Hinduism

Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, originating in the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE or earlier. It is a complex, diverse, and pluralistic tradition with no single founder or unified scripture. Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with over a billion adherents, primarily in India and Nepal.

Beliefs and Philosophy

Hinduism is centered around key philosophical concepts such as:

• Dharma – righteous duty or moral order
• Karma – law of cause and effect
• Samsara – cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
• Moksha – liberation from the cycle of rebirth

Hindus believe in a supreme reality called Brahman, which is eternal and formless but manifests through deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Sacred Texts

Hindu scriptures are broadly divided into:

• Shruti – "that which is heard", including the four Vedas and the Upanishads
• Smriti – "that which is remembered", including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas

The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, is among the most revered texts.

Major Denominations

Hinduism includes several major sects:

• Vaishnavism – worship of Vishnu and his avatars like Krishna and Rama
• Shaivism – worship of Shiva
• Shaktism – worship of the goddess (Shakti or Devi)
• Smartism – liberal worship of five major deities

Each tradition has its unique practices, philosophies, and scriptures.

Practices

Common practices include:

• Puja (ritual worship)
• Yoga and meditation
• Pilgrimage to sacred sites
• Observance of festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri

Influence

Hinduism has had a profound impact on Indian art, culture, architecture, and law. It also gave rise to other religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Global Presence

In addition to India and Nepal, large Hindu communities exist in Mauritius, Bali (Indonesia), Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Sanatana Dharma
• Bhagavad Gita
• Vedas
• Hindu Festivals
• Indian Philosophy