Hinduism is the world’s oldest extant religion, originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to date back to prehistoric times and has no single founder. Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions, philosophies and currents. It was given its present day name by foreign invaders, but followers refer to it as the ‘Sanatan Dharma’ or Eternal Faith.
Concept of God
Hinduism believes that there is One Supreme Universal Spirit called Brahman. Brahman is formless, endless and eternal. It manifests in different forms. Hindus worship both the formless nirguna Brahman and gods with forms like Vishnu and Shiva. These anthropomorphic gods represent different human attributes of the Divine. Idol worship helps focus devotional energies.
Major Scriptures
Hindu scriptures are voluminous with no canonization. The Vedas and Upanishads are the most ancient texts, containing spiritual knowledge and philosophy. Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata contain stories of gods in human form displaying virtues. The Puranas chronicle mythical histories and legends of heroes and deities. Agamas are temple and worship manuals.
Key Concepts and Beliefs
Hindus believe in an immortal soul or atman within each being. The soul takes countless births and deaths in cycles of reincarnation. Karma affects rebirths while dharma refers to divine law upholding order and ethics. Moksha is liberation from the cycle of births. Hinduism stresses non-violence, virtuous living, spiritual practice and self-knowledge.
Paths to Divine
The four main spiritual pursuits in Hinduism are bhakti or devotion, jnana or knowledge, karma or action and raja yoga or meditation. Bhakti aims to cultivate love for God, jnana to gain wisdom, karma to selflessly serve society and raja yoga to realize the Divine within through meditation. Most Hindus incorporate elements of all four paths.
Caste and Stages of Life
Ancient Hindu society was divided into four main varnas – Brahmins, priests and scholars; Kshatriyas, warriors and kings; Vaishyas, traders and merchants; Shudras, workers and servants. The varnas were assigned based on occupation and aptitude. Hinduism also outlines four stages of life for upper castes – Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (hermit) and Sannyasa (renounced).
Daily Practices and Celebrations
Common Hindu practices include puja (worship), prasad, yoga, mantra chanting, bhajans, meditation, scripture reading, festivals, pilgrimages, vows and rituals for major life events. Celebrations like Diwali, Holi, Makar Sankranti and Maha Shivratri unite people in joy. Hindu weddings are elaborate sacred ceremonies. Last rites and post-death rituals affirm faith in the afterlife.
Major Sampradayas
Sampradayas are institutional sects rooted in a guru’s lineage and teachings. Vaishnavism venerates Vishnu and his avatars like Krishna. Shaivism reveres Shiva as Paramatma. Shaktism worships the Goddess or Devi. Smartism follows multiple gods and scriptural teachings. Gaudiya Vaishnavism propagated love for Krishna through bhakti yoga. Tantra employs occult ritual and invocation of deities for spiritual powers.
Reform Movements
In the 19th century, Hindu society underwent major reforms led by spiritual leaders. Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned against sati and child marriage. Dayanand Saraswati called for going back to the Vedas. Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Narayana Guru and Sri Aurobindo modernized Hindu spirituality. Gandhi promoted non-violence rooted in Hindu dharma. Such figures renewed faith and stature of Hinduism.
Adaptability and Universality
Hinduism does not mandate rigid doctrines. It has evolved and transformed continuously through history, integrating diverse philosophies and traditions. Deities have been assimilated from folk faiths and cults. Sectarian samapradayas mingled to form new spiritual streams. Hinduism thus adapted itself to changing times and contexts. Its universal teachings contributed to its spread far outside India.
Global Presence
Over a billion people of all races and nationalities adhere to Hinduism today. Apart from India, Hindu communities are found across the world in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and Australia. The flow of Hindus outside India began many centuries ago. Yoga and meditation have become popular globally, spreading Hindu spirituality indirectly. The immense diversity within Hinduism appeals to people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
As the fount of major Asian religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, ancient Hindu wisdom has touched the entire world. Its profound message continues to inspire spiritual seekers, urging them to look within and find the Divine in every living being. Marked by both multiplicity and continuity, Hinduism remains a vibrant eternal faith, pulsating with life.