Hinduism

Hinduism is a rich and diverse set of religious and spiritual traditions from India. It is often called the world's oldest surviving religion, though it developed over many centuries rather than starting from a single founder. Hindus believe in dharma, a cosmic order that guides right living and rituals. Important texts such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Mahabharata shape Hindu teachings.

Key ideas in Hinduism include karma, the effects of actions, and saṃsāra, the cycle of rebirth. Many Hindus aim for moksha, which means escaping this cycle and finding freedom. Practices such as devotion (bhakti), worship (puja), and meditation (dhyana) are central to spiritual life.

Hinduism has several main traditions, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism. It is the world's third-largest religion, with around 1.17 billion followers, most of whom live in India, Nepal, and other parts of South Asia. In recent times, practices like Yoga have become popular around the world.

Etymology

Further information: Hindu

The word Hindū is a name given by others. It comes from the word Sindhu, which refers to the Indus River and the land around it. Over time, people from far away used the term "Hindu" to talk about the people and lands beyond the Indus River. It wasn’t until much later that the word began to be used to describe a group of religious beliefs and practices found in India today.

Definitions

"Hinduism" is a broad term that covers many different traditions and beliefs. It includes many ways of thinking about spirituality, and Hindus can believe in many gods, one god, or no god at all. The term "Hinduism" comes from outside the tradition and was shaped by Western views, but Hindus often call their way of life Sanātana Dharma, meaning "eternal way."

Hinduism has many branches, including Vaishnavism, which worships Vishnu, Shaivism, which worships Shiva, and Shaktism, which worships the goddess Shakti. These groups, along with others, share some common ideas like belief in rebirth and a sense of right living, but they also have their own special practices and teachings.

Diversity and unity

Hinduism is often called a "family of religions" because it includes many different beliefs, practices, and sacred texts. Unlike many other religions, Hinduism does not have a single founder, a single prophet, or one main god that everyone worships. Instead, it is a collection of many traditions that share some common ideas but also have their own unique ways of practicing and understanding their faith.

Even though there are many different paths within Hinduism, there is also a sense of unity. Most Hindu traditions respect the Vedas, ancient sacred texts that are important to many Hindus. Over time, Hindus have found ways to live together and respect each other's differences, creating a rich and diverse spiritual tradition.

Main traditions

Further information: Hindu denominations

Hinduism is a rich and diverse collection of spiritual traditions. It has four major groups or ways of practicing the faith: Shaivism, Shaktism, Smartism, and Vaishnavism. These groups mainly differ in which god they focus on and their spiritual practices.

Vaishnavism worships Vishnu and his appearances, especially Krishna and Rama. Followers often enjoy community events, singing, and dancing as part of their worship. Shaivism centers on Shiva and often includes practices like yoga. Shaktism worships the goddess Shakti in many forms. Smartism honors several main Hindu gods together, seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual self.

Scriptures

Main article: List of Hindu texts

See also: Śāstra pramāṇam in Hinduism

The ancient scriptures of Hinduism are written in special ancient languages. They are divided into two main groups: Shruti and Smriti. Shruti texts, like the Vedas, are considered very important because they were said to be revealed by wise people called rishis. There are four Vedas: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda has different parts, such as hymns and teachings about ceremonies.

Smriti texts include famous stories like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the Puranas, which share myths and tales that help explain Hindu beliefs. These stories have been passed down for many years and are very important to many Hindus.

Beliefs

Hinduism is a rich and varied collection of spiritual traditions from India. A key idea in Hinduism is dharma, which means doing what is right and keeping the world in order. Hindus also believe in karma, the idea that our actions have consequences, and saṃsāra, the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Hinduism teaches four main goals for life, called Puruṣārthas:

• Dharma – doing what is right and just
• Artha – earning a good living and taking care of our needs
• Kama – finding happiness and enjoyment in life
• Moksha – finding freedom from the cycle of rebirth

Many Hindus believe in many gods and goddesses, but they also believe in one true spirit called Brahman. They think that deep down, every person’s soul (Atman) is really part of this spirit. The big goal in life, for many Hindus, is to realize this truth and feel connected to everything.

Practices

Practices in Hinduism include worship at home, in temples, and at sacred places such as rivers and mountains. A key part of Hindu worship is bhakti, which means loving devotion to God. Common worship practices include puja (a ritual offering), arti (a ceremony with a flame), and havan (a fire ritual).

Many Hindus perform daily rituals at home, such as lighting a lamp, offering food to deities, and reciting from religious scripts. Special rituals happen during important life events, like weddings and ceremonies after someone passes away. These rituals often include yajna, which involves fire and chanting sacred words called mantras.

Hinduism also includes special ceremonies for different stages of life, such as naming a baby, a child’s first solid food, and wedding ceremonies. Festivals are an important part of the year, with celebrations like Diwali and Holi bringing families together. Many Hindus also make pilgrimages to holy places, such as Varanasi or the Kumbh Mela, as a way to show devotion and seek spiritual growth.

Main articles: Puja (Hinduism), Arti (Hinduism), Abhisheka, Japa, Havan, Yajna, and Hindu wedding Main articles: Bhakti, Puja (Hinduism), Japa, Mantra, and Bhajan Main article: List of Hindu festivals See also: Tirtha (Hinduism), Tirtha locations, and Yatra Main article: Sādhanā Main article: Saṃskāra

Culture

The term "Hindu culture" includes traditions like festivals and clothing worn by Hindus, often inspired by the cultures of India and Southeast Asia.

Hindu architecture covers buildings such as temples, homes, and gardens, following rules from ancient Hindu texts like the Vastu shastras and Shilpa Shastras. Many beautiful Hindu temples have survived from ancient times, showing influences from Persian and Hellenistic styles. Hindu art has a long history connected to Hindu beliefs and practices.

The Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar used in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It combines cycles of the moon and the sun, with different regions having their own versions, like the Shalivahana Shaka and Vikram Samvat. This calendar helps decide when to celebrate Hindu festivals and important days. It is also used in Hindu astrology.

Person and society

Main article: Varna (Hinduism)

Main article: Yoga

Main articles: Ahimsa, Diet in Hinduism, Sattvic diet, Mitahara, and Jhatka

Hindu society has been grouped into four main classes called varṇas. These are the Brahmins, who are teachers and priests; the Kshatriyas, who are warriors and kings; the Vaishyas, who are farmers and merchants; and the Shudras, who are servants and laborers. These classes are linked to a person's duty and natural tendencies.

Hinduism teaches several paths, called yogas, to reach life's goals. These include the path of love and devotion, the path of right action, the path of meditation, and the path of wisdom. Yoga also helps train the body and mind for health and spiritual insight.

Hinduism uses many symbols to represent sacred ideas. The syllable Om stands for the universal spirit, and other symbols like the Swastika and Tilaka have special meanings in worship and rituals. Hindus also believe in ahiṃsā, which means nonviolence toward all living things. Because of this belief, many Hindus choose to be vegetarian, though food habits can vary by region. The cow is considered sacred in Hindu society.

Institutions

Main articles: Hindu temple, Murti, Hindu iconography, and Hindu architecture

For list of temples, see List of Hindu temples.

A Hindu temple is a special place meant for worship. It is designed to connect people with gods and is filled with symbols that show important ideas and beliefs in Hinduism. The tallest part of the temple, called the spire, represents Mount Meru, a holy mountain. Inside, there are often statues, called murtis, that people visit to show respect.

Hinduism also has different stages of life. These include being a student, a family member, retiring, and choosing a simple, spiritual life. Some people decide to live as monks or nuns, focusing on meditation and spiritual growth. These monks and nuns are respected for their dedication to a peaceful and simple life.

History

Main article: History of Hinduism

Hinduism has a long history that goes back thousands of years, developing in the Indian subcontinent. Its traditions began during the Iron Age and have roots in very old cultures like the Indus Valley Civilization. Over time, many different Indian cultures and ideas came together to form what we now call Hinduism. There was no single person who started it; instead, it grew naturally from many sources.

Important periods in Hinduism’s history include the time of the Vedas, ancient texts that guide Hindu beliefs and practices. Later, new ideas and movements like the Bhakti movement helped shape Hinduism as we know it today. Even during tough times, such as rule by other groups, Hindus kept their traditions alive. Today, Hinduism continues to grow around the world, with communities in many countries.

Demographics

Hinduism is the world's third largest religion, with about 1.2 billion followers. Most Hindus, around 95%, live in India, where it is the main religion. Other countries with large Hindu populations include Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

Hinduism is growing quickly, especially in countries where it is already popular. It is the third fastest-growing religion globally, with its numbers expected to rise by about one-third over the next few decades. Some countries where Hindus make up a large part of the population include Nepal at over 80%, India at nearly 80%, and smaller nations like Mauritius, Guyana, and Fiji.