HINDUISMOften known as Sanātana Dharma, a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law"

World Population

Hinduism:Is the third largest religion in the world.Has approximately 837 million followers.Followers make up 13% of the world population.Makes up more than 80% of India’s population.

Origins

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in existence.

It was originated about 4000 years ago.

The religion of Hinduism originated in Northern India, near the river Indus.

It originated with the Aryan culture and with the people of the Indus Valley.

Hinduism developed from their religious practices, literature and systems for social order.

Founders and Spiritual Leaders

Hinduism: Has no single founder. It existed from time

unexplored (prehistoric times), as a religion

It grew out of the overlapping beliefs of the diverse groups who settled India.

Developed out of Brahmanism. Their spiritual leaders are

called Gurus, or, more respectively, Gurujis.

Sacred Texts Vedas- Written in Sanskrit language, the texts form the

oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and of Hinduism. Upanishads- They consider the nature of the individual

soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman.) Bhagvad-Gita- ethical ideas of Hinduism Ramayana- A poem that clearly portraits the fact that

good will always triumph over evil and Rama and Sita are held up as role models for the perfect husband and wife.

Mahabharata- An epic poem telling the story of a war between two branches of a family.

Puranas- A collection of ancient tales about the different incarnations and the lives of saints.

Major BeliefsHindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right. Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman. Hindus believe in reincarnation - a belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in one body after another. Hindus also believe in Samsara which means going through the cycle of repeated births and deaths as part of reincarnation. They believe that this cycles exists due to karma.

Everyday Practices

Worship (puja)- made offerings as representations of gods.

Cremation- a ritual for the funeral where the dead are burned and not buried.

Study Vedas and other scriptures.

Provide food for those who are in need.

Serve guests with love, respect, and reverence. This practice is the basis for the traditional hospitality of Hindu households.

Place & Language of Worship

Most Hindus worship (puja) every day at home with an established shrine. A shrine can be anything from a room, a small altar or simply pictures or statues. The Hindu building for a community worship is called Mandir (Hindu Temple).Language of worship differs as India consists of most states who follow Hinduism, but also has their own, specific language.Although, the official language of India is Hindi.

Religious Divisions

Hinduism is divided into 4 major divisions: Vaishnavism- devotees of Vishnu. Shaivism- devotees of Shiva. Shaktism- worships Shakti, the Divine Mother. Smartism- accept and worship all major forms of God, (Ganesha, Siva, Sakti, Vishnu, Surya and Skanda). One may consider themselves a Shakta (a devotee of Shakti), a Shaiva (a devotee of Shiva), and a Vaishnava (a devotee of Vishnu) all at the same time Many gods of Hinduism.