The five deadly sins in Hinduism known as Mahapatakas are the murder of a Brahmin, stealing gold, drinking alcohol, an illicit relationship with one’s teacher’s wife, and keeping the company with the before-mentioned sinners (Chandogya Upanishad and Usana Smriti, Chapter 8, Verse 1).

“A person who steals gold, or drinks liquor, or goes to bed with his teacher’s wife, or kills a brāhmin—these four are lost. Also lost is the fifth—one who keeps company with such people.” – (Chandogya Upanishad 5.10.9)

According to Manu Smriti (9.235), there are four deadly sins. They are the same as mentioned above except the last one. Apart from those, abortion, killing a cow, and murdering a woman are also major sins in Hinduism.

The Five Deadly Sins in Hinduism:

1. The Murder of a Brahmin:

The term Brahmin here does not refer to the caste but the learned person. A person who has great consciousness, does not harm any animal or human, has a treasure of knowledge, and has minimum needs is a true Brahmin. The murder of such a person is a great loss to society. Therefore, it is the biggest sin in Hinduism.

2. Stealing Gold:

The term gold here does not mean a metal only but any valuable thing. The person who steals is very harmful to society. Therefore, stealing is a major sin in Hinduism.

3. Drinking Alcohol:

Alcohol consumption causes intoxication. An intoxicated person does not clearly understand what he is doing. Due to a lack of conscience, such a person might harm others or himself. Also, consuming alcohol is not good for health. Most addicts cannot control how much alcohol they consume. Alcohol is responsible for many crimes and accidents in the world. Therefore, drinking alcohol is prohibited in Hinduism.

4. To Have an Illicit Relationship with One’s Teacher’s Wife:

The teacher is considered next to god in Hinduism. In ancient times, there was a Gurukula system of education where students used to stay at a teacher’s house for many years. The teacher and his wife used to look after them like their children. Thus, they were like father and mother to the students. Therefore, having a physical relationship with one’s teacher’s wife is one of the biggest sins.

5. To Keep Company with the Above-Mentioned Sinners.

Manu Smriti does not mention it as a sin, but Chandogya Upanishad does. Just living in the company of such people is one of the biggest sins. Therefore, a wise person should keep away from such sinners.