Hinduism

This is the sum of duty; do not do to others what would

cause pain if done to you.

Historical background• Over centuries, Hinduism begins with the Indo – European

invasion of India in 500 BC India was involved by many people.• Hinduism developed out of a multiplicity of local gods,

goddesses and heroes.• No main leaders many teachers were considered leaders.1. Sankara2. Ramanuja3. Ninbarka4. Madhva• Muslim-Hindu conflict• Islamic people wanted to expandSo they traveled into India and destroyed there temples tension

between them now.

Basic belief system• Hindus believe in many gods/ goddesses• Hindus believe in the divinity of the 4 Vedas. • Reincarnation/ after life• Karma• Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen

worlds and that temple worship, rituals, sacraments and personal devotionals create a unity with devas and Gods.

• Hinduism focuses on self achievement

Gods/goddesses• Ganesha – the elephant god. God of all existing beings• Shiva – the most powerful god. God of death and

dissolution• Krishna – the supreme being• Rama – known as the ideal son, husband and father• Hanuman – the monkey god. Symbol of physical

strength.• Vishnu – Preserver of all life• Lakshmi – goddess of wealth and prosperity• dugra – mother goddess• Kali – evil goddess of darkness• Sarawati – goddess of knowledge

Vegetarian diet3 reasons Hindus could choose to be

vegetarian• Principle of non – violence. Applied to

animals • intention to offer only “pure”

vegetarian food in their diet• Non – vegetarian food damages the

mind and spiritual development

Non-vegetarian diet• Higher class (Brahmins) are usually

non-vegetarians • They are allowed to eat fish and

some meat• Jhatka is a common method of

slaughtering. In jhatka the butcher slices the head off the animal with a single stroke of an animal which causes minimal suffering

Sacred symbols• lotus- represents beauty and non-attachment• Om- represents the 3 worlds-earth,

atmosphere, heaven. The 3 major Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The 3 sacred Vedic scriptures Rg, yajur and sama

• The pratik- the upward pointing triangle represents ones external actions. The downward pointing triangle represents ones internal work. The rising sun represents spiritual progress. The swastika represents fulfilment or ones ultimate spiritual goals

Sacred Symbols part two• Swastika- used as a charm to bring good

fortune and well being• Trihsula- symbolizes empire and the irresistible

force of transcendental reality. The 3 prongs represent creator, pressure and destroyer

• Yantra- represents the universe. Used in Hindu worship and meditation.

• Bind- worn on the forehead of a married women. Symbolizes female energy , it’s believed to protect women and their husbands.

Sacred text Vedas; there are 4 Vedas the Rig Veda, Sama

Veda, yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Primary textsThey have a big influence on

Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas

Sacred places• Rameswaram temple- shaiva centre,

considered immensely sacred as the Hindu religious center

• Hared war- a ancient place that was made holy. One of the 7 holiest places for Hindus

Rituals• Hindu rituals are called sanskars.• Hindus believe that it is the responsibility of each

individual to continue the Hindu race by participating in a ritual after marriage

• Prayers occur before having a child to insure well being

Other rituals...• Namakarna • Karnavedha• Mundan• Upanayana

Weddings– Ceremonies are very colourful and extend for several days.

• Wedding ceremonies are traditionally conducted at least partially in Sanskrit

Steps in a wedding ceremony...1. Jayamaala – meeting of the families, exchange of garlands2. Madhu – Parka – the bride and groom are offered a seat for the

long ceremony to begin3. Gau Daan and Kanya Pratigrahan – gifts are exchanged between

the families, passing of the mungala sootra4. Vivaha – Homa – the sacred fire is lit and prayers are said5. Paanigrahan – the ceremony of vows and the eight lamvas6. Sapta – Padi – the couple walk 7 steps and recit a prayer at each

step7. Surya Darshan and Dhruva Darshan –the couple get blessings

from the sun and the polar star for a creative and unshaken life8. Ashirvada – belssings from the guestsArranged marriages do occur in this religion and so do forced

marragies

Holidays/CelebrationsSome celebrations are...• Diwali – festival of lights• Hanuman jayanti – festival of hanuman (the monkey god)• Krishna Janmashtami – the birth of Krishna (a very popular god)• Nine nights festival – symbolizes good over evil• Rama navarni – celebrates the birth of lord rama• Raksha bandhan - Festival that celebrates brotherhood and love • Swaminarayan jayanti – celebrates the birthday of lord swaminarayan• Vaisakhi- festival celebrated according the solar calendar• Varsha pratipada - Hindu spring new year, birth of the year• Ganesh chaturthi – birthday of lord ganesh • Origins of Holi – marks some Hindu legends • mahashrivratri - celebrated during the night and day that comes before

the new moon• Makar sankruni – celebrates the suns journey into the northern

hemisphere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnZf07kh6-Y

Mandir• The mandir is the place of worship

for all Hindus.• Pictures of gods/goddesses• Offerings/ blessings• Worship at home• Prasad

Pooja/Pundits• The way Hindus worship is called

Pooja• In the prayer “Pooja” the worshiper

repeats his/her favourite gods name over and over again.

• Prasad is given to one after worshiping, this may include water, sweets and fruit.

• Pundits are much like priests and are highly respected in the mandir

Caste system• Hindus believe in the caste system:The 4 castes are:1. Brahmins – highest class, known as the priests2. Kshatriyas – warriors and usually rulers such as

kings or queens3. Vaisyas – skilled traders, merchants and minor

officials4. Sudras – the unskilled workers, the lowest class• There are also the “pariah” who do not fall under

a caste. They are known as “gods children”

Role of women• Positions range from equal status

with men to restnctive• Role of women in Hinduism is widely

depending on specific text content• Positive references are made to the

ideal women in texts such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata

• Hindu women were naturally chasle

The Spread of Hinduism

Demographics• Originated in India• Practiced all over the world• Arguable to be the oldest religion• One of the three biggest religions• Most of the Hindu population is in

India and Nepal

Statistics • India 90 – 100 % • Nepal 80 – 90 %• Guyana – 40 – 50 %• Suriname – 40 – 50 %• Fiji – 40 – 50 %• Bengali – 20 – 30 %Over 1.5 million Hindus live in

Created by:Nanaki dhesi

Aesha hayward

Emily schwenning

Kayla smith

Bibliographyhttp://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/symbols.htmhttp://www.indianetzone.com/27/hindu_sacreed_places.htmwww.diehardindian.com/demograph/moredemo/hindu.htmhttp://www.sacred-texts.com/htmhttp://hinduism.bout.com/od/godsgoddesses/tp/deties.htmwww.wikipedia.org/wiki/women_in_hinduismwww.wikipedia.org/wiki/madirwww.bbc.co.uk/religions/hinduism/ritesrituals/wedding.shtml