Hinduism

MEMBERS

Nestle Ann Enano Jerome Enar Jennyvie Enmanuel

group leader Asst.Leader Member

Thom Encia Felmer Eloriaga

Member Member
 WHAT IS
Hinduism?
 HINDUISM IS THE WORLD'S THIRD LARGEST RELIGION
WITH AROUND 15% OF THE ENTIRE POPULATION
PRACTICING THE HINDU FAITH.HINDU FOLLOWERS IN
INDIA COMPRISE THE MAJOR BULK WITH ALMOST 80%
OF THE COUNTRY'S POPULATION ADHERING TO THE
RELIGION.OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES WITH
CONSIDERABLE HINDU FAITHFULS INCLUDES
NEPAL(23MILLION),BANGLADESH(15MILLION), AND
INDONESIA(3.9 MILLION IN BALI).
• THREE OTHER RELIGIONS THAT
SPRUNG IN INDIA HAVE THEIR
ORIGINS IN HINDUISM.AROUND
SIXTH CENTURY B.C.E., JAINISM
AND BUDDHISM APPEARED TO
CHALLENGE TRADITIONAL INDIAN
BELIEFS AND PRACTICES.IN THE
FIFTEENTH CENTURY C.E., SIKHISM
AROSE THAT FEATURED HINDU
AND ISLAMIC INFLUENCES.
• BETWEEN 1750 B.C.E. AND 1200 B.C.E., ARYAN
CONQUERORS MOVED TO THE INDUS VALLEY AND
BROUGHT WITHTHEN THEIR OWN SET OF BELIEFS
THAT EVENTUALLY MINGLED WITH THE RELIGION OF
THE NATIVES.CLASSICAL HINDUISM RESULTED IN THE
AMALGAMATION OF THEIR FAITHS.AROUND SIXTH
CENTURY B.C.E., THEY BEGAN TO SETTLE INTO CITIES
WHILE LOCAL LEADERS STARTED ORGANIZING SMALL
KINGDOMS FOR THEMSELVES (HOPFE 1983).
• ARYANS BROUGHT WITH THEM THEIR SET OF BELIEFS BASED
ON ORAL TEXTS KNOWN AS VEDAS.THIS VEDIC LITERATURE,
HOWEVER, WAS CHIEFLY COMPOSED AT THE TIME THE
ARYANS HAD ALREADY SETTLED IN INDIA AND BLENDED WITH
THE NATIVES.ADMITTEDLY, THERE IS MUCH DIFFICULTY IN
IDENTIFYING ELEMENTS IN THE VEDAS THAT ARE GENUINELY
PRE-ARYAN OR ARYAN INFLUENCED.HOWEVER, CERTAIN
FUNDAMENTAL ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE ARYAN RELIGION
CAN BE STATED HERE.IN GENERAL, HINDUISM HAS PRE-ARYAN
AND ARYAN ELEMENTS THAT DATE BACK TO ANCIENT TIMES.
• HINDUISM IS OFTENTIMES CONSIDERED AS THE
OLDEST AND MOST COMPLEX OF ALL WORLD
RELIGIONS.WHILE THE MOST ACTIVE RELIGIONS
OF THE MODERN TIMES MAY HAVE STARTED
AROUND THE SIXTH CENTURY B.C.E.
ONWARD,ELEMENTS AND THEMES OF HINDU
BELIEF MAY HAVE BEGUN AROUND THE THIRD
MILLENIUM B.C.E. IN ADITION, UNLIKE OTHER
MAJOR RELIGIONS, HINDUISM HAD NO ONE
IDENTIFIABLE FOUNDER (HOPFE 1983).
THE TERM HINDU ORIGINATED FROM THE PERE PERSIAN
WORD HINDU (IN SANSKRIT SINDHU) WHICH MEANS "RIVER".IT
ALSO REFERS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE INDUS VALLEY-THE
INDIANS (BOWKER 1997).THE NAME HINDUISM WAS GIVEN IN
THE NINETEENTH CENTURY TO DESCRIBE THE WIDE ARRAY OF
BELIEF SYSTEMS IN INDIA.HINDUISM WAS ORIGINALLY KNOWN
AS "ARYA DHARMA" OR THE "ARYAN WAY".
AS EARLY AS 3000 B.C.E., THERE WERE
ALREADY THRIVING CIVILIZATIONS IN
INDIA, SUCH AS THOSE DISCOVERED IN
THE ANCIENT PUNJAB CITY OF
HARAPPA AND IN MOHENJO-DARO
ALONG THE INDUS.HOWEVER, WE
KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE
BELIEF SYSTEM OF THESE EARLY
PEOPLE(BROWN 1975).IN THE 1920S,
ARCHAELOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN THE
TWO PRE-ARYAN CITIES OF HARAPPA
AND MOHENJO-DARO REVEALED THAT
THE NATIVES ALREADY HAD A
FLOURISHING CIVILIZATION WITH
THEIR AGRICULTURAL CITIES
CHARACTERIZED BY WELL-PLANNED
STREETS WITH DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
SACRED
SCRIPTURES
• THE SACRED TEXTS OF HINDUISM
HAVE BEEN PRINCIPALLY PASSED
DOWN THROUGHOUT GENERATIONS BY
WAY OF MUSIC, RECITATION, DANCE,
AND DRAMA.SANSKRIT HAS BEEN THE
LANGUAGE OF THE EARLIEST
WRITINGS (COOGAN 2005).THE
SACRED WRITINGS OF THE HINDUS ARE
CATEGORIZED INTO TWO CLASSES,
THE SHRUTI AND SHMRITI.
 SHRUT
• Shruti literally means "that which is heard.They are regarded as eternal truths that

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were passed orally until the beginning of the present age wherein there came the
need to write them down (Browker 1997).The four collections of texts of the vedas
form the shruti and are considered primary sources and the most authoritative
texts of the hindu faith.Other writings that form part of shruti include the
Samhitas,Brahmanas,Upanishads,and a few Sutras.
 SMRIT
• Smhriti literally means "that which has been remembered".These writings serve to reinforce

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shruti and are interpreted by sages and scholars alike.Most of these texts are sectarian in
nature and considered of lesser importance compared to shruti,such as stories and legends,
codes of conduct for the society, and guidebooks for worship.The great epics Ramayana and
Mahabharata, which contains the philosophical poem Bhagavad Gita are part of shmriti.These
are national epics of india and considered to be sacred texts of the masses where they draw
their values and ideals(Brown 1975).
 RAMAYANA
• The Ramayana is an ancient sanskrit epic which follows prince Rama's
quest to rescue his beloved wife sita from the clutches of Tavana with
the help of an army monkeys.it traditionally attributed the autorship of
the sage Valmiki and dated to around 500 B.C.E. to 100 B.C.E.
• Comprising 24, 000 verses in seven cantos, the epic contains the
teachings of the very ancient hindu sages.One of the most important
literary works of ancient india, it has greatly jnfluenced art and culture
in the indian subcontinent and south east asia, with versions of the story
also appearing in the buddhist canon from a very early date.
 Mahabharata
• Another major sanskrit literature of old India is
Mahabharata which is composed of around one hundred
thousand verses making it the word's longest
poem.Written around 500 B.C.E., this magnificent work
is attributed to the author Vyasa who is also considered
to be scribe of the vedas.The Mahabharata tells of a
great struggle among the descendants of a king called
Bharata, a name used by many Indians to mean "India"
 Vedas
• The four basic vedic books, which are sacrificial hymns
compiled from an earlier oral tradition, are composed of
Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda.The
word veda means "knowledge or "sacred love".They are
derived from the ancient Indo-aryan culture of the indian
subcontinent and began as an oral tradition that was
passed down through generations before finally being
written in Vedic Sanskrit between 1500 and 500 B.C.E.
 Rig-veda
• Among the four Vedas, the Rig-Veda is the most
important and oldest book that dates back to around
1500 B.C.E. to 1200 B.C.E.Apart from being the oldest
work of literature in an Indo-european language it is
also the oldest living religions literature of the
wrorld (Parrinder 1971).The book is a collection of
over a thousand hymns and more than thousands
verses dedicated to the aryan pantheon of Gods.
 Yajur-veda
• Yajur -veda or the "knowledge of rites" is the second book
composed between 1200 B.C.E. to 1000 B.C.E., this book is an
compilation of materials recited during rituals and sacrifies to
dieties.Yajur-veda inspire humans to walk on the path of
karma(deeds).That is why it is also reffered to as karma-
veda.The essence of the yajur-veda lies in those
Mantras(incantations)that inspire people to initiate action.
• Meaning:Desire to live for a 100years performing ones deeds.
Sama-veda
• The third book is Sama-Veda or the
"knowledge of chants".Dating back
almost the same time as the Yajur-
Veda this book is the collection of
verses from the basic hymns recited
by priests during sacrifices.
Atharva-veda
• Lastly, the fourth book is Atharva-Veda or knowledge
given by the sage Atharva" that date back around 1500
B.C.E. to 1000 B.C.E.This book contains rituals used in
homes and popular prayers to Gods.Seldom used in
solemm ceremonies unlike the other three.Vedas, the
Atharva-Veda contains numerous spells and incantations
for medicinal purposes and magical aids to victory in
battle among others (Parrinder 1971).
Each Vedas Consists of
four main parts, the
Mantras, Brahmanas,
Aranyakas, and
Upanishads
 Mantras
• Mantras, in Hinduism, a sacred uterance(syllable, word, or verse)that is considered to possess
mystical or spiritual efficacy.Various mantras are either spoken aloud or merely sounded
internally in one's thoughts, and they are either repeated continously for some time or just
sounded once.

What is the purpose of mantras?

• Mantras can help in generating a relaxation response, thus giving you asense of calm.This
meditation can distract from distressing emotions like fear or anxiety.It can reduce stress or a
sensation of burnout.Mantras meditation can be used as an avenue to connect with the divine.
 Brahmanas
• Brahmanas, are ancient Hindu texts which contain prose commentaries attached to the
four vedas, the oldest Hindu sacred texts.These contain explanations of Mantras and
hymns from the vedas, teachings of legends illustrated by the myths, information about
the performance of rituals, as well as some philosophy.After several centuries of oral
transmission, these Brahmanas are assumed to have been coded between 900-700 B.C.E. It
supposed to have been derived from the word 'brahman', implying the brahman priests who
have the knowledge and understanding of the vedas.It means the explanation of a ritual
learned by priests.
 Aranyakas
• The Aranyakas are part are part of the ancient indian vedas concered with the
meaning of ritual sacrifice.They typically represent the later sections of the
vedas, and are one of many layers of vedic texts.Aranyakas literature rather
small as compared to the Brahmanas.Whereas the Brahmanas deal with the huge
bulk of sacrificial Karma Kanda, the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other
hand chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which
represent Jhana-Kanda.
 Upanishads
• Forming the fourth part of vedas, the term upanishad literally translates as
"sitting down near" or "sitting close to" as it implies listening intently to the
mystic teachings of a spiritual teacher who has fully understood the universal
truths.It could also mean "brahmana-knowledge" whreby ignorance is totally
eliminated.Within these amazing collection of writings that were transmitted
orally through generations, one can find early philosophical statements that
form the basis for all later hindu philosophy.
 BASIC
TEACHINGS/BEL
IEF/DOCTRINES
• Most hindus believe that every living thing has a soul
and that all souls are eternal.They also believe that
every living thing is reborn repeatedly in the cycle of
death and rebirth (samsara),in accordance with the
cause and effect of the actions and deeds that a
person had performed in life (karma).
• Many hindus understand God to be brahman or the infinite Brahman is believed
to be ever-present all-powerful, and beyond comprehension.Some hindus believe
that Brahman is formless and without attributes, but manifests in form.Other
hindus believe Brahman has a transcendent form and attributes.

• A hindu views the entire universe as God's and everything in the universe as God.
Hindus believe that each person is intrinsically divine and the purpose of life is
toto seek and realise the divinity within all of us.The hindu belief is totally non-
exclusive and accepts all other faiths and religious paths.
• The hindu faith offers its followers many paths to salvation.They
may find liberation from the cycle of life through devotion to
one or more gods.Gods and Goddesses can be worshipped at
their temples.In temples, devotes can pray and offer sacrificies
so that they can gain favor from deitiesand assist them in their
struggle for salvation.Bhakti stands for the soul's longing for
and clinging to God (Brown 1975).
 DEVOTION TO THE TRIMURTI
• Central to hinduism is the ultimate reality, one and undivided (Hope 1983).The Brahman is often
seen in there forms or functions.Called theTrimurti these are creation, preservation, and
destruction.These functions expressed in God forms, namely Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the
preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer.
• Though widely respected and recognized as the creator of the universe Brahma receives the least
attention among the trimurti.In fact , only two seven books and 500 cantos.This great epic was
written between 200 B.C.E. and 200 C.E.Central to the story is Rama a prince and later portrayed
as avatar or incarnation of the hindu God Vishnu, who was born in Ayodhya, Rama was exiled by
his father on the eve of his coronation.
• In hindu sacred writings, Vishnu is depicted as having four arms and with a dark complexion.His
most popular manifestation is Krishna who is blue, the color of infinity, and plays the flute (Kolanad
1994).Vishnu's consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, who is seated on a lotus between two
elephants with their trunks raised above her.Both Vishnu and Lakshmi ride the eagle mount or kite
Garuda, the symbol of the sky and the sun.The snake in Garuda's claws represents water.

• As the destroyer and the god of death, destruction, and disease, Shiva is the third in the
Trimurti.His funcyions are many.He is also god of dance, vegetable, animal, and human
reproduction (Hopfe 1983).In hindu belief, death is but a prelude to birth, hence, the god of death
is also the god often revered through the lingam, the male energy surrounded by the yoni, the
female source of energy (Bowker 1997).In mythology, he is described as having a constantly erect
penis and sexually alert all times (Hopfe 1983).
 ROUTES TO MOKSHA
• From the upanishads one may find the three principal and inter-related doctrines within the indian religion.Fiestly,
every soul dies and is reborn a new in new form (this cycle is called samsara).Second, one's deeds have an effect
in this or future life.Lastly, one may escape the weary round of death and birth (Parrinder 1971).

• Within every human is an eternal soul or atman that is being reborn many times and various forms in accordance to
the moral law or karma (Bowker 1997).A soul may escape the cycle of rebirth and attain moksha.This particular
liberation can be achieved through the four yogas that involve a system of practices aimed at producing spiritual
enlightenment.The word yoga is derived from the root word yuj which translates as "to yoke" or "to join".The
philosophy of yoga was developed by the sage Patanjali who lived in the second centiry B.C.E.He is considered as
the father of modern yoga" as he codified the teachings of yoga in his yoga sutra (Hopfe 1983).
For all hindus, there are four desirable goals of life or purushartha.These
are dharma (appropriate behavior), artha (the pursuit of legitimate
worldly success), kama (the pursuit of legitimate pleasure), and moksha
(release from rebirth).The terminal stage involves the liberation from
the bonds of flesh and the limitations of death-bound life (Brown
1975).By faithfully performing duties in social and family lofe, this
involves one person pursuing artha or appropriate worldly prosperity and
material well-being.
WORSHIP/OBSER
VANCES/RITUALS
PRACTICES/FESTI
VITIES
• Hindu scriptures state that there are 330 million Gods or devas (kulanad 1994) These include
manifestations of natural phenomena evil forces, and even illnesses.Others are venerated humans or
town deities.Hindu worshipor puja involves images (Murtis), prayers (mantras), and diagrams of the
universe (yantras) (Bowker 1997). Integral to hindu worship are sacred images and temples believed to
house and represent the deities. These images can be revered in homes or temples with a host of
intermediary priests holy men and religious teachers (Koland 1994).
• However, most hindu worship individually involving mantras or vibrating sounds that summon the deity
and the prasad or gift offerings (Bowker 1997). Vital to hindu worship is darshan that pertaining to
seeing and being in the presence of deity. In temples ceremonies may be in the form of offering a flame,
milk or honey and even reciting chants and music. While worship may be undertaken any day of the week
thursday is considered to be the most opportune day.
• Hindu celebrate a number of festivals that are based on the hindu calendar and
often related to seasonal changes. Main festival include Holi Diwah, and
Dussearah The Diwali or "Festival of Lights" is India's biggest and most
important holiday of the year held in october or november that is similar to the
Christmas holiday of the Christians. Indians light outside their himes to
symbolize the inner light that safeguards the people from evil forces.
Meanwhile there are also many local and regional festival such as, harvest and
deity festivals, marked by colorful performances.
 Holi Diwali
• Diwali and Holi festival is a famous festival in India. Holi festival comes in the summer
season and the Diwali festival comes in the winter season. Diwali festival is celebreted
with lighting, Kandil and Rangoli, and the Holi festival celebrates with colors.
 Dussearah
• The name Dussearah comes from the sanskrit language "Dash"and "Hara". It literally
means the defeat of the sun. As per mythology, had Lord Ram not defeted Ravana, the
sun would have never risen. On the day of Dussearah, people in Mysore, worship Goddess
Chamundeshwari.
 The following are
Rituals Practices in
Hinduism
 Devotion
• refers to both(Bhakti)
a practice and a path (marga) towards salvation. Devotion
entails total and unconditional surrender and selfless love towards a personal
or chosen deity. In turn, the person becomes a devotee of their chosen god or
goddess. The idea of bhakti encompasses all rituals related to worshipping or
venerating deities, such as worship (puja) and service (seva). Bhakti is a
practice open to all hindus regardless of their caste, life station or gender.
 Worship
• Worship (Puja) is one of the most central practices in Hinduism. Every form of worship consists of
making offerings(Puja)
and receiving blessings, from elaborate temple rituals to simple home practices. The
frequency , scale and exact details of a puja depend on the nature and location of the deity, the
connected texts or ritual manuals, the intention of the participants and the occasion for the worship.
Some rituals that may occur include 'seeing' the deity (Darsana), and chanting mantras. Other
common elements include playing instruments, ringing bells, burning incense, gestures, prostrations
ceremoniously walking around the deity's altar and offerings (usually food, fresh flowers and light
produced from gheesoaked wicks, otherwise known as arti). Duringa puja at a temple, the worshipper
may receive sweets or blessing (prasada), a thread tied to their wrist or coloured powder (usually red
or orange urmeric) dotted on their forehead.
 Fire
• The term 'yajña' or ' homa' refers to a ritual sacrifice wherein
Sacrifice
symbolic materials such as ghee, grains and incense are
thrown into a special fire pit.A priest is usually requirred to
help facilitate the fire sacrifice. Fire rituals continue to be an
essential part of many hindu ceremonies and, in some cases,
worship (puja).
 Mantra
• The term 'Mantra' broadly refers to sentences, phrases or words (typically
in sanskrit) that are composed in verse or prose. Mantras are chanted or
recited, usually as part of a ritual. They can be spoken loudly, sofly or
mentally. Mantras are believed to be vested with instrumental,
performative or transformative power. There is an enormous variety of
mantras. Sometimes mantras can be a way to identify the stream of
Hinduism one follows.
 Grace (Prasada)
• Grace (prasada or prasad) refers to a returned portion of a worshipper's
offering, believed to be blessed after the deity's intangible consumption.
The prasada must first be offered to the deity, which then blesses the
item. A few moments or hours after offering the prasada, the worshipper
may then receive the blessed prasada and use it. Common prasada items
are food such as bananas, coconuts, candies and milk products as well as
fresh flowers.
 Service (seva)
• Service (sevā) is the respectful and regular attention of the needs of someone or something, in
acknowledgement of the divine (related to the concept of brahman and ātman). One can do service to
enshrined deities (mūrtis), as well as to one’s guru, parents, guests, animals or to the whole community.
The specifics of service depend on the kind of entity being served. For example, ‘gauseva’ refers to the
service to cows. In this context, it is considered auspicious to serve cows by feeding them first thing in the
morning.
• Service towards a deity usually occurs at least twice a day. Some practices associated with service include
bathing an icon, changing the ornaments around the icon, ringing bells to draw the attention of the deity
and offering light from wicks soaked in ghee (a practice otherwise known as ārtī). Service is usually
conducted by a ritual expert who is regularly present at the temple or shrine.
Astrology (Jyotiṣa)
• A common practice in Hinduism is to call upon a jyotiṣī (also spelt
jyotishi, who is someone skilled in astrology and astronomy) to help
determine auspicious dates and times for festivals, weddings,
pilgrimages and the installation of images (mūrti). Astrology also
plays a vital role in determining marriage partners and names of
children.
 Life Cycle Rites (Saṃskāra)
• The term ‘saṃskāra’ refers to important life-cycle rites, beginning with one’s
conception and ending with one’s cremation. Though Hindu texts have some
prescribed ceremonies and rituals to mark various specific stages of life, the
practices of the saṃskāra are diverse. Some families may practise each rite,
while others may choose to celebrate the rites most important to them. There are
also other factors that determine whether and how a family or individual perform
certain rites, such as regional variations and caste. Some of the life-cycle rites
are:
• Garbhādhāna: This life-cycle rite is related to conception. The rite occurs after
menstruation and before or after sexual intercourse. Usually, special mantras are chanted
by the couple to help ensure the conception and proper development of a child.
• Puṃsavana: The rite of puṃsavana refers to birthing a male child. Puṃsavana occurs
during pregnancy, usually during the third or fourth month. Some versions of the ritual
include the husband serving his wife food. More formal ceremonies include placing a
pounded substance (usually a particular kind of leaf) into the wife’s right nostril.
• Sīmantonnayana: Literally translated as ‘parting the hair’, this rite occurs near the end of
the pregnancy to assist in the safe delivery of the baby. The rite is similar to a baby shower.
• Jātakarman: This rite celebrates the birth of the child. The parents usually observe the
event alongside close friends and family.
• Nāmakarana: A rite that commemorates the naming of the child, usually one to five
weeks after birth. It may be celebrated at the local community’s temple in the presence
of a priest. After the baby’s name is announced, the priest pours holy water on the
newborn’s head and amrit (also known as aṃṛta, a liquid made of sugar and water
considered to be sacred) on the baby's tongue. Astrological factors often determine the
name of the child.
• Niṣkramaṇa: This rite commemorates the child’s first outing into the public. It usually
occurs when the child is three to four months old.
• Annaprāśana: A rite that celebrates the child’s first time eating solid foods, usually at the
age of five or six months. Family, close friends and the local community may be invited to the
local temple whereby a priest officiates the ceremony.
• Cūḍākarman: This rite marks the child’s first haircut, usually at the age of one to three years
old.
• Karṇavedha: A rite that marks the piercing of the child’s ears, usually performed when they
are a young child. Though not gender-specific, the rite is most common for female children.
• Vidyārambha: This rite marks the beginning of the child’s education, starting with basic
studies in reading. Vidyārambha typically occurs when the child is five years old. The rite may
be celebrated at the local temple with other families and children.
• Upanayana: The term ‘upanayana’ refers to the sacred thread ceremony, which marks the
transition of the child into the first life station (āśrama) as a student (brahmacārin).
During the ceremony, a sacred thread is placed over the left shoulder and under the right
arm. Some families only perform the upanayana to male children or may perform a
variation of the ritual for female children. The child is also given a special mantra as part
of their educational studies.
• Vedarāmbha: This rite commemorates the child’s study of religious texts (especially the
Vedas and the Upaniṣads).
• Keśānta: This rite is reserved for males as it marks the first time the boy shaves his
beard and commemorates his growth towards manhood.
• Samāvartana: This rite commemorates one’s completion of the first life station
(brahmacārin āśrama). The individual returns home after study and prepares for
the next life station as a householder (gṛhastha āśrama). The event is usually
commemorated with a ritual bath (snāna).
• Vivāha: The Sanskrit word ‘vivāha’ translates as ‘marriage’. This rite marks one’s
entry into the life station (āśrama) of being a householder (gṛhastha). The
ceremony is often elaborate, filled with various rituals and celebrations
• Vānaprastha: This is not necessarily a life-cycle rite, but rather a life station
(āśrama) that marks one's entry into the ‘forest-dwelling' stage. A couple passes on
householder responsibilities to the next generation. Then the couple may reside in a
small home next to the main family home. Vānaprastha is similar to a kind of
retirement whereby the individual or couple concentrate on religious life and
spiritual goals.
• Antyeṣṭi: This final life-cycle rite is a funerary rite performed within the first
thirteen days following death. There are various rituals practised depending on the
individual. All ceremonies include the purification and cremation of the corpse.
 Pilgrimage
(Tīrthayātrā)
• Undertaking pilgrimages is a common practice throughout Hinduism. A pilgrimage can be as
simple as a family visiting a major shrine dedicated to their personal deity or as large as
thousands of people travelling to multiple places of religious significance. Hindu pilgrimage
destinations include temples, shrines, rivers, mountains and various major and minor locations
associated with legends and myths. Commonly, the points of convergence between major rivers
(for example, the Gaṅgā and Yamunā rivers) are particularly sacred and attract millions of
pilgrims. Sacred sites include Ayodhyā, Mathurā, Haridvār and Vārāṇasī, all of which are located in
present-day India.
 Yog
aor set of techniques for transforming the individual. It is also used to refer to the practice of
• The term ‘yoga’ refers to a wide variety of religious practice. In its broadest sense, ‘yoga’ refers to a particular
method
controlling the body, senses or breath. Meditation plays a pivotal role in yogic practices. Such methods or
techniques are usually followed with the aim of attaining a spiritual goal, such as liberation (mokṣa).

• Just as the meaning of yoga is diverse, so too are the practices. One example is haṭha yoga, which includes
ideas of human anatomy composed of channels (nāḍī) and wheels (cakra or chakra) that are controlled
through postures (āsana), visualisations and breathing techniques (prāṇāyāma). Since the 20th century,
yoga (particularly haṭha yoga) has gained an enthusiastic following in the West, where it is usually seen as a
way to achieve physical and mental health as opposed to attaining more spiritual goals.
• Yoga manifests itself as four major paths, namely Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Rāja
Yoga and Jñāna Yoga.
• These four paths are like the branches of a tree or tributaries of a river. They all
have the same source and resting place. In essence, they are all the same.
• The only thing that differentiates them is that there is a certain aspect of the
mind involved in a particular path or practice.
• In Karma Yoga the active aspect of mind is involved; in Bhakti Yoga, the emotional
aspect; in Rāja Yoga, the mystical aspect; in Jñāna Yoga, the intellectual aspect.
Symbols/Holy
Places
 Om symbol
• Often written in Latin script as ''Om,'' or as ''Aum,'' this symbol for Hinduism is a series of Sanskrit letters
that are, according to Hinduism, representative of the sound made at the creation of the universe. It is a core
Hindu mantra (note: ''mantra,'' in this context, has a different meaning than in common usage. In Hinduism
and many other related Indian religions, a mantra is a series of sounds that may or may not have meaning in
terms of spoken language, but they are considered spiritually significant. They are meant to bring about
particular spiritual states.). ''Om'' is used to start and end many Hindu texts, meditations, prayers, and other
mantras.
• As a symbol, ''Om'' not only represents the initial sound of the universe, but it references a great number of
significant triads in Hinduism. These triads include the three gunas — sattva (harmoniousness), rajas
(passion), and tamas (chaos) — and the Trimurti (three central gods): Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.
Image of Om
(Aum)
calligraphy
 Hindu peace
symbol
• This symbol, often called the swastika, but also referred to as manji, has been used by various cultures for thousands of
years, including diverse Native populations in North America and even ancient versions of Christianity and Judaism. The word
''swastika'' itself means ''well-being'' in Sanskrit, the language of the Hindu traditional texts. The swastika holds essential
meaning for Hindus, representing prosperity and good fortune.
• Many Hindus widely used it for centuries, but fewer use it now due to its appropriation by Nazi Germany and the Nazi's
horrific actions. The appropriation was rooted in a mistaken connection between Hitler's ideas of the Aryan race and the
Aryan people of India. These Indian Aryans were a geographical group in the Aryavarta region. It was also an ethnic label for
the people of India when the Vedas were written. In Sanskrit, Aryan refers to noble people. The Nazis drew on this idea of
nobility and power, along with some implied colorism (i.e., a prejudice that tends to favor light-skinned people, similar to
racism but not the same) in Sanskrit texts. They did this to assume their conception of Aryan people was like the white
Germans that they saw as the truest form of humanity.
The Hindu
swastika/
Peace
symbol
• Hinduism is an ancient religion that began in India several thousand years ago. Over those centuries,
many symbols in Hinduism have developed, including many murtis (statues, icons, calligraphy, and
other imagery with spiritual meaning). The most well-known is the ''Om,'' a combination of Sanskrit
letters believed to be the first sound of creation. The ritual conch shell, shankha, is also used to evoke
this same sound and is connected to the god Vishnu. The lotus flower also represents Vishnu. This
symbol also is present in other Indian religions, such as Buddhism, and suggests growth and (spiritual)
beauty regardless of surrounding circumstances. One of the other Trimurti (trinity) gods, Shiva, is
represented by his trident, the trishula. Shiva is also evoked through an aniconic cylindrical fountain
called a lingam, which is intentionally phallic as it is connected to Shiva's phallus and the male role in
creation. (Aniconic images are special symbols meant to stand in for something without depicting it
directly.) During worship, one may find diyas (clay lamps) lit at Hindu altars of all kinds).
 Holy
places in
Hinduism
 The Holy Cities Of
• Holy Cities are places regarded as sacred by a
Hinduism
particular religion due to significance attached
to it. The importance is due to the city being
the origin of that religion, its headquarters,
mentor’s residence or the dwelling place of
gods. The Hindu religion recognizes seven Holy
Cities commonly known as the Sapta Puri. The
cities are Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi,
Kanchipuram, Dvaraka and Ujjain.
 Ayodhy
• This Holy city is situated in Uttar Pradesh, India. This city is
regarded as onea of the seven vital sacred places and pilgrimage
sites for Hindus. Hindus believe that Ayodhya is the birthplace
of Ramachandra, the 7th avatar of god Vishnu who is regarded
as a supreme being in Hinduism. Ayodhya is also considered to
have special powers that make it unconquerable by the enemies.
Ayodhya is considered sacred by Hindus because it holds
numerous Hindus scriptures of great importance. It is believed
that the city was built by God himself.
 Mathur
• Mathura is a city situated in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is nicknamed

a
Krishnanagri because it is the city and birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Kesava Deo
temple is a memorial temple constructed on the site where Krishna was believed to have
been born. Mathura’s significance is accelerated by the fact that it was the
headquarters of Surasena kingdom which was governed by Krishna’s maternal uncle
called Kansa. Every August and March, Hindus converge in Mathura for festivals
concerning Lord Krishna including Janmashtami and Holi. Several ancient and modern
temples have been constructed here. The temples include Peepleshwar Mahadeo Temple,
Birla Mandir, Yum Yamuna Temple, Vishram Ghat and Dwarkadhish Temple. Mathura is a
significant city within the country as the Rasiya tradition is held here. The cultural
activity includes folksongs describing Radha and Krishna Ji, the divine couple in
Hinduism.
 Hairdwa
• Hairdwar has been a venue for pilgrims since ancient times. Hinduism
r
teaches that Haridwar was one of the four places where drops of Amit
(immorality) fell and spilled over as they were being carried by a bird
known as Garuda. The city is therefore famous for the Kumbha Mela
celebration that is held every 12 years. The festivals involve a
congregation of devotees, tourists, and pilgrims along the Ganges river
banks to take a bath. The ritual is believed to wash away all sins to attain
a level called Moksha. Haridwar is the center for another event called the
Kanwar pilgrimage. The pilgrimage involves the gathering of sacred water
from River Grange and carrying it across to give it as offering to Siva
shrines.
 Varanas
• Varanasi is a major religious city located in Uttar Pradesh, North India.
i
The importance of the city as a religious center occurred in the 8th
century when worship of Shiva was established by Adi Shankara. The city
has longtime been a famous city for pilgrimages, Hindu poetry, Hindu
devotion and mysticism. Hindus believe that if one dies in the city, one
automatically gets salvation. Numerous ghats or embankments made of
steps of stones on the banks of the Ganges provide a venue for ritual
ablution. Notable religious landmarks are Shri Vishwanath Mandir temple,
which is ranked as one of the most important Hindu temples in the entire
country. Other important temples include the Sankatmochan temple, the
Durga temple, etc
Kanchipuram
• Kanchipuram is found in Tamil Nadu state in the
Tondaimandalam region of India along the banks of
Vegavathy river. The city is home to one of the oldest
temples known as Kailasanathar constructed in the year
685. The city has several landmark temples such
Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple,
Kumarakottam Temple and the Ekambareswarar Temple.
Kanchipuram has a total of fourteen holy temples of the
Hindu god Vishnu.
 Dvarak
• Dvaraka was given its name by Krishna who is a major deity in
a
Hinduism. Hindus normally congregate in the Dvaraka city in the month
of August and September to celebrate the Janmashtami festival. This
festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Krishna. Interestingly, the
festivals are held during the night as it is believed that Krishna was
born at midnight. Sermons and Bhajans are part of the festivities. At
midnight, the pyramid is created and local boys climb it wearing
costumes of Krishna. The purpose of climbing is to strike the hanging
pot. The city also has a number of temples, they include Dwarkadhish
Mandir, Iskcon Temple, Rukshamanee Mandir, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Temple, and Gomati Ghat
SUBDIVI
SIONS
• Followers of hinduism vary in their set of beliefs and practices including
reverence to a particular God. Presently there are four principal denominations
within the hindu faith. These are Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishavism and Smartism.
It is importabt to note however that while these Gods have different names,
Hindus all worships one supreme being.
• Each sect has its own religious leaders sacred text schools and temples. While
there is indeed variety and key differences among sects, adherents of these
denominations share the pervading beliefs concerning karma, dharma,
reincarnation and other key hindu concepts and philosophy .
Shaivism
• Lord Shiva, the compassionate
one,is God for the saivities.
Follower of Shavaism value sel-
discipline ang philosophy. They
worship in temples and practice
yoga.
 Shaktis
m
• The goddess Shakti is supreme for
shaktas. She is the divine mother and
assume many forms, be it a gentle
one or a fire deity. Believers use
chants, magic and yoga to summon
cosmic forces.
 Vaishnavis
• Lord Vishnum
is a god for the
Vaishnavities, especially in his
incarnations Krishna and Rama.
Adherents have multitudes of
saints temples and sacred
texts.
 Smartis
• m
For the smartest devotees are left to
choose their own deity in one of six
manifestations, namely, Ganesha, Siva,
Shakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda.
Smartas are known as leberals as they
embrace all major hindu gods .
SELECTED
ISSUES
• Hinduism continues to be the religion of almost 80% of the Indian
people. While mostly comprised of hindu followers, india is a secular
state that remains neutral in issues involving religious convictions
and practices of its citizenry. All indians are allowed to follow and
propagate their own set of beliefs. Being a country with the largest
adherents of Hinduism, india is presently facing numerous
challenges that are religious in character some of which are the
following.
 Hinduism and
• Even though the Manusmriti or the "Laws of Manu" state that women should be honored in Hindu
Women
society, women have always been considered inferior to men in all aspects of life. A womans life
reolves around the men in her life to be taken care of by her father in childhood by her husband
in married life and by her sons upon old age. Thus, women are relegated to performing household
chores and are expected to become loyal to their husbands, even after their husbands die. In
traditional society, women are expected to perform sati or suttee wherein widowed women are
expected to jump on the funeral pyre of their husbands to prove their loyalty and help save the
soul of their husbands. In the afterlife in spite of the fact that sati was already demolished by
the british in india there are still cases of sati being reported in modern times .
 Caste
• The caste system is one of major distinguishing feature of indian culture that still affects
System
modern day society. A system of social class composed of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas,
and Shudras, oppurtunities are based upon family origin. One person belongs to a caste by
being born to parents of that particular caste. (Hopfe 1983)
• This has been an issue of distrinctive concern for the reformers of the caste system. While full-
blown divisions are relatively a modern development, the caste system began to divide into
thousands of caste that are sometimes based on occupations. A persons diet, vocation, and
residence are dictated by the caste where he or she belongs. There can be more than 3,000
separate castes, in india (Hopfe 1983).
• However, the most deplorable group are those persons that do not belong to any group-
those that are disparangingly called as "outxasts" or "untouchables". Also known as
dalits, they are highly ostracized in society. They perform the most menial of jobs, such
as street sweepers, latrine cleaners, and handless of the dead. These jobs receive the
lowest wages and have the most appaling living conditions(Hopfe 1983).
• These teachings of hinduism may have justified the status of the outcastes. Their
present condition may have been caused by their accumulated marma from the past. By
fulfilling their duties and accepting their dharma, they may be born to a better caste in
their next lives.
Question
Time
1)Who is considered the supreme deity in Hinduism?
a) Brahma b) Vishnu c) Shiva d) Brahman

2)What is the sacred text of Hinduism that consists of hymns

and rituals?
a) Bhagavad Gita b) Ramayana c) Upanishads d) Rigveda

3)The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism is known as:

a) Karma b) Dharma c) Samsara d) Moksha

4)What is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus?

a) Holi b) Diwali c) Navaratri d) Raksha Bandhan
5)Which sacred syllable is often chanted in Hindu
meditation and prayer?
a) Om b) Ram c) Shakti d) Hare

6)Which epic Hindu poem tells the story of Lord Rama?

a) Mahabharata b) Ramayana c) Bhagavad Gita d)
Upanishads

7)What is the concept of karma in Hinduism?

a) A sacred place of pilgrimage b) The cycle of birth, death,
and rebirth c) A type of yoga d) A divine being
8)What is the oldest sacred text in Hinduism?
a) Ramayana b) Mahabharata c) Vedas d)
Upanishads
9)Who is the destroyer god in Hinduism?
a) Vishnu b) Shiva c) Brahma d) Ganesh

10)The word "Yoga" is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning:

a) Physical exercise b) Union or connection c) Relaxation d)
Meditation

11)The concept of karma is most closely associated with

which of the following beliefs?
a) Reincarnation b) Monotheism c) Polytheism d) Dharma
12)What is the ultimate goal of human life in Hinduism?
a) Wealth and power b) Salvation (Moksha) c) Material
success d) Pleasure
13)What is the spiritual path of selfless service and
devotion in Hinduism called?
a) Jnana Yoga b) Bhakti Yoga c) Karma Yoga d) Hatha
Yoga
14)Who is considered the creator of the universe in
Hinduism?
a) Vishnu b) Shiva c) Brahma d) Durga
15)What is the purpose of the caste system in Hinduism?
a) Promote equality b) Assign jobs based on skills c)
Establish social hierarchy d) Encourage intermarriage

16)Which festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness

and good over evil?
a) Diwali b) Durga Puja c) Navaratri d) Ganesh Chaturthi

17)Who is the sage often regarded as the author of the

ancient Hindu text, the "Mahabharata"?
a) Veda Vyasa b) Valmiki c) Tulsidas d) Kalidasa
18)Which ancient language are the Vedas written in?
a) Sanskrit b) Pali c) Prakrit d) Tamil
19)The sacred syllable "Om" represents the ultimate reality in
Hinduism. What is it called?
a) Mantra b) Pranayama c) Dhyana d) Sutra
20)What is the term for the action of selfless service or acts of
kindness in Hinduism?
a) Yoga b) Jnana c) Bhakti d) Karma
21)What is the holiest city in Hinduism, known as the "City of
Light"?
a) Varanasi b) Haridwar c) Rishikesh d) Ayodhya
22)Which sacred text discusses the nature of the self and ultimate reality?
a) Vedas b) Ramayana c) Upanishads d) Bhagavad Gita

23)Which yoga path focuses on selfless service and devotion to a deity?

a) Bhakti Yoga b) Jnana Yoga c) Karma Yoga d) Hatha Yoga

24)Which scripture is a compilation of ancient hymns and mantras

dedicated to various deities?
a) Upanishads b) Vedas c) Bhagavad Gita d) Ramayana

25)What sacred writings of hindus which means "that which is heard"?

a)Mahabharata b)Aranyakas c)smriti d)shruti
 Answer
key
1) d 7)b 13)c 19)a
2)d 8)c 14)c 20)d 25)d
3)c 9)b 15)c 21)a
4)b 10)b 16)a 22)c
5)a 11)a 17)a 23)a
6)b 12)b 18)a 24)b
T ha n k
y o u