Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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heavenly beings, the Sun, Indra, Varun, may also be worshipped. Offerings of sacred substances and food are given during pujaa and afterwards, the food is distributed among the family members. Most temples have a brahmin priest, who is responsible for the maintenance of the temple, making offerings on behalf of devotees and performing rituals. Some rituals can be extremely elaborate such as the yagnas, in which sacred offerings, such as sandalwood, to the sacred fire are made to purify the self and the family members.. Hindu prayers largely consist of the silent repeated recitation of mantras such as “Ram! Ram! Or Krishna! Krishna!" and reading passages from the Ramayana or Gita, Bhajans and sermons.
There are many Hindu temples in Britain; the most famous among them are Swaminarayan temple at Neasden, London, Hare Krishna temple at Watford and Balaji temples near Birmingham.
Holy Days
Hindus observe many sacred days such as the Makar Sankrant, Vasant Panchami, Mahashivratri, Holi, Swaminarayan Jayanti, Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Navaratri, Dassera and Diwali.
Life style
Hindus observe many sacred duties and social rituals such as those for marriage and death, and of wearing the sacred thread (janoi). Generally, Hindu society is patriarchal, however women are respected and their views are noted, particularly from older women. Since the beginning of this century, women have been given a greater role in the management of the households, businesses, society and the state.
Rites and Rituals
Hindu rites and rituals vary because of background, castes and regions. Hindu baby rites are: Garbhadana (conception), Punsavana (foetus protection), Simantonnyana (satisfying the craving of the pregnant mother), Jatakarma (at birth, whispering the name of God in the child's ear), Namakarna (naming ceremony), Annaprasana, (first taste of solid food). Karnavedha (earpiercing ceremony) and Mundan (first haircut) and Upanayana (sacred thread).
Marriage is usually an arranged marriage; the divorce was rare, but now it is increasing. In Britain women are usually given equal status. The new generation of Hindu couples share domestic, financial and social duties.
After death body is cremated as soon as possible.
Hinduism and animals: Most Hindus are vegetarian. The doctrine of ahimsa leads Hindus to treat animals well; the cows are considered as a sacred animal, hence a Hindu will not eat beef.
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