The 5 Constant & Daily Duties
of a Hindu
The 5 Constant Duties
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Throughout life a Hindu must practice five
constant duties (pañcha nitya karmas). These
are the minimal practices which guide a person
in everyday life and ensure peace, material and
spiritual prosperity.
Dharma (righteousness)
Tirthayatra (pilgrimage)
Utsava (holy days)
Samskaras (sacraments)
Sarva Brahma (God is in all)
Dharma (Righteousness)
 Live a virtuous life in accordance with the teachings of
the scriptures. Cultivate virtues of purity, self-control,
detachment, thinking of others first, truth and ahimsã.
Be respectful of parents, teachers, and elders.
 Dharma also means performing all duties associated with
one's normal profession, and individual and social
obligations. Work must be performed purely for its own
sake and not merely for reward.
 "Fix thy heart upon thy work, but not on its reward.
Work not for a reward; but never cease to do thy work."
(Bhagavad Gîtã 2.47)
Tirthayatra (pilgrimage)
• Regularly visit holy people, temples, and sacred
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pilgrimage sites.
Pilgrimage is an important aspect of Hinduism. It
is an undertaking to see and be seen by the
deity.
The River Ganges is the holiest river for Hindus,
it is life, purity and a goddess to the people of
India. The sacred water washes sins away.
Utsava (Holy Days)
 Participate in festivals and holy days in the home
and temple. Observe fasts on holy days. This
practice inculcates God-consciousness, refreshes
the mind and creates a sense of togetherness in
the family and the community.
 Diwali is the Indian festival
of light, it is dedicated to
Lakshmi the goddess of
wealth. It is the Hindu new
year.
Samskaras (Sacraments)
 Perform various Samskãras in accordance with
the scriptures.
 Samskãras are the religious ceremonies which
mark and sanctify an individual's passage through
life.
 They purify the mind by inculcating truthfulness
in the mind, and purity and generosity in the
heart.
 There are 16 main Samskãras. These range from
conception to funeral ceremonies.
Sarva Brahma (God is in all)
• God lives in the hearts of all beings.
Practice this truth, realize it and be free.
The 5 Daily Duties
In addition to the 5 constant duties, a devout
Hindu is to perform five daily duties (pañcha
mahã yagñas). These also help guide a person
in everyday life and ensure peace, material and
spiritual prosperity.
1. Worship God (Deva Yagna)
2. Study the Vedas & scriptures (Brahma Yagna)
3. Contemplate on teachings of holy men (Pitri
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5.
Yagna)
Provide alms (Bhuta Yagni)
Show hospitality (Nara Yagna)
Worship God (Deva Yagna)
 Worship God in the form of a family deity
 In the home shrine through prayers and
meditations.
 Helps one to become God-conscious in all daily
activities.
 Arouses a sense of togetherness
in the family, since the family
members worship together and
participate in the rituals, chants,
singing, and study of scriptures.
Study the Vedas & Scriptures
 This practice refreshes one's mind with
sacred knowledge
 Helps to preserve and enrich such
knowledge.
Contemplate on the teachings of
sages & holy people (Pitri Yagna)
 This practice is intended to serve as a
reminder to preserve, enrich and continue
one's cultural heritage and family values.
Provide Alms (Butri Yagna)
 Provide food for those who are in need
(Bhuta Yagña). This practice is intended to
create the spirit of sharing with others.
Show Hospitality (Nara Yagna)
• Serve guests with love, respect, and
reverence.
• This practice is the basis for the traditional
hospitality of Hindu households.