This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2009)

Part of a series on Hinduism
History · Deities Denominations Mythology
Beliefs and practices Philosophy · Dharma Artha · Kama · Moksha Karma · Samsara Yoga · Bhakti · Maya Puja · Temple
Scriptures Vedas · Upanishads Ramayana · Mahabharata Bhagavad Gita · Puranas Dharmaśāstra · others
Related topics Hinduism by country Gurus and saints Reforms · Criticism Calendar · Hindu law Ayurveda · Jyotisha Festivals · Glossary Persecution
This box: view • talk • edit

Artha (Devanagari: अर्थ) is a Sanskrit term meaning "purpose, cause, motive, meaning, notion".

It refers to the idea of material prosperity. In Hinduism, artha is one of the four goals of life, known as purusharthas. It is considered to be a noble goal as long as it follows the dictates of Vedic morality. The concept includes achieving widespread fame, garnering wealth and having an elevated social standing. It is the second of the four purusharthas, the other three being dharma (righteousness), kama (physical or emotional pleasure) and moksha (liberation). Artha is one of the dharmas (duties) of a person in the second stage of life, the householder stage, and during this a person must accumulate as much wealth as possible, without being greedy, to help and support his family.

This Hindu philosophy-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e

v • d • e Hinduism Sruti · Smriti · Denominations · Deities · Gurus and saints · Schools · Karma / Dharma · Moksha · Yoga · Mantras · Jyotish / Ayurveda Portal