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Explore the rich and complex world of Hinduism, one of the oldest and most diverse religions. Learn about its origins, core beliefs, sacred texts, gods, goddesses, practices, and impact on Indian culture. Discover the concept of 'Truth is one, paths are many' and the importance of dharma.
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One of the oldest religions of humanity The religion of the Indian people Gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Tolerance and diversity: "Truth is one, paths are many" Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality A philosophy and a way of life – focused both on this world and beyond
Abrahamic religions
Plus other texts
Plus others
Diwali – new year, celebrating Ram being anointed King in The Ramayana Navratri – lit. “nine nights”, worship of the female aspect of God Mahashivratri – festival in honour of Shiva , marriage of Shiva to Parvati on this day Ramnavmi – marriage of Ram to Sita on this day Janmasthami – celebration of the birth of Krishna Raksha Bandhan – symbolic promise given by men to protect their sisters Holi – annual spring festival of color, represents triumph of good over evil
Respect for all life – vegetarian Human life as supreme: Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class Four stages of life – student, householder, retired, renunciant Four duties of life – pleasure, success, social responsibilities, religious responsibilities (moksha)
selfless service (releases built up karma without building up new karma)
(understanding the true nature of reality and the self)
Jnana and Raja yoga
the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon Brahma, the creator god
the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon Vishnu, the preserver god
Rama (featured in the Ramayana) Krishna (featured in the Mahabharata) (Each shown with his consort, Sita and Radha, respectively)
Devi – the feminine divine Saraswati, goddess of wisdom, consort of Brahma
Devi – the feminine divine Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune, consort of Vishnu
Devi – the feminine divine Durga, protectress Kali, destroyer of demons Plus about 330 million other deities
All these deities are but Manifest forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahman
"The Truth is One, but different sages call it by different names” ( Rig Veda 1.164.46). "Hinduism worships multiple forms of the one God" (OM, an American Hindu organization). "According to the tenets of Hinduism, God is one as well as many" (HinduWebsite.com).
"Hindus believe in monotheistic polytheism, rather than polytheism" (The Hindu Universe). "Even though Hinduism is mistakenly regarded by many as a religion having many gods namely, polytheism, yet truly speaking Hinduism is a monotheistic religion" (Sri Swami Chidanda). --taken from: http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs/theism.htm#
