Hinduism is one of the oldest religions of the world. It is the third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. The followers of this religion are known as ‘Hindus’ and their place of worship is known as a ‘Mandir’. The word ‘Hindu’ is a derivative of the word ‘Sindhu’ , a Sanskrit word for the Indus river. Inhabitants of the area beyond the Indus (Sindhu) river were known as ‘Hindus’. It is an old religion; one cannot pass a definite comment regarding its origin. Another way in which a Hindu is described is the 'follower of the scriptures'. Some of the Hindu scriptures are The Vedas, the Upanishads, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, and The Puranas.
Hinduism is also known as ‘Sanatan Dharma’; Sanatan meaning everlasting, eternal, never ending and ‘Dharma’ meaning duty. Another name is ‘Vedic Dharma’, it means the religion emanating from the ‘Vedas’ (the holy Scriptures). For the followers of this religion it is a way of life. It is a set of guidelines which explains the duties of a human being.
Hinduism is a complex religion. The reasons for this complexity can be attributed to the following reasons:
- It is an assemblage of multiple religions, beliefs, traditions and practices. The word Hinduism is a parasol word which encompasses many religions – Vaishanvism, Shaivaism, Jainism, Budhism, Arya Samajis.
- There is no specific founder of the religion.
The unique features of Hinduism are:
- It is a polytheist faith; i.e believes in many Gods and Deities. The principle Gods are Brahma Ji (the creator), Vishnu Ji (the preserver) and Shiv ji (the destroyer). A number of Deities are worshipped by the Hindus – Vaishno Maa, Kali Maa, Saraswati Maa. The Rig Veda (oldest holy scripture) contains hymns in praise of the forces of nature – rain (Indra Dev), sun (Surya Dev).
- Reincarnation: Hinduism believes in reincarnation. It believes that every living thing has to go through the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is one’s karma in the present birth that decides in which form would one be born in the next birth.
- Dharma: It is the moral force bBuddhismy which the Hinworshipeddus are guided. It is the path of righteousness which has been described in the various Holy Scriptures. The purpose of Dharma is to help a Hindu achieve union with the almighty.
- Karma: The theory of karma revolves around the principle ’as you sow, so shall you reap’. The theory as understood by a lay man is if your karma (deeds) are good, your next birth shall be good. The Bhagawad Gita (a holy scripture) explains the theory very well.
- Moksha: Moksha, or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, is the aim of every Hindu. Moksha is the ultimate communion with God. It can be attained by following one’s Dharma.
- Bhakti: It means complete devotion to one’s God.
A number of festivals and fasts are associated with every God. Be it any branch or form of Hindu religion, all are beautiful. Some even revere God as a friend. The devotion and rigor that one gets to see in religious cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rameshwaram is astounding. Religion is a part of the daily routine.
Detailed information is also available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism