Hinduism

Origin of Hinduism

Has been around since the beginning of Human Civilization, thus the oldest religion.

The origin of this ancient way of life, Hinduism cannot be assigned to a single founder or a single time.

Hinduism is derived from the word ‘Hindu’ which comes from the name Sindhu (River).

Hinduism is a fairly modern term compared to the religion itself.

Meaning of Hinduism: Ancient & modern

The ancient meaning refers to a universal religion of devotion to GOD.

The modern meaning refers to people who follow the ancient scriptures, which are the basis of Hindu law.

What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is more than a religion, it’s a way of life

Hinduism is finding and appreciating divinity in everyday life

Hinduism is daily morality or the sanatana dharma, the eternal truth

Religious Texts

Vedas : Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva (focus on rituals)

Upanishads :give spiritual insight Puranas : Ramamyana, Mahabharata,

Bhagavadgita stories

Beliefs of Hindus and their manifestation in daily life

Rituals day to night Mantra Statues or icons Reincarnation Atman is eternal self Brahman is Supreme spirit Ceremonies from birth to death

Thread Ceremony

Marriage Ritual

Child with a tonsured head

Caste system and origin Brahmin (Priests and teachers) Kshatriya (Warriors) Vysya (Business class) Shudra (Serving class) They originate from various parts of God

Vishnu’s body. Brahmin- head Kshatriya- arms Vysya- thighs Shudra- feet

Worship of Cows

Importance of cows

Not created by creator Prajapatis directed Vasu to make a fire

sacrfice 330 Million Gods reside in the body of a

cow Only animal who has significance in

religious rituals during and after its life time

Bindi

Importance or significance of Dot on forehead

Acivating the Ajna chakra, third eye Beauty, distraction from the body and

focus on face only Pineal gland

Namaste Meaning of Namaste- It is a general sense

of showing respect, homage, or veneration

The spirit in my body bows down to the supreme sprit in yours.

Geography of Holy sites and Temples

Temples of significance in India

Puri Jagannath in Orissa in East Rameshwaram in Tamilnadu in South Dwaraka in Gujarat in West Badrinath in Uttaranchal in North Varnasi or Kashi in UttarPradesh Allahabad in UttarPradesh VaishnoDevi in Jammu and Kashmir Shirdi in Maharashtra Tirupati in AndhraPradesh Ayyappa in Kerala Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy in Kerala

Map of India with some places of religious importance

Akshardham temple in Delhi, in a 100 acre site

Konark Temple, Orissa

Kedarnath in Uttaranchal

Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir

Hanuman

Shirdi Sai Baba

Structures of temples in general in South India

Gold plated Sanctum Sanctorum of Tirumla

Sanctum Sanctorum of Tirumala Tirupati

Celebratory rituals of Gods