Significance of Garhasthya

Garhasthya is recognized in both Purana and Vedanta as the second stage of ashrama, representing the life of a householder. It encapsulates the domestic stage of human existence, characterized by specific responsibilities and virtues associated with married life. This stage emphasizes the importance of fulfilling duties within the household and is essential to Hindu philosophy, which identifies it as one of the four main stages of life, known as Ashramas.

Synonyms: Householder, Domestic life, Family life, Married life, Household responsibilities, Familial duties., Household, Marital life

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Garhasthya'

Hinduism Books

Garhasthya in Hinduism represents the householder stage of life within the Ashramas, focusing on domestic responsibilities and virtues of a married individual, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling specific duties in societal and familial contexts.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) The household life or domestic stage of human existence, associated with specific responsibilities and duties.[1]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The householder's stage of life in Hindu philosophy, one of the four main stages known as Ashramas.[2]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) The stage of household life involving marriage, material enjoyment, and acquisition of Artha and Kama.[3]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

The concept of Garhasthya in local and regional sources

History Books

Garhasthya is identified as a life stage in the text, emphasizing its significance within a broader framework. This stage embodies domestic responsibilities and personal growth, reflecting traditional values tied to family and societal roles.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Garhasthya is one of the four orders of life and is used in the context of the stages of life.[4] (2) The text references 'Garhasthya' as a stage of life, providing context.[5]