The idea of pollution and purity are very important in popular Hinduism, that is, Hinduism as practised by the masses. The rules of pollution and purity vary from region to region and cover a wide range of life. They are important in commensal relations, in touching or maintaining physical distance from the members of other group, in inte-rcaste marriages, and in personal life of an individual on ocassion like birth, marriage, menstruation, death, offering prayers etc. The concept of pollution is related to birth and not to cleanliness. A person has to undergo a purificatory rite, simple or elaborate, depending upon the seriousness of the violation of rules of purity. In such matters, it is the caste council that takes the necessary disciplinary action.
In addition to this purificatory rites, "samskaras" are also prescribed in popular Hinduism. Among the 16 "samskaras" known as "shodasha samskara" only a few such as -- namakarma, upanayana, vivaha and pretakarma (funeral rites) are widely practiced now. Ideas of purity and pollution and elaborate rules relating to them come under the ritual aspect of Hinduism but in the present scenario of Indian society those rites have now only become limited to the families and individuals who follow the caste system rigidly. However castes are getting flexible with regard to the purity followed in the daily lives since it is quite tough to bear all the limitations while working in a diversified atmosphere and people of different backgrounds. The concept of purity and pollution is loosening its hold in the much versatile trends of the present society.
In addition to this purificatory rites, "samskaras" are also prescribed in popular Hinduism. Among the 16 "samskaras" known as "shodasha samskara" only a few such as -- namakarma, upanayana, vivaha and pretakarma (funeral rites) are widely practiced now. Ideas of purity and pollution and elaborate rules relating to them come under the ritual aspect of Hinduism but in the present scenario of Indian society those rites have now only become limited to the families and individuals who follow the caste system rigidly. However castes are getting flexible with regard to the purity followed in the daily lives since it is quite tough to bear all the limitations while working in a diversified atmosphere and people of different backgrounds. The concept of purity and pollution is loosening its hold in the much versatile trends of the present society.