors and the deities of the house and after feeding the brahmana, atithi, relatives, etc.<ref name=":15" /><blockquote>भुक्तवत्स्वथ विप्रेषु स्वेषु भृत्येषु चैव हि । भुञ्जीयातां ततः पश्चादवशिष्टं तु दम्पती । । ३.११६ । ।

 

saṁprāptāya tvatithaye pradadyādāsanodake । annaṁ caiva yathāśakti satkr̥tya vidhipūrvakam । । 3.99 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: A grhastha should honour a guest with seat, water and food as per his ability. Infact, it is stated that a grhastha and his wife should partake of the food leftover after the worship of deities, rshis, human beings, ancestors and the deities of the house and after feeding the brahmana, atithi, relatives, etc.<ref name=":15" /><blockquote>भुक्तवत्स्वथ विप्रेषु स्वेषु भृत्येषु चैव हि । भुञ्जीयातां ततः पश्चादवशिष्टं तु दम्पती । । ३.११६ । ।

देवानृषीन्मनुष्यांश्च पितॄन्गृह्याश्च देवताः । पूजयित्वा ततः पश्चाद्गृहस्थः शेषभुग्भवेत् । । ३.११७ । ।<ref name=":0" />

देवानृषीन्मनुष्यांश्च पितॄन्गृह्याश्च देवताः । पूजयित्वा ततः पश्चाद्गृहस्थः शेषभुग्भवेत् । । ३.११७ । ।<ref name=":0" />

paradāreṣvasaṁsargo nyāsastrīparirakṣaṇam। adattādānaviramo madhumāṁsasya varjanam ॥ eṣa pañcavidho dharmo bahuśākhaḥ sukhodayaḥ। dehibhirdharmaparamaiśrvartavyo dharmasambhavaḥ॥  

paradāreṣvasaṁsargo nyāsastrīparirakṣaṇam। adattādānaviramo madhumāṁsasya varjanam ॥ eṣa pañcavidho dharmo bahuśākhaḥ sukhodayaḥ। dehibhirdharmaparamaiśrvartavyo dharmasambhavaḥ॥  

(Maha. Anush. Parv. 141.26-27) </blockquote>Meaning: Refraining from seeking other person's wife, protecting ladies and those under one's care, not taking any thing from other's (in the form of charity) without first giving, not consuming meat and liquor - these are five kinds of dharmas that lead one to happiness. Each of these five dharmas further lead into many branches. And those who hold dharma in high position always follow such dharmas for the sake of earning punya (merits).<ref name=":12" />

(Maha. Anush. Parv. 141.26-27) </blockquote>Meaning: Refraining from seeking other person's wife, protecting ladies and those under one's care, not taking any thing from other's (in the form of charity) without first giving, not consuming meat and liquor - these are five kinds of dharmas that lead one to happiness. Each of these five dharmas further lead into many branches. And those who hold dharma in high position always follow such dharmas for the sake of earning punya (merits).<ref name=":12" /> The Mahabharata also states that those who, being in grhasthashrama, do seva of parents, the women who serve their husbands and the brahmanas who do [[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|agnihotra]] daily, [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] and other devatas as well as the pitrs in the pitrloka become pleased with them and such people are pleased by their own dharma.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>शुश्रूषन्ते ये पितरं मातरं च गृहाश्रमे। भर्तारं चैव या नारी अग्निहोत्रं च ये द्विजाः।।१३.२११.३७  

The Mahabharata also states that those who, being in grhasthashrama, do seva of parents, the women who serve their husbands and the brahmanas who do agnihotra daily, Indra and other devatas as well as the pitrs in the pitrloka become pleased with them and such people are pleased by their own dharma.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>शुश्रूषन्ते ये पितरं मातरं च गृहाश्रमे। भर्तारं चैव या नारी अग्निहोत्रं च ये द्विजाः।।१३.२११.३७  

तेषुतेषु च प्रीणन्ति देवा इन्द्रपुरोगमाः। पितरः पितृलोकस्थाः स्वधर्मेण स रज्यते।।१३.२११.३८<ref name=":10" />

तेषुतेषु च प्रीणन्ति देवा इन्द्रपुरोगमाः। पितरः पितृलोकस्थाः स्वधर्मेण स रज्यते।।१३.२११.३८<ref name=":10" />

śuśrūṣante ye pitaraṁ mātaraṁ ca gr̥hāśrame। bhartāraṁ caiva yā nārī agnihotraṁ ca ye dvijāḥ।।13.211.37

śuśrūṣante ye pitaraṁ mātaraṁ ca gr̥hāśrame। bhartāraṁ caiva yā nārī agnihotraṁ ca ye dvijāḥ।।13.211.37

teṣuteṣu ca prīṇanti devā indrapurogamāḥ। pitaraḥ pitr̥lokasthāḥ svadharmeṇa sa rajyate।।13.211.38</blockquote>This is the fruit of upholding the duties of the grhasthashrama, happiness and merits.

teṣuteṣu ca prīṇanti devā indrapurogamāḥ। pitaraḥ pitr̥lokasthāḥ svadharmeṇa sa rajyate।।13.211.38</blockquote>This is the fruit of upholding the duties of the grhasthashrama - happiness and merits.

== कर्तव्यनिवृत्तिः ॥ Retirement from Duties ==

== कर्तव्यनिवृत्तिः ॥ Retirement from Duties ==

According to Manusmrti, when one has paid, according to the injunctions, one's debts to the great sages, to the forefathers, and to the deities, one should entrust everything to one's son and remain fixed in neutrality.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>महर्षिपितृदेवानां गत्वानृण्यं यथाविधि । पुत्रे सर्वं समासज्य वसेन्माध्यस्थ्यं आश्रितः । । ४.२५७ । ।<ref name=":2">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 4].</ref> maharṣipitr̥devānāṁ gatvānr̥ṇyaṁ yathāvidhi । putre sarvaṁ samāsajya vasenmādhyasthyaṁ āśritaḥ । । 4.257 । ।</blockquote>At this stage, one is advised to constantly meditate in solitude upon what is good for oneself. For, one who meditates in solitude attains the highest good.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>एकाकी चिन्तयेन्नित्यं विविक्ते हितं आत्मनः । एकाकी चिन्तयानो हि परं श्रेयोऽधिगच्छति । । ४.२५८ । ।<ref name=":2" /> ekākī cintayennityaṁ vivikte hitaṁ ātmanaḥ । ekākī cintayāno hi paraṁ śreyo'dhigacchati । । 4.258 । ।</blockquote>

According to Manusmrti, when one has paid, according to the injunctions, one's debts to the great sages, to the forefathers, and to the deities, one should entrust everything to one's son and remain fixed in neutrality.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>महर्षिपितृदेवानां गत्वानृण्यं यथाविधि । पुत्रे सर्वं समासज्य वसेन्माध्यस्थ्यं आश्रितः । । ४.२५७ । ।<ref name=":2">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 4].</ref> maharṣipitr̥devānāṁ gatvānr̥ṇyaṁ yathāvidhi । putre sarvaṁ samāsajya vasenmādhyasthyaṁ āśritaḥ । । 4.257 । ।</blockquote>At this stage, one is advised to constantly meditate in solitude upon what is good for oneself. For, one who meditates in solitude attains the highest good.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>एकाकी चिन्तयेन्नित्यं विविक्ते हितं आत्मनः । एकाकी चिन्तयानो हि परं श्रेयोऽधिगच्छति । । ४.२५८ । ।<ref name=":2" /> ekākī cintayennityaṁ vivikte hitaṁ ātmanaḥ । ekākī cintayāno hi paraṁ śreyo'dhigacchati । । 4.258 । ।</blockquote>

== मोक्षमार्गः ॥ Way to Attain Moksha ==

== मोक्षमार्गः ॥ Way to Attain Moksha ==

In the 14th Adhyaya of the 7th Skandha of the Bhagavata Purana, as Yudhisthira asks, Maharshi Narada explains to him the course of conduct by which a householder will attain moksha without difficulty.<ref name=":1">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, P.no.[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n109/mode/2up 979-984].</ref> He says that the duties of a householder leads one to the attainment of Jnana yoga. Describing the process, he says,

In the 14th Adhyaya of the 7th Skandha of the Bhagavata Purana, as Yudhisthira asks, [[Narada (नारदः)|Maharshi Narada]] explains to him the course of conduct by which a householder will attain [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]] without difficulty. He says that the duties of a householder leads one to the attainment of Jnana yoga. Describing the process, he says,

* Staying in the household and performing duties such as sandhya, worship and the Panchamahayajnas laid down for a householder as direct offering to Bhagavan Vasudeva without expecting anything in return for it, one should wait upon great sages in order to learn the truth.

* Staying in the household and performing duties such as [[Sandhyavandana (सन्ध्यावन्दनम्)|sandhya]], worship and the Panchamahayajnas laid down for a householder as direct offering to Bhagavan Vasudeva without expecting anything in return for it, one should wait upon great sages in order to learn the truth.

* Devoutly listening to the nectar-like sweet stories of the avataras of Vishnu during the leisure time after performance of duties, one should constantly be surrounded by people who are tranquil by nature.

* Devoutly listening to the nectar-like sweet stories of the avataras of Vishnu during the leisure time after performance of duties, one should constantly be surrounded by people who are tranquil by nature.

Such companionship with good people helps one to gradually release oneself from attachment to oneself, one's wife, children etc. and rise above them like a person awakened from a dream.  

Such companionship with good people helps one to gradually release oneself from attachment to oneself, one's wife, children etc. and rise above them like a person awakened from a dream.<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>सत्सङ्‌गाच्छनकैः सङ्‌गं आत्मजायात्मजादिषु ।  विमुञ्चेन् मुच्यमानेषु स्वयं स्वप्नवदुत्थितः ॥ ४ ॥<ref name=":17" />

Infact it is also suggested that even though one may be a householder, one should not take extraordinary measures to fulfil the three purusharthas. Rather one should enjoy what is afforded to oneself by providence according to its place and time. As also duly share one's objects of enjoyment with all down to dogs, papis and people belonging to the lowest strata of the society. Infact, sharing what one has obtained in one's own vocation with deities, sages, human beings, other living beings, pitrs and his own self is described as a means to worship the antaryamin or the indweller daily.

satsaṅ‌gācchanakaiḥ saṅ‌gaṁ ātmajāyātmajādiṣu । vimuñcen mucyamāneṣu svayaṁ svapnavadutthitaḥ ॥ 4 ॥ </blockquote>Infact it is also suggested that even though one may be a householder, one should not take extraordinary measures to fulfil the three purusharthas. Rather one should enjoy what is afforded to oneself by providence according to its place and time. As also duly share one's objects of enjoyment with all down to dogs, papis and people belonging to the lowest strata of the society. Infact, sharing what one has obtained in one's own vocation with deities, sages, human beings, other living beings, pitrs and his own self is described as a means to worship the antaryamin or the indweller daily.

It is said that if one possesses all the required materials as well as the requisite qualifications for performing yajnas, one should worship the Supreme being according to the procedure laid down in the Shrauta and Kalpa sutras. However, Bhagavan, the enjoyer of yajnas is still more satisfied when morsels of food are offered to Him through the mouths of the brahmanas than through oblations offered in the fire. Therefore, one should worship this Inner controller through the brahmanas, deities presiding over the Panchamahayajnas as also through human beings and other creatures, by offering them objects of enjoyment, in the respective order, after feeding the brahmanas.<ref name=":1" /> In this way, one will be able to worship all living entities; in other words, the supreme being within every living entity.  

It is said that if one possesses all the required materials as well as the requisite qualifications for performing yajnas, one should worship the Supreme being according to the procedure laid down in the Shrauta and Kalpa sutras. However, Bhagavan, the enjoyer of yajnas is still more satisfied when morsels of food are offered to Him through the mouths of the brahmanas than through oblations offered in the fire. Therefore, one should worship this Inner controller through the brahmanas, deities presiding over the Panchamahayajnas as also through human beings and other creatures, by offering them objects of enjoyment, in the respective order, after feeding the brahmanas.<ref name=":1" /> In this way, one will be able to worship all living entities; in other words, the supreme being within every living entity.  

Moreover, it is also said that an intelligent person should consider the things obtained or the food left over from the offering to the deities in the Panchamahayajnas as one's means of livelihood. For, by this notion one can give up attachment to the body and the so-called proprietorship of the body. And when one is able to do this, then one becomes firmly fixed in the position of a great human being or mahatma.<ref name=":16" />

Moreover, it is also said that an intelligent person should consider the things obtained or the food left over from the offering to the deities in the Panchamahayajnas as one's means of livelihood. For, by this notion one can give up attachment to the body and the so-called proprietorship of the body. And when one is able to do this, then one becomes firmly fixed in the position of a great human being or mahatma.<ref name=":16" /><blockquote>सिद्धैर्यज्ञावशिष्टार्थैः कल्पयेद् वृत्तिमात्मनः । शेषे स्वत्वं त्यजन् प्राज्ञः पदवीं महतामियात् ॥ १४ ॥<ref name=":17" />

 

 

The Bhagavata Purana also enumerates a few occassions like the Sankrantis that are particularly considered as very auspicious times for humanity conducive to the attainment of prosperity and advices that if sufficiently rich, a dvija (brahmana, kshatriya and vaishya) should perform according to one's means, the shraddha ie. Mahalaya in honour of one's departed parents as well as their kinsmen during these times. For, the performance of ablutions, japa, homa, observance of a vrata, worship of deities and brahmanas and gifts given in the names of pitrs, deities, men and living entities in general on these specific days, bear everlasting fruit.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":16" />   

etāndeśān niṣeveta śreyaskāmo hyabhīkṣṇaśaḥ । dharmo hyatrehitaḥ puṁsāṁ sahasrādhiphalodayaḥ ॥ 33 ॥</blockquote>At the same time, it also subtly emphasizes the need to love Shri Hari in the form of his creation for the fructification of one's worship. It says, some people with perfect devotion in the worship of Hari propitiate him thereby. But to some, the worship of Hari, even though performed, is not fruitful due to their hatred towards his creation.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>ततोऽर्चायां हरिं केचित् संश्रद्धाय सपर्यया । उपासत उपास्तापि नार्थदा पुरुषद्विषाम् ॥ ४० ॥<ref name=":17" />   

The text also enlists Punya Kshetras that enhance one's religious merits and mentions that one who is desirous of blessings, should constantly sojourn at these sacred-most spots where the murti or vigrahas of Hari are installed. For, righteous duties performed here with an intention to advance in one's spiritual journey, yield fruits thousand times more than what accrues at other places. At the same time, it also subtly emphasizes the need to love Shri Hari in the form of his creation for the fructification of one's worship. It says, some people with perfect devotion in the worship of Hari propitiate him thereby. But to some, the worship of Hari, even though performed, is not fruitful due to their hatred towards his creation.<ref name=":1" />

tato'rcāyāṁ hariṁ kecit saṁśraddhāya saparyayā । upāsata upāstāpi nārthadā puruṣadviṣām ॥ 40 ॥</blockquote>

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Dharmas]]

[[Category:Dharmas]]

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