The Hindu

Religion
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

CRISTOPHER A. GABONA
The Hindu religion
is characterized by
religious practices
such as the
worship of many
gods and sacred
texts.

2
Worshiping gods in
temples is one of the
trademarks of the
Hindu religion.

3
LEARNING COMPETENCY

• Recite the creation story in Rig Veda

(HUMSS_WRB12-I/IIIj-II/IVa-8.1).
• Identify the names of the major Hindu deities
as well as their corresponding functions or
powers (HUMSS_WRB12-I/IIIj-II/IVa-8.2).

4
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
• how the Hindu religion was established
Understand and who its first followers were.

• the Hindu sacred texts such as the Vedas,

Identify Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita.

• the key elements of the Hindu religion and

Explain its other features.

5
God in a Million
01 02
Look at the pictures of Analyze each picture and
the Hindu gods presented identify who these gods
on the next slides. are. Also, take note of the
actions they are doing in
each picture and the
objects that surround
them.
03
As a clue, refer to the box
where the names of the
Hindu gods and short
descriptions are found.
6
 God in a Million
Lakshmi
Brahma
(the Goddess
(the God
of Wealth and
Creator)
Purity)
Ganesha Shiva
(the Elephant (the God
God) Destroyer)
Hanuman Vishnu
(the Monkey (the God
God) Preserver)
7
 God in a Million
Lakshmi
Brahma
(the Goddess
(the God
of Wealth and
Creator)
Purity)
Ganesha Shiva
(the Elephant (the God
God) Destroyer)
Hanuman Vishnu
(the Monkey (the God
God) Preserver)
8
 God in a Million
Lakshmi
Brahma
(the Goddess
(the God
of Wealth and
Creator)
Purity)
Ganesha Shiva
(the Elephant (the God
God) Destroyer)
Hanuman Vishnu
(the Monkey (the God
God) Preserver)
9
 God in a Million
Lakshmi
Brahma
(the Goddess
(the God
of Wealth and
Creator)
Purity)
Ganesha Shiva
(the Elephant (the God
God) Destroyer)
Hanuman Vishnu
(the Monkey (the God
God) Preserver)
10
 God in a Million
Lakshmi
Brahma
(the Goddess
(the God
of Wealth and
Creator)
Purity)
Ganesha Shiva
(the Elephant (the God
God) Destroyer)
Hanuman Vishnu
(the Monkey (the God
God) Preserver)
11
 God in a Million
Lakshmi
Brahma
(the Goddess
(the God
of Wealth and
Creator)
Purity)
Ganesha Shiva
(the Elephant (the God
God) Destroyer)
Hanuman Vishnu
(the Monkey (the God
God) Preserver)
12
1. Why do Hindus worship many gods?

13
2. What makes Hindu gods different
from each other?

14
3. How do the gods help Hindus in the
practice of their religion?

15
How does understanding Hinduism help us
appreciate the Indian culture?

16
 The Hindu Religion
and Its Origin

Hinduism
a polytheistic religion that
involves the worship of
several gods, particularly
17

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

 The Hindu Religion
and Its Origin

Hinduism
●considered as the world’s
oldest religion, which dates
back to 4,000 years ago
●has about 900 million followers 18

●third largest religion next to

Christianity and Islam
 The Hindu Religion
and Its Origin

Hinduism
●originated in the Indus Valley
between 2300 and 1500 BCE
●believed to have been the result
of the fusion of the beliefs of
19

the Indo-Aryans and the

natives of the Indus Valley
 The Hindu Religion
and Its Origin

Indo-Aryans
● migrated to the Indus Valley and
blended their language and culture
with those of living in the valley
● brought with them the Sanskrit 20

language and their religion which

consisted of hymns, myths, and oral
history
 How did the arrival of the
Indo-Aryans affect the Indus
Valley and its inhabitants?

21
21
 Hindu Sacred Texts

Sacred Texts
● Vedas Writers often consider
-contains the
literary record of
Hinduism as "a way of
the Indo-Aryan life" or "a family of
civilization and
the teachings of religions" rather than a
all aspects of life single religion.

22
Hindu Sacred Texts
Vedas
● contain the academic
record of the Indo-
Aryan civilization
and the teachings of
all aspects of life
● mean “wisdom and
knowledge of vision”

23
Hindu Sacred Texts
Vedas
● manifest the
language of the gods
in human speech
● signify the highest
religious authority for
all aspects of
Hinduism

24
Hindu Sacred Texts
Vedas
comprised of four
parts:
● Samhitas
● Brahmanas
● Aranyakas
● Upanishads

25
 Hindu Sacred Texts
The four parts of the Vedas

Part Description

consisted of hymns of praise to God and are the most

Samhitas
ancient part of the Vedas

Brahmanas rituals and prayers that guide priests in their duties

Aranyakas centered on worship and meditation

comprised of the mystical and philosophical teachings of

Upanishads
Hinduism

26
 Hindu Sacred Texts
The four classifications of the Samhitas

Part Description

Rig Veda a collection of inspired songs or hymns and is the primary

(Hymn Knowledge) source of information on the Rig Vedic civilization

Sama Veda
purely a liturgical collection of melodies or saman
(Chant Knowledge)

Yajur Veda a liturgical collection and made to meet the demands of a

(Ceremonial Knowledge) ceremonial religion

Atharva Veda (Knowledge contains hymns of a more diverse character than the Rig
from the Teacher) Veda and are also more straightforward in language 27
 Hindu Sacred Texts (The Creation)

One hymn in the Rig Veda, known as the Nasadiya Sukta or the Hymn of Creation (Rig
Veda 10.129), contemplates the origins of the universe and the mysteries of creation.
It presents various speculations and philosophical questions rather than a linear
narrative. The hymn explores the concept of the ultimate reality and the fundamental
nature of existence.

The Nasadiya Sukta raises questions about the origins of the universe and the process
of creation. It contemplates whether there was a primordial being or force that existed
before creation, or whether the universe came into being spontaneously. It reflects on
the profound mystery of creation, acknowledging the limits of human understanding
and the vastness of the cosmic order.

28
Hindu Sacred Texts (The Creation)

29
Hindu Sacred Texts
Vedas
The Nasadiya Sukta
(Hymn of Creation) is
one of the most well-
received portions of
the Rig Veda, it talks
about how the universe
was created in a
contemplative tone.
32
Hindu Sacred Texts
Upanishads
● one of the four
genres that constitute
the Vedas
● speculate on the
ontological
connection between
humanity and the
cosmos
33
Hindu Sacred Texts
Upanishads
● also referred to as the
Vedanta or the
concluding part of the
Vedas
● serve as the founda-
tional texts in the
theological discourses of
many Hindu traditions
34
Hindu Sacred Texts
Upanishads
● present a vision of an
interconnected
universe with a
single, unifying
principle behind the
obvious diversity in
the cosmos
35
Hindu Sacred Texts
Upanishads
● mean “connection” or
“equivalence”
● the homology between
aspects of the human
individual and heavenly
beings or forces

36
Hindu Sacred Texts
Upanishads
● teach that Brahman lives
in the atman, which is the
unchanging center of an
individual
● were taught to those who
sat down beside their
teachers (upa=near,
ni=down, shad=sit)
37
Spiritual and Philosophical Teachings: The Upanishads delve into profound philosophical and
metaphysical inquiries about the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate truth
(Brahman). They explore concepts such as the interconnectedness of all beings, the illusion of the
material world (Maya), and the path to self-realization and liberation (Moksha).

38
Hindu Sacred Texts
Bhagavad Gita
● the most popular
religious poem of
Sanskrit literature
● probably the most
influential work in Indian
thought
● draws its inspiration
from the Upanishads
39
Hindu Sacred Texts
Bhagavad Gita
● takes the form of a dialogue
between Prince Arjuna and
Krishna, an avatar of the
Hindu god Vishnu
● Krishna explained the
different Yogic and Vedatic
philosophies and the more
significant idea of dharma or
universal harmony and duty.
40
Hindu Sacred Texts
Bhagavad Gita
● contained in the
Bhishma-Parva of the
Mahabharata
● incorporates various
beliefs and teachings,
history, mythology,
politics, philosophy,
theology, and law
41
 Hindu Deities
● Hinduism features 33 million gods and
goddesses.
● There are only three central gods in the
Hindu religion and others are merely
avatars or manifestations of these
central gods.
● Each avatar has specific qualities,
powers, and roles in the workings of
the universe.
42
 Hindu Deities

Brahma
● the creator of the universe
● the embodiment of intellect and
present as one in all human beings

● commonly depicted as an ancient,

thoughtful king sitting on a throne. He has
four faces, each looking in one of the four
directions, and eight arms, each holding
symbols of power. His companion animal
is a white goose. 43
 Hindu Deities
Vishnu
● the preserver of the universe
● considered a supreme god and forms part of
the Trimurti with Brahma and Shiva
● Because Vishnu is associated with loving-
kindness, it is believed that he can appear on
earth at different times and in various
physical forms to help those in need. Ten
major incarnations (or avatars) of Vishnu are
commonly listed, of which one is still to
appear. 44
 Hindu Deities

Shiva

● the destroyer of the

universe
● considered a supreme god
and forms part of the
Trimurti with Brahma and
Vishnu
45
 Hindu Deities

The Trimurti

● means “three forms”

● the triad of Hinduism’s

major deities: Shiva (left),
Vishnu (center), and
Brahma (right)
46
 Hindu Deities

Lakshmi

● popular in Indian households

and is worshiped everywhere
● the eternal consort of
Vishnu and is looked upon
as the goddess of wealth

47
 Hindu Deities

Parvati

● the wife of Shiva and is

considered the primordial
force that keeps the
universe from falling apart
● looked upon by Hindus as a
loving mother
48
 Other Hindu Deities
Hindu Gods and Goddesses Description

The elephant-headed god Ganesha is one of the most important deities in

Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is the lord of success and
the remover of all obstacles. He is commonly worshiped as the god of
Ganesha education, wisdom, and wealth. Ganesha’s head symbolizes the eternal
soul (Atma), while his body signifies illusion in the material world (Maya).
You would call upon Ganesha for protection and removal of any obstacles
that may come your way.
Is a major Hindu goddess, worshipped as a principal aspect of the mother
Durga goddess Mahadevi. She is associated with protection, strength,
motherhood, destruction, and wars.
One of the most beloved of Hindu gods, blue-skinned Krishna is the deity of
love and compassion. He is frequently depicted with a flute, which he uses
for its seductive powers. Krishna is the central character in the Hindu
Krishna scripture "Bhagavad Gita" as well as an avatar of Vishnu, the sustainer of
the Hindu Trinity. Krishna is widely revered among Hindus, and his followers
are known as Vaishnavas 49
 Other Hindu Deities
Hindu Gods and Goddesses Description

Hanuman God of Wisdom, Strength, Courage, Devotion, and Self-Discipline

The goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flowing of

wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and
Goddess Durga. She possesses four hands, which represent the four
Sarasvati aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness, and
ego. You would call upon Saraswati for the power of speech, wisdom,
and learning.
The symbol of prosperity, fertility, purity, generosity, and the
embodiment of beauty and grace. Known as the daughter of mother
Lakshmi goddess Durga and the wife of Vishnu, Lakshmi is an important
domestic deity, and her presence is found in almost every household.

Powerful yet widely misunderstood, Mother Kali is the goddess of

Kali death, time, and doomsday.
50
 Other Hindu Deities
Hindu Gods and Goddesses Description

The king of the devas and Svarga in Hinduism. He is associated with the
Indra sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war.
Hindu God of Truth and Virtue (7th Avatar of Vishnu). Rama is the
Rama beloved central character in the legend of Ramayana.
The goddess of power, and is also associated with courage, fertility, and
Parvati beauty.
Is a Sanskrit word meaning fire and connotes the Vedic fire deity of
Agni Hinduism. He is also the guardian deity of the southeast direction and
is typically found in southeast corners of Hindu temples

Kartikeya The deity of victory and war.

Is the personification of the river Ganges, who is worshipped by Hindus

as the goddess of purification and forgiveness. Known by many names,
Ganga Ganga is often depicted as a fair, beautiful woman, riding a divine
crocodile-like creature called the makara. 51
 Other Features
Moksha
● experiential element
of Hinduism
● liberation from
samsara, which is
the endless cycle of
reincarnation and
rebirth
52
 Other Features
Monism
● a Hindu doctrine stating
that all the things in the
universe are made up only
of one essence: the
Brahman
● the central teaching of
Hinduism and is the basis
of the goal of the faith
53
 Other Features
Dharma
● an essential term in
Indian religions
● means duty, virtue,
morality, even religion
● refers to the power
which sustains the
universe and society

54
 Other Features
Puja
● the ritual performed by
Hindus when worshiping a
deity
● involves lighting incense,
making offerings of things
such as fruits and flowers, and
other rituals
● Worship is directed at a small
shrine to the deities.
55
How does having many gods help Hindus in
the practice of their faith?

56
56
Identify the following terms being pertained to in
each item.

1. They used to live in Central Asia

before settling in the Indus Valley.

57
Identify the following terms being pertained to in
each item.

2. It means “wisdom and knowledge

of vision.”

58
Identify the following terms being pertained to in
each item.

3. It is a collection of inspired songs or

hymns and is the primary source of
information on the Rig Vedic civilization.

59
Identify the following terms being pertained to in
each item.

4. It is the ethical duty based on the

divine order.

60
Identify the following terms being pertained to in
each item.

5. In Hinduism, he is considered to
be the creator of the universe.

61
● Hinduism is a polytheistic religion that involves the
worship of several gods, particularly Brahma, Shiva,
and Vishnu, who are considered the principal gods.
● Hinduism is believed to have been the result of the
fusion of the beliefs of the Indo-Aryans. They came
from Central Asia and that of the original
inhabitants of the Indus Valley.
● The Vedas contain the academic records of the
Indo-Aryan civilization and the teachings of all
aspects of life.
62
● The Upanishads are one of the four genres that
constitute the Vedas and speculate on humanity's
ontological connection and the cosmos.
● The Bhagavad Gita integrates elements of the
Vedic sacrifice, Upanishadic teaching of Absolute
Brahman, the Bhāgavata theism, the Samkhya
dualism, and Yoga meditation.
● There are only three central gods in the Hindu
religion and others are merely avatars or
manifestations of these central gods.
63
● Some of the general features of Hinduism that
makes it unique from the other religions are th
following:
○ Moksha: the experiential element of Hinduism
○ Monism: the Hindu doctrine states that all the
things in the universe are made up only of one
essence: the Brahman
○ Dharma: the power which sustains the universe
and society
○ Puja: the ritual performed by Hindus when
worshiping a deity
64
Why is it important for Hindus to attain
moksha?
● Slide 8 and 40: VishnuHindu by Bajirao1007 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

● Slide 20: Hindu marriage ceremony offering by Jaisingh Rathore is licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia
Commons.

● Slide 24: Vedas by Prarthana1830590 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

● Slide 33, 34, and 46: Chakras concept illustration Free Vector is licensed under Free Use via Freepik.

● Slide 48: Indian God puja by Amar7709 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

66
“A Humongous List of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and Their Powers.” Spiritual Ray, July 25, 2014.
https://spiritualray.com/list-of-hindu-gods-goddesses-their-powers.

Das, Subhamoy. “What You Need to Know About the Vedas--India's Most Sacred Texts.” Learn Religions. Accessed
May 14, 2021. https://www.learnreligions.com/what-are-vedas-1769572.

History.com Editors. “Hinduism.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, October 6, 2017.

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism.

Mark, Joshua J. “Hinduism.” World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, May 10, 2021.
https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/.

67
New World Encyclopedia contributors. “Bhagavad Gita.” Bhagavad Gita - New World Encyclopedia. Accessed May 14,
2021. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bhagavad_Gita.

Olivelle, P. "Upanishad." Encyclopedia Britannica, July 11, 2017. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Upanishad.

Rye, Ajit Singh. “The Indian Community in the Philippines: A Profile.” Asian Studies. Accessed May 14, 2021.
https://asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-19-1981/singhrye.pdf.

Smitha, Frank E. “Aryans, beginning Hinduism and the Vedas.” MACROHISTORY : WORLDHISTORY. Accessed May 14,
2021. http://www.fsmitha.com/h1/religion-india.htm.

68