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=== 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=":8" /><blockquote>गृहस्थः प्रवरस्तेषां गार्हस्थ्यं धर्ममाश्रितः।.. १३.२०८.४२<ref name=":9" /> 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.<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=":8" /><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=":8">Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref><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 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=":8">Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref><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  

Having completed the study of Vedas and after having observed 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.

Having completed the study of Vedas and after having observed 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.

'''Mahabharata''', Anushasana Parva, Danadharma upaparva contains the details about how a grhastha in different varnas should conduct themselves and the qualities that should be cultured by every grhastha in the Uma Maheshvara Samvada.

'''Mahabharata''', Anushasana Parva, Danadharma upaparva contains the details about how a grhastha in different varnas should conduct themselves and the qualities that should be cultured by every grhastha in the Uma Maheshvara Samvada (Adhyayas 140-146).

Observing the Pancha Mahayajnas, outer and inner purity, being happy with one's own wife, approaching one's wife for conjugal bliss at the right time alone, being engrossed in dana, yajna and tapas, not travelling to foreign countries and engaging in the study of vedas along with agnihotra are the dharmas of a grhastha.<ref name=":8" />

Observing the Pancha Mahayajnas, outer and inner purity, being happy with one's own wife, approaching one's wife for conjugal bliss at the right time alone, being engrossed in dana, yajna and tapas, not travelling to foreign countries and engaging in the study of vedas along with agnihotra are the dharmas of a grhastha.<ref name=":8" />

तेषुतेषु च प्रीणन्ति देवा इन्द्रपुरोगमाः। पितरः पितृलोकस्थाः स्वधर्मेण स रज्यते।।13.211.38<ref name=":10" />

तेषुतेषु च प्रीणन्ति देवा इन्द्रपुरोगमाः। पितरः पितृलोकस्थाः स्वधर्मेण स रज्यते।।13.211.38<ref name=":10" />

Following the rules of Vrata and Upavasa, doing tapasya, engaging in dana, nourishing the dependent class, being compasionate towards the poor, staying away from other's women, always loving one's wife are the duties of a grhastha.<ref name=":12" />

Following the rules of Vrata and Upavasa, doing tapasya, engaging in dana, nourishing the dependent class, being compasionate towards the poor, staying away from other's women, always loving one's wife are the duties of a grhastha.<ref name=":12">Pt. Ramnarayanadutta Shastri Pandey. ''Mahabharata, Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation)'' Gorakhpur : Gita Press (Page 5918)</ref>

व्रतोपवासनियमस्तपो दानं च शक्तितः। भरणं भृत्यवर्गस्य दीनानामनुकम्पनम्।।13.211.45 परदारान्निवृत्तिश्च स्वदारेषु रतिः सदा।13.211.46<ref name=":10" />

व्रतोपवासनियमस्तपो दानं च शक्तितः। भरणं भृत्यवर्गस्य दीनानामनुकम्पनम्।।13.211.45 परदारान्निवृत्तिश्च स्वदारेषु रतिः सदा।13.211.46<ref name=":10" />

The Mahabharata states that a grhastha should purify his mind by performing the Panchamahayajnas. A grhastha 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 - Such a grhastha is considered righteous.<ref name=":12" />

The Mahabharata states that a grhastha should purify his mind by performing the Panchamahayajnas. A grhastha 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 - Such a grhastha is considered righteous.<ref name=":12" />

'''Manusmrti'''

'''Manusmrti'''

Doing homa in the vaivahika agni (the agni in whose presence one's marriage has taken place) as well as Vaishvadeva, Shanti-Paushtika karmas, Nitya paka, etc should be performed by a grhastha.<ref>Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.343659/page/n217/mode/2up?view=theater The Manusmriti], Lucknow: Newal Kishore Press.</ref>

Doing homa in the vaivahika agni (the agni in whose presence one's marriage has taken place) as well as Vaishvadeva, Shanti-Paushtika karmas, Nitya paka, etc should be performed by a grhastha.<ref>Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.343659/page/n217/mode/2up?view=theater The Manusmriti], Lucknow: Newal Kishore Press.</ref>

== गृहस्थलक्षणानि ॥ Qualities of a Grhastha ==

== गृहस्थलक्षणानि ॥ Qualities of a Grhastha ==

<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यवचनं सर्वभूतानुकम्पनम्। शमो दानं यथाशक्ति गार्हस्थ्यो धर्म उत्तमः॥ (Maha. Anush. Parv. 141.25)</blockquote>Maheshvara explains - Ahimsa (refraining from harming any being), speaking satya (truth), compassion towards all creatures, practicing shama (control of mind and indriyas or sense organs) and giving unto others as per one's capacity (dana) are the greatest dharmas to be followed by a grhastha.<ref name=":12">Pt. Ramnarayanadutta Shastri Pandey. ''Mahabharata, Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation)'' Gorakhpur : Gita Press (Page 5918)</ref> The Bhagavata Purana says,<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>

<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यवचनं सर्वभूतानुकम्पनम्। शमो दानं यथाशक्ति गार्हस्थ्यो धर्म उत्तमः॥ (Maha. Anush. Parv. 141.25)</blockquote>Maheshvara explains - Ahimsa (refraining from harming any being), speaking satya (truth), compassion towards all creatures, practicing shama (control of mind and indriyas or sense organs) and giving unto others as per one's capacity (dana) are the greatest dharmas to be followed by a grhastha.<ref name=":8" /> The Bhagavata Purana says,<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>Meaning: He should be of a good character, moderate in eating, alert and prompt (in work), of reverential faith in shastras and self-controlled. It is only when absolutely necessary and to that much extent only that he should deal with women (eg. for getting alms) 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>

''suśīlo mitabhugdakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ । yāvadarthaṁ vyavaharetstrīṣu strīnirjiteṣu ca ॥ 6॥''</blockquote>Meaning: He should be of a good character, moderate in eating, alert and prompt (in work), of reverential faith in shastras and self-controlled. It is only when absolutely necessary and to that much extent only that he should deal with women (eg. for getting alms) 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>

== Conduct of a Grhastha ==

== Conduct of a Grhastha ==

एष पञ्चविधो धर्मो बहुशाखः सुखोदयः। देहिभिर्धर्मपरमैश्र्वर्तव्यो धर्मसम्भवः॥ (Maha. Anush. Parv. 141.26-27) </blockquote>Refraining from seeking other person's wife, protecting ladies and those under his 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. Those who hold dharma in high position always follow such dharma for the sake of earning punya (merits).<ref name=":12" />

एष पञ्चविधो धर्मो बहुशाखः सुखोदयः। देहिभिर्धर्मपरमैश्र्वर्तव्यो धर्मसम्भवः॥ (Maha. Anush. Parv. 141.26-27) </blockquote>Refraining from seeking other person's wife, protecting ladies and those under his 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. Those who hold dharma in high position always follow such dharma for the sake of earning punya (merits).<ref name=":12" />

Mahabharata

Mahabharata