Significance of Master of the house
The term "Master of the house" encompasses various interpretations across different texts. In Purana, it signifies the deceased Brahman or symbolizes the mind's control over bodily actions. Jyotisha highlights the individual's influence on fortune through omens like crow's cries. Dharmashastra identifies the master as the key authority figure, responsible for household governance, rituals, and family welfare. In Theravada, this title refers to the husband unaware of personal troubles. Overall, it emphasizes authority, responsibility, and the balance of familial roles.
Synonyms: Lord of the house, Head of the household, Landlord, Proprietor, Householder.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Master of the house'
In Buddhism, the term "Master of the house" symbolizes the husband, a brahmin, who remains oblivious to his wife's disloyalty, highlighting themes of ignorance and the emotional complexities of familial relationships.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The husband, referred to as the brahmin, who was unaware of his wife's infidelity.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Master of the house'
In Hinduism, the "Master of the house" embodies various roles: the male ritual leader, a central household figure, a metaphor for the mind, and the deceased Brahman, indicating responsibility, influence, and authority over family and rituals.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The individual, typically a male figure, who is responsible for conducting rituals and received rewards based on the honouring of women.[2] (2) The individual who is responsible for the sacrificial rites and participates in hunting for animals as stated in the sacrificial customs.[3] (3) The primary authority figure of a household who is responsible for approving transactions made by dependents, including servants.[4] (4) Denotes the person responsible for a household, whose actions can lead to consequences that affect their family and associates.[5]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The main figure leading the ritual sitting in a designated position during the ceremony.[6]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The person in charge of the household who plays a central role in the rituals.[7]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Refers to the deceased Brahman, whose absence created a deep sense of loss in the environment.[8] (2) A metaphor for the mind, which orchestrates various actions within the body, similar to how a master runs a household.[9]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Refers to the individual in charge of the residence, whose fortune is influenced by the crow's cries.[10]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The individual occupying a home who must report any strangers arriving or departing, or risk being guilty of offenses committed during that time.[11]
The concept of Master of the house in local and regional sources
The term "Master of the house" encapsulates the authority figure responsible for the household dynamics, reflecting relationships, ownership, and societal roles, as illustrated through various interactions involving guests, familial ties, and personal grievances.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The host who questions the man from Pandhari about his grief and the circumstances causing his pain.[12] (2) A reference to ownership that is juxtaposed with the idea of a thief, illustrating equality in Tuka's eyes.[13] (3) A reference made by Rajai regarding her husband, indicating concern about the unexpected guests arriving in his absence.[14] (4) A figure responsible for the household, depicted here in the context of the relationship between a cow and its calf.[15]