Hari Uthan and marriage in AI Age
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Free Thinker
It is really surprising to learn the fact that scholars, thinkers, doctors, engineers , professionals, and even scientists are actually waiting for the auspicious marriage season, religiously specified. In other words they marry when Sri Vishnu (Hari) remains awake.
Hindu marriage is a sacrament- made in heaven. The belief system maintains that the marriage is predetermined-it is destined to happen. Hindu marriages are not simply social and physical bonding but religious and spiritual - divine union. In our ancient law books it is also defined as a sacrament. It is believed that match making for marriages is done by the Almighty. .
There is no difference between Hari Uthan and Dev Uthani. The idea or belief is the same. Hari (Vishnu ji) takes a cosmic nap for four months. While taking Yogic rest he does not respond to the prayers or pleading from the humans. There could be an emergency message system for the Gods and Goddesses. But living creatures like us have to accept what is stated in the Scriptures or being taught.
In Hinduism eight forms of marriages exist, out of which only a few are now legal .First one is the Brahma Vivaha which is the highest form of marriage; the groom's party approaches the bride's family; if agreed, marriage is performed without any dowry or give and take; but via Kanyadaan (which is now questioned but not illegal).
Daiva Vivaha by which a bride is given to a Pandit or Brahman as dakshina (which is objectionable and illegal too). Arsha Vivaha which is done by giving gifts to the bride's parents (somewhat inappropriate & demeaning). Prajapatya Vivaha is somewhat similar to Brahma Vivaha but here the bride's parents approach the groom's party - mutual understanding (it is fine).
Fifth one is the Asura Vivaha through which the bride is purchased by the groom (this is highly objectionable and illegal). Gandharva Vivaha-this marriage is performed through love and mutual consent (democratic but parent's acceptance may not be possible every time). Rakshasa Vivaha is a cruel form of marriage which is nasty and illegal but performed through kidnapping or abduction of the bride.
Last one is the Paishacha Vivaha which is manoeuvred through rape or drugging the bride (it is a heinous criminal offence).
Scriptures say that Vishnu ji sleeps for 4 months (Yogic sleep). When he is sleeping he can't give blessings to anyone. So the intended couples have to fix their marria- ges accordingly- wait till he gets up if his blessings are anticipated. My wife and myself got married just before Vishnu ji came out of his slumber. That Year he got up in November. But we got married in October. Still we believed we had received his blessings when he got up. Perhaps He could understand our urgency and limited leaves etc.
Hari Uthan is the local name of Dev Uthani. The notion is the same. Hari (Vishnu ji) takes a cosmic doze for four months. While taking Yogic nap as mentioned earlier he does not respond to any call. When there is an urgency he may be invoked to rise but normally he doesn't .
Whether a marriage is legal or not depends on the parameters of our legal and statutory paradigm. Legally speaking a boy of 21 and a girl of 18 can get married in Bharat. But there are many ifs and buts. Bigamy is not allowed by law ; if no party or even the envious party don't complain- the marriage subsists. For a Government employee bigamy is strictly not allowed. But an employee having four wives, if no one complains, he continues in the job & at the same time all marriages subsist.
These days in our society there is practice of 'ijaat davi' ; If I understand correctly the girl/lady is returned by the abductor or kidnapper to her parents or guardians by giving a price. How come such a practice evolves in the last few years. Earlier we were not aware of such a crazy and bizarre practice.
One thing, drawing the attention of all, the institution of marriage is perhaps crumbling- may be because of global cultural and technological influence. Earlier it was believed or even true that the oriental marriages are strong and stable. It applies to us too.
Globally, Muslims are very practical people and they remain contractual from the very beginning. Even in this fast and AI age they remain up to date. That is why the western civilisation is jealous of the Islamic world. In certain aspects they are more advanced than the advanced countries.
Perhaps our marriages remain quite steady and durable because we believe in the 'divine union' theory. Not only the Hindus , the Christians also believe in divine matchmaking.
They still hold the notion that marriages are made in Heaven. It gives a Godly sanctity above law and customary practices. Perhaps this religious and spiritual sacrament made our marriages secure and lasting.
But these days ironically our younger generations have lost faith and trust in the institution of marriage. They have started asking, what is the need ? Theory of procreation, partnership, and social stability fail to convince them. Scornfully they say they have machines, robots and AI to sustain and survive. The latest edition in favour of their contention is that, now, procreation is possible without a marriage partner.
The institution of marriage is in jeopardy with our new generations! Can we save it ?
It is really surprising to learn the fact that scholars, thinkers, doctors, engineers , professionals, and even scientists are actually waiting for the auspicious marriage season, religiously specified. In other words they marry when Sri Vishnu (Hari) remains awake.
Hindu marriage is a sacrament- made in heaven. The belief system maintains that the marriage is predetermined-it is destined to happen. Hindu marriages are not simply social and physical bonding but religious and spiritual - divine union. In our ancient law books it is also defined as a sacrament. It is believed that match making for marriages is done by the Almighty. .
There is no difference between Hari Uthan and Dev Uthani. The idea or belief is the same. Hari (Vishnu ji) takes a cosmic nap for four months. While taking Yogic rest he does not respond to the prayers or pleading from the humans. There could be an emergency message system for the Gods and Goddesses. But living creatures like us have to accept what is stated in the Scriptures or being taught.
In Hinduism eight forms of marriages exist, out of which only a few are now legal .First one is the Brahma Vivaha which is the highest form of marriage; the groom's party approaches the bride's family; if agreed, marriage is performed without any dowry or give and take; but via Kanyadaan (which is now questioned but not illegal).
Daiva Vivaha by which a bride is given to a Pandit or Brahman as dakshina (which is objectionable and illegal too). Arsha Vivaha which is done by giving gifts to the bride's parents (somewhat inappropriate & demeaning). Prajapatya Vivaha is somewhat similar to Brahma Vivaha but here the bride's parents approach the groom's party - mutual understanding (it is fine).
Fifth one is the Asura Vivaha through which the bride is purchased by the groom (this is highly objectionable and illegal). Gandharva Vivaha-this marriage is performed through love and mutual consent (democratic but parent's acceptance may not be possible every time). Rakshasa Vivaha is a cruel form of marriage which is nasty and illegal but performed through kidnapping or abduction of the bride.
Last one is the Paishacha Vivaha which is manoeuvred through rape or drugging the bride (it is a heinous criminal offence).
Scriptures say that Vishnu ji sleeps for 4 months (Yogic sleep). When he is sleeping he can't give blessings to anyone. So the intended couples have to fix their marria- ges accordingly- wait till he gets up if his blessings are anticipated. My wife and myself got married just before Vishnu ji came out of his slumber. That Year he got up in November. But we got married in October. Still we believed we had received his blessings when he got up. Perhaps He could understand our urgency and limited leaves etc.
Hari Uthan is the local name of Dev Uthani. The notion is the same. Hari (Vishnu ji) takes a cosmic doze for four months. While taking Yogic nap as mentioned earlier he does not respond to any call. When there is an urgency he may be invoked to rise but normally he doesn't .
Whether a marriage is legal or not depends on the parameters of our legal and statutory paradigm. Legally speaking a boy of 21 and a girl of 18 can get married in Bharat. But there are many ifs and buts. Bigamy is not allowed by law ; if no party or even the envious party don't complain- the marriage subsists. For a Government employee bigamy is strictly not allowed. But an employee having four wives, if no one complains, he continues in the job & at the same time all marriages subsist.
These days in our society there is practice of 'ijaat davi' ; If I understand correctly the girl/lady is returned by the abductor or kidnapper to her parents or guardians by giving a price. How come such a practice evolves in the last few years. Earlier we were not aware of such a crazy and bizarre practice.
One thing, drawing the attention of all, the institution of marriage is perhaps crumbling- may be because of global cultural and technological influence. Earlier it was believed or even true that the oriental marriages are strong and stable. It applies to us too.
Globally, Muslims are very practical people and they remain contractual from the very beginning. Even in this fast and AI age they remain up to date. That is why the western civilisation is jealous of the Islamic world. In certain aspects they are more advanced than the advanced countries.
Perhaps our marriages remain quite steady and durable because we believe in the 'divine union' theory. Not only the Hindus , the Christians also believe in divine matchmaking.
They still hold the notion that marriages are made in Heaven. It gives a Godly sanctity above law and customary practices. Perhaps this religious and spiritual sacrament made our marriages secure and lasting.
But these days ironically our younger generations have lost faith and trust in the institution of marriage. They have started asking, what is the need ? Theory of procreation, partnership, and social stability fail to convince them. Scornfully they say they have machines, robots and AI to sustain and survive. The latest edition in favour of their contention is that, now, procreation is possible without a marriage partner.
The institution of marriage is in jeopardy with our new generations! Can we save it ?