Asian Journal of Language, Literature and Culture Studies

Castes, Rites and Rituals in Hinduism: An Analytical Insight

Ankita Chand *

Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture, University of Calcutta, Sahid Kshudiram Siksha Prangan, 1, Reformatory Street, Alipore, Kolkata 700027, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Hinduism is the most ancient and surviving living religion with about 15% of global population. It is basically an amalgamation of various cultures, traditions, and doctrines those are unique to India.The concept of God in Hinduism is multifaceted and hinges on each individual, the tradition, and philosophy. Nevertheless, the basic purposes of human life in Hinduism are based on four fundamental aspects of life, i.e., Dharma (ethics/morals/duties), Kama (desires/wishes/passions), Artha (prosperity/success/work), and Moksha (free from the cycle of birth and death/salvation). The Hindu society is classified into four principal categories known as castes; Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (farmers and traders), and Shudras (labourers). The primary cause for obeying to caste duties is to achieve Moksha. The subsequent rise of other religions like Islam, Christianity, etc. had their impacts on the caste system of Hinduism. The chief scriptures in Hinduism are Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharat and Ramayans. There are many religious rites (Samskaras) in Hinduism which purify the body, mind and intellect making the individuals fit for the society. In this article sixteen numbers of widely accepted such rites (Shodasa Samskaras) are listed with brief description. Some perceive Hinduism not as religion, but simply as the way of life which is the aggregation of customs and rituals (called as Aachaaraas). The details of them are also discussed here. Besides, the matters like concepts of God in Hinduism, its origin and development, religious institutions, dietary customs, festivals, pilgrimages, etc. are covered.

Keywords: Hinduism, caste, rite, ritual, custom, ceremony, festival, pilgrimage

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