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Hinduism
Hinduism, one of tHe oldest religions, began in india more
than 5,000 years ago. Hinduism has no single founder, but grew gradually
from early beliefs. today, there are many different Hindu groups or sects.
they may worship the same Hindu gods, but they do not all share the same
religious beliefs. nevertheless, most Hindus believe that people have a soul
that does not die with them. instead, the soul leaves the dying body and enters
a new one being born. People who live good lives are reincarnated, or born
again, in a higher state. Bad deeds can lead to rebirth as an animal or insect.
it is possible to escape from the cycle of death and rebirth
through Karma, that is, good deeds that bring an
individual to the state of moksha (liberation). Hindus are
born into castes, or groups, which give them their rank
in society. rules restrict how people of
different castes may mix and marry.
today, there are nearly 1 billion
Hindus in the world. they
live mainly on the indian
subcontinent.More gentle than the
fierce Shiva, Vishnu
comes to restore order
and peace to the world.The four heads of Brahma, the creator,
looking in all four directions, show that he
has knowledge of all things.temPles
in southern and central india,
there are large temples that
contain ornate carvings and
statues of the many Hindu gods.
Priests look after the temples.
they bathe the statues every
day, and decorate them with
ornaments. Visitors come to
pray and bring offerings of
flowers and food. After the
food has been blessed, it is
shared by the worshipers
or given to the poor.mArriAge
family life and marriage are very important
to Hindus. Parents are often involved in their
children’s choice of a partner. Women are
required to be dutiful and obedient to their
fathers and husbands. A wedding ceremony
is accompanied by music and feasting. the
bride and groom exchange colorful garlands
of flowers and make solemn promises to each
other before a priest.Shiva, the destroyer, rules
over the death and life of
everything in the world. It
is thought that when Shiva
dances, he destroys old,
worn-out life.Hindu Festivals
Holi two-day festival
in the spring.
Janmashtami August/
september; festival to
mark the birth of
lord Krishna.
durga puja september/
october; nine-day
festival, offering prayers
to durga, the goddess
of universal energy.
diwali festival of lights.
temple festivals are
held once a year.gods
there are three primary gods—
Vishnu, Brahma, and shiva—
created by the energy of the
universe. for the purpose of
worship, however, a Hindu may
choose any one of the gods as
his deity. Vishnu, the preserver,
appears in 10 different
incarnations (forms). two of
the most popular are rama
and Krishna. stories of the
gods and their battles against
evil are told in ancient indian
scriptures (writings) such
as the Mahabharata.Find out more
east africa
india and subcontinent
religionsUS_255_Hinduism.indd 255 21/01/16 5:00 pm