Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of India. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma (a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law") by its adherents.
Hinduism is the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam, Hinduism has more than a billion adherents, of whom approximately 1 billion, live in India. Other significant populations are found in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Indonesian island of Bali.
Origin of Hinduism
Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings. Among its roots is the historical Vedic religion of Iron Age India, and as such Hinduism is often called the "oldest living religion" or the "oldest living major tradition."
Throughout Hinduism's extensive history, there have been many key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books. For these reasons, writers often refer to Hinduism as 'a way of life' or 'a family of religions' rather than a single religion.
The term 'Hindu' itself probably probably dates from the 15th or 16th Century when it was used by people to differentiate themselves from followers of other traditions, especially the Muslims (Yavannas), in Kashmir and Bengal.
Hindu Beliefs and the Vedas
Hinduism embraces a wide diversity of beliefs, a concept encapsulated by the well know Hindu saying "Truth is one; sages call it by different names". However, there are some beliefs that are common to nearly all forms of Hinduism.
These fundamental Hindu beliefs include:
- the authority of the Vedas, the oldest Indian sacred texts, and the Brahmans, the priests;
- the existence of an enduring soul that transmigrates from one body to another at death, termed reincarnation; and
- the law of karma that determines one's destiny both in this life and the next. Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "actions" and refers to the fundamental Hindu principle that one's moral actions have unavoidable and automatic effects on one's fortunes in this life and condition of rebirth in the next.
The ultimate goal of all Hindus is release, known as "moksha", from the cycle of rebirth, known as "samsara." For those of a devotional bent, this means being in God's presence, while those of a philosophical persuasion look forward to uniting with God as a drop of rain merges with the sea.
Hindu Deities
Most Hindus venerate one or more deities, but regard these as manifestations of Ultimate Reality. In the Rig Veda, the Ultimate Reality is referred to as "the One." In the Purushasukta, it is given the name "Purusha," and in the Upanishads it is called "Brahman," "the One," and several other names.
Hindus view cosmic activity of the Supreme Being as comprised of three tasks: creation, preservation, and dissolution and recreation. Hindus associate these three cosmic tasks with the three deities, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are not three independent deities, they represent the same power (the Supreme Being), but in three different aspects.
Lord Brahma brings forth the creation and represents the creative principle of the Supreme Being. Lord Vishnu maintains the universe and represents the eternal principle of preservation. Lord Shiva represents the principle of dissolution and recreation. These three deities together form the Hindu Trinity.
Hindu Temples
Hindu temples are places of worship for followers of Hinduism. Most temples contain many images of the Hindu deity to whom the temple is dedicated. They are usually dedicated to one primary deity, the presiding deity, and other subordinate deities associated with the main deity. However, some temples are dedicated to several deities, and some have symbols instead of images. Many temples are located in key geographical points, such as a hill top, near waterfalls, caves, and rivers.
The temple is the focus for all aspects of everyday life in the Hindu community – religious, cultural, educational and social. The temple is a place where God may be approached and where divine knowledge can be discovered.
All aspects of the Hindu temple focus on the goal of enlightenment and liberation, from the principles of its design and construction, to the forms of its architecture and decoration, and to the rituals performed in the temple.
Hindu Symbols
Hinduism employs the art of symbolism with amazing effect. No religion is so replete with symbols as this ancient religion. All Hindus are touched by this all-pervasive symbolism throughout their lives.
The 10 most important Hindu symbols are:
- Om (Aum) – the most important Hindu symbol, often used as the emblem of Hinduism;
- Hands in prayer – a sign of respect for the sacred, that which is dear to the heart;
- Lotus (padma) – symbol of purity/transcendence. Growing out of the mud, it is beautiful, and though resting on water, it does not touch it;
- Conchshell – used during arati: one of the four symbols of Vishnu. The others are the lotus, club and disc;
- Swastika – an ancient solar sign considered to invoke auspiciousness;
- Trident (trishul) – the symbol of Shiva; often carried by Shaivite sannyasis (renunciates);
- Kalasha – coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot. Often used in rituals such as the fire sacrifice;
- Cow – symbol of purity, motherhood and ahimsa (non-violence);
- Lotus feet (of guru or deity) – touching the feet of superiors shows an attitude of submission and service; and
- Dipa/lamp – symbol of light.
Hindu Weddings
A Hindu wedding is the bringing of two people who are said to be compatible. Traditionally, Hindu wedding ceremonies are partially conducted in Sanskrit, the language of most holy Hindu ceremonies. Since most Hindus do not understand Sanskrit, the local language of the couple is also used.
Hindu weddings include many traditionally rituals that have evolved over time. Hindus attach a lot of importance to marriages, and the ceremonies are very colourful and extend for several days.
Hinduism in the UK
In the 2001 census, 558,342 people indicated that Hinduism was their religion. Most UK Hindus live in England, with half living in London.
There are a number of Hindu organisations in the UK, including:
- The National Council of Hindu Temples, the oldest UK-wide Hindu organisation comprising 88 Hindu temples;
- The Hindu Council UK representing almost 400 affiliated cultural and religious organisations of various Hindu denominations including temples; and
- The Hindu Forum of Britain, with nearly 300 member organisations.
Hindu Festivals and Holy Days
Hindu festivals and holy days are marked every year, with each celebration being marked by music, dance, processions, and long standing rituals. These events include the birth of gods, death of asuras, victory of the gods, marriage of the gods, the new year, new months, full moons, new moons, harvests, birthdays, initiations, marriages, deaths, and anniversaries.
For further information about Hindu festivals and holy days, see Hindu Festivals and Holy Days.
Further Information
For further information about Hinduism, visit BBC.co.uk.
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
