HINDUISM

 Hinduism is the third largest religion with around 15% of the entire population practicing the
Hindu Faith.
 It was never a missionary religion unlike Christianity or Islam.
 It is the world’s oldest organized religion that began on the Indian subcontinent with no specific
movement of origin and no specific founder.
 Hinduism is the third largest religion with around 15% of the entire population practicing the
Hindu Faith.
 It was never a missionary religion unlike Christianity or Islam.
 It is the world’s oldest organized religion that began on the Indian subcontinent with no specific
movement of origin and no specific founder.

HINDU SACRED TEXT

 The Vedas, or “Books of Knowledge,” or “the sacred lore” are the foremost sacred texts in
Hinduism.
 These books, written from around 1200 BCE to 100 CE.
 Sanskrit is the language of the earliest writings.

THE 4 BASIC VEDIC BOOKS

Rig-Veda

 The most important and oldest book.

 The collection of over a thousand hymns and more than a thousand verses

Sama-Veda

 The knowledge of chants.

 The collection of verses from the basic hymns recited by priest during sacrifices.

Yajur-Veda

 “The knowledge of rites”.

 The compilation of materials recited during rituals and sacrifices to deities

Atharva-Veda

 This book contains rituals used in homes and popular prayers to gods.
 It contains numerous spells and incantations for medical purposes and magical aid to
victory in battle among others.

SACRED WRITINGS

The sacred writings of the hindus are categorized into two classes: the “shruti” and “smriti”
The shruti

Literally means “that which is heard”. Shruti, in Hinduism, the most-revered body of
sacred literature, considered to be the product of ine revelation. Shruti works are considered to
have been heard and transmitted by earthly sages.

The smriti

Literally means “which has been remembered”. A body of Hindu texts usually attributed
to an author, traditionally written down.

THE FOUR MAIN GOALS OF HINDUISM

One is Dharma which is also known as righteous living. Artha, wealth through
professions. Kama which is human love and love interactions. Fourth Mashka, which is spiritual
salvation.

Hinduism: Celebrations and Festivals

There are three main yearly festivals. All major festival celebrations include visiting a
temple, eating special foods and exchanging gifts.

Diwali is the festival of lights. Light represents knowledge. It is celebrated in late October or
early November. This is the Hindu New Year. It is similar to the christmas holiday of the
christians.

Holi is the festival which marks the coming of spring. It is held in March or April. There are
processions and people light bonfires and cover each other with colored water and powders.

Dussehra is the festival which marks Rama's triumph over the evil Ravana. It is held in
September.

Hindu place of worship

A Hindu place of worship is called a mandir or temple. A temple is dedicated to a

particular god or goddess (deity). The temple is the god's home on earth. The most holy part of
the temple is an inner shrine called a garbhargriha with a statue to the god or goddess.