HInduism is a universalizing religion unlike the others. Unlike Christianity and Christianity or Islam, Hinduism does not really extend to other cultures or countries of its origin. Hinduism was founded in 2000 B.C.E. around the Indus Valley which is modern day Pakistan.
There is no single or specific founder of Hinduism. It is perceived to be a "way of life" by the people who follow it.
This religion diffused through relocation into Southeast Asia and the island of Bali in Indonesia. Most Hindus are found in India and there are over 1 billion followers of the religion today.
There are four major branches/denominations/sects of Hinduism. These are Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Smartism.
Symbols associated with Hinduism include Om, which represents Brahman or the Almnighty, the Swastika(different from the Nazi symbol), which means that "Everything is Good", the Tilak, which is a vertical sign placed on the forehead of Hindu males during rituals, the Lingala, which represents Lord Shiva who is worshipped, the Trishul, which is Lord Shiva's main weapon, the Bindi, which is the symbol worn on the forehead of females, the Kalash, which is a vessel, the Yantra, which is believed to have good effects on the owner, the Lotus Flower which represents culture and politeness, the cow, which represents good nature, purity, motherhood, and prosperity, and the sun, which is considered a deity and is the symbol of light and truthfulness.
The major beliefs of Hindus include karma, reincarnation, all pervasive divinity, and dharma.
Sacred texts in Hinduism fall into the category of Sruti(heard) or Smruti(remembered).The most important and sacred texts in Hinduism are the Vedas, which fall under the category of Sruti, which are believed to be divinely inspired and fully authoritive. Some Smruti texts include the Ithihasas,Puranas, Dharma Shastras, Agamas and Tantras, and Darshanas.
Hindus worship in temples that are the homes on their gods or goddesses on Earth. Another name for a Hindu temple is mandir.
Most hindus have a shrine in the home to worship. Along with these spaces in the home, the Ganges River is one of the most sacred places to a Hindu. People of this religion take pilgrimages to this river to bathe in its sacred waters. A common tradition among Hindus is to have their ashes scattered in this river after they have passed away.
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Created with images by Peggy_Marco - "india figures hinduism" • Isidorahv - "goddess hinduism buddhism" • Ganesh Dhamodkar - "Just married!" • Nydegger - "dancer frauf tradition" • DukeAsh - "bali indonesia hinduism" • dcb_design - "lalbaug ganesh festival" • linuskendall - "Holy places #2: Hinduism" • Royalty-free image collection - "cow" • skyseeker - "Sun." • malias - "The shock of the swastika" • ottoshi - "lotus" • nevil zaveri (thank you for 10 million+ views :) - "hands, bhaat" • AJEL - "letter scripture written" • iavik - "Bardhaman 108 shiv mandir a series of 108 temples"