what should a Hindu do (in terms of prayers; charity, pilgrimage etc.,) to attain heaven?

Question

as far as i know, there are no clear guidelines for a Hindu to follow to acheive the final goal in life, which is 'moksham' or heaven. i hope an answer would be the best gift a Hindu can receive.

Answer 1

The final goal in Hinduism is to attain moksha, and not heaven. Moksha means freedom from cycle of birth and death and becoming one with the supreme lord (Brahman). Moksha will not be attained until all karmas (beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions and harmful effects from past harmful actions, creating a system of actions and reactions throughout a person's reincarnated lives) are resolved. According to Hindu thought, one does not necessarily have to wait until death to attain salvation, it is possible to achieve it in this very life. One who attains salvation while living is called a jivan-mukta. The means for attaining moksha, are very clearly mentioned in Vedas.

There are various paths to attain moksha,
* Bhakti Yoga (the path of love and devotion),
* Karma Yoga (the path of right action),
* Raja Yoga (the path of meditation) and
* Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).
An individual can choose any of yogas according to his/her temperament, inclination and understanding,

Heaven / hell are only transitory stages, until the atman (soul) goes into / forms a knew human body (or under extreme circumstances if the person has been extremely violent, bad karmas, the soul takes the form of an animal and starts the spiritual journey afresh). Heaven and hell are based upon what karmas we do in our lives. All Hindu practices seek to accomplish a single purpose: increasing a person's awareness of the divinity that is present everywhere and in everything. Therefore, Hinduism has developed numerous practices meant to help one think of divinity even in the midst of everyday life. The more a devotee can think holy thoughts, the sooner he or she can purify his or her mind, which is the way to salvation.
Swami Vivekananda said
The ideal of man is to see God in everything. But if you cannot see Him in everything, see Him in one thing, in that thing you like best, and then see Him in another. So on you go. . . . Take your time and you will achieve your end.

Some of the methods to attain heaven, along with above info

Most Hindus perform puja (worship); although it is not compulsary. Hindus have a special place in their homes where according to each ones temperament and understanding they worship their chosen God (Ishta Dev). People chant mantras to focus their mind on holy thoughts and show their devotion towards God. Many Hindus go for a pilgrimage; again not compulsory to holy places like Kashi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh and Haridwar, Attend the Kumbh mela.
Some do satsang, bhajan, kirtan; which is again chanting of hymns and devotional singing.

Along with all the above it is important to lead a pious life, non-violence, helping the needy. In fact this is more important than puja, because if u kill people and then go on a pilgrimage, the purpose of praying and devotional singing is lost. Hence if u lead a life of righteousness, non-violence, helping the needy, u will attain heaven.

Feel free to mail me if u have any more questions.

Answer 2

First Heaven is not the final salvation for hindus, as is for other religions

Heaven and hell are transitory before next birth

The highest attainable state for a hindu is Moksha which is merging into the supreme consciousness called God.

There are very clear instructions in Vedas on how to attain heavens and how to attain Moksha.

The guidelines for going to heaven are not much different from other faiths...like doing charity doing non-violence, donations and Yagya etc.

But for Moksha there is altogether different philosophy. One can attain Moksha even in this birth by Yoga, Meditation, Bhakti, Karma, Gyana or Tantra.

This place is not appropriate for all the details...still i hope this will clear a little

Answer 3

This word Heaven needs to be understood first. As per vedas Heaven is a place were the demigods or superior beings reside. To go there, one can do some good work and achive pious credits. The problem is the stay temporary,

What the Koran or Bible calls the Heaven, is the kingdom of God as per vedas. Once gone there, there is no question of coming back, as it is a eaternal place.

Answer 4

I do not pretend to know when my knowledge on certain subjects seems inadequate to me. That's why I have just opened a file called Moksha by copying an answer which looks like the best answer to your your question.

I have a Hindu name but I am of Sikh origin. My views on all religions are very tolerant and liberal. .

These comments are not meant to be an answer to your question. You are entitled to have your opinions about other religions.

I wish you well and hope when you see colorful celebrations and festivals of other religions, you will enjoy doing so with your camera or camcorder by adding them to beautiful memories of your life.

Answer 5

Amarnath Caves

Answer 6

The hindu aim of life is not heaven, it is nirvana.

Answer 7

it's true,
in Hindu religion,
Moksha & Heaven is different thing........

but u get rid of ur sins and
that's all well said in "Bhagawad Puran"
so just go through it.

Answer 8

People are naturally evil, and cannot attain heaven by good works, but can attain good works through the grace of Jesus, and be taken to heaven at the second advent. Jesus died for you, God bless.

Answer 9

all the good things mentioned in their holy book or do all the good things which their relgion have asked them to do.

Answer 10

The greatest thing a Hindu can do it to stop being a Hindu. Stop worshiping all their gods and goddesses, and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. Through Him is the only way.