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May 20, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 322
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In hindu tradition, marriage is viewed as a sacrament and is not a contract. Marriage is a life long commitment of one wife and one husband and is the strongest social and moral bond that ever takes place between a man and a woman. Marriage is also considered as a relation between two families and the families are morally obligated to do whatever they can to help the young couple make the marriage work.
In arranged marriages, the bride and the bridegroom are generally selected by the parents or the elders. Being experienced and elderly and with a deep knowledge of their children, they can better evaluate the merits and demerits of the relationship.
This system has been criticized because in many cases, parents tend to seek relations on the basis of superior social and financial status. Also because some parents would demand wealth in exchange to their children.
Nowadays, young people should consider the arranged marriage as a point to start right and use their parents recommendations as recommendations. The final decision should be made by the young couple. It is important to realize that marriage is a life long process of discovery and compromise.
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May 19, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 321
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Here are the Hindu equivalent names for days of the week.
- Sunday RaviVara
- Monday SomaVara
- Tuesday MangalVara
- Wednesday Budhavara
- Thursday Guruvara
- Friday Shukravara
- Saturday Shanivara
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May 18, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 320
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In Hindu Astrology, the solar signs of western astrology are called Rasis.When you look at Hindu astrology forecasts use the following translation.
- Aries Mesham
- Taurus Rishabam
- Gemini Mithunam
- Cancer Kathakam
- Leo Simham
- Virgo Kanya
- Libra Thulam
- Scorpio Vrishchigam
- Sagittarius Dhanus
- Capricorn Makaram
- Aquarius Kumbham
- Pisces Meenam
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May 7, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 317
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Marriage is a holy bond between a man and a woman. Every religion has some symbolic ceremonies to enfore
the sanctity of marriage like taking vows etc. One of the important traditions in Hindu wedding is the seven
steps(Sapta pati) This marriage ceremony consists of taking seven steps with seven vows
in front of Agni (the holy fire). The Agni, or fire, is very sacred in the Hindu religion
as it is considered to be the purifier. A pink cloth is draped over the bride's shoulder and
tied to groom's shoulders. The following seven vows have been simplified for understanding.
- Vow to keep a pure household
- Vow to develop mental, physical and spiritual powers to keep the marriage.
- Vow to increase wealth by righteousness
- Vow to acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love and trust
- Vow to pray for virtuous, courageous, and intelligent children
- Vow to pray for health and longevity
- Vow that we will always remain true companions life long
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May 6, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 316
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Hinduism does not approve suicide. Hinds believe that human life is precious since it is attained after hundreds and thousands of births. It provides an unique opportunity to each individual to make a quantum jump to higher states of existence finally attaining immortality. Death is not considered fearsome as we know that we have been born and died many times before. The soul is immortal. According to Bhagwad Gita, the body is like a set of clothes. After a while we discard our old clothes and don new ones.
According to Hindu religion death is not a contradiction of life. Birth and death, are two sides of the cosmic's eternal evolution cycle. What you will be born as during your next birth depends on actions and good and bad deeds performed in this life. One can elevate himself to a better next life by performing good deeds in this life. People must take responsibility for their actions either within this life time or the next.
The culmination of this eternal cycle is Moksha, end of the death and rebrith cycle and is considered the fourth and ultimate artha (goal). It is the transcendence of all arthas. It is achieved by overcoming ignorance and desires and performing good deeds during every birth.
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March 27, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 299
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Religion is considered to be extremely important in India. Hinduism is the most popular religion in India. About 82 per cent of Indians follow Hindusim with its infinite sub sects and different flavors. The other major religions of India are: Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
Inspite of huge following Hinduism has no unique philosophy. It is very diversified in theoretical foundation and practical expressions. There are a multitude of subsects following different practices and different philosophies. Hinduism cannot be traced to a specific founder unlike other religions. Majority of the scholars agree that the sacred texts of Hindu religion are: the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Atharva, and Sama Veda), Upanishads, Ramayan,, MahaBharat, and Bhagwad Gita.
In addition, different sub sects of the religion follow different sacred texts.
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March 21, 2005
| Tradition
FactID: 289
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Karwa Chauth is a fast undertaken by married Hindu women who offer prayers seeking the prosperity, well-being, and longevity of their husbands. The term 'Chauth' means the 'fourth day' and 'Karwa' is an earthen pot with a spout - a symbol of peace and prosperity.
Traditionally women fast the whole day and pray and eat only after observing the moon directly or as a reflection in a platter of water.
This festival comes 9 days before Diwali, i.e., on the fourth day of the new moon immediately after Dusshera, in the month of 'Karthik' (October-November).
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|  Source: http://www.karwachauth.com
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