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Similarly they also got ample dowry (Daat) from their fathers.
This description indicates that the system of dowry has its origin in ancient times. The kings, rich and poor gave dowry according to their capacity. The boys side also gave in the form of Pritidan. But it should be remembered that dowry is not compulsory. Its name is Pritidan which means the wealth or other things given by parents of the bride as a token of their love and affection and according to their status in the society, without any pressure.
In that age the status of woman was highly respectable. Marriage was a festive occasion and was celebrated with happiness and joy.
In the Vedic religion marriage is called sanskar (consecration) which means to retine or to improve life or give it a new, desired and progressive form. That is the reason for performing many ceremonies at the time of a marriage
In Jain religion man and woman are considered equal. In the social life also they have equal rights. That is why with dowry their was also the system of Pritidan.
Truly speaking both these systems are prevalent now also. The parents of the bride give dowry and the boys family also gives ornaments, dresses etc. to the bride.
Another point is that in the Indian society marriage, besides being a family and social tie, is also a religious and moral relationship and is lifelong. In the Jain Agams the importance of marriage is expressed by calling a wife dhammashaya' or partner in religion. Calling a wife Dharma-patni (wife according to religion) the institution of marriage has been enjoined with religion and spirituality.
3. DESCRIPTION OF DIKSHA (INITIATION) Diksha, specially the initiation as a Jain Shraman is the person's new life. Being born out of the womb of the mother a man starts his worldly life and by ge
Is his worldly life and by getting initiated he renounces the world and enters his religious life. He turns his back towards the world and gets detached from the mundane activities and indulgences. Well being of the self and others, shedding of karmas and getting liberated become his prime and only goals.
Inspired by a Tirthankar, Kevali, acharya or a god, when a man finds the world bitter. he seeks permission from his parents and others to get initiated. Out of fondness the parents try to stop him but they have to yield to the strong resolve of the seeker. They give him permission and celebrate the renunciation ceremony.
In Antakriddasha Sutra the initiation ceremony of Gautam Kumar has been described in slightly greater details.
It so happens that sometimes the parents make their initiation seeking son a king for a day, as has been described in the chapters of Antakriddasha Sutra containing the stories of Gajasukumal and Atimuktak Kumar (Evanta Kumar). After becoming a king the
Antakriddasha Mahima
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