Hinduism, unlike other religions, does not have a single founder, but rather is an amalgamation of diverse beliefs. Most experts believe Hinduism began in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan, between 2300 and 1500 B.C.
Many Hindus, on the other hand, argue that their faith is eternal and has always existed. While it is also claimed that, Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, with origins and rituals spanning back over 4,000 years. India is home to over 95 percent of the world’s Hindus.
Hindus worship a large number of gods and goddesses and Hinduism is well known for its pilgrimages and festivals. It’s impossible to trace the religion’s origin and history because it doesn’t have a single founder. Hinduism is unique and it is a collection of various traditions and concepts and the Hindu holy books also serve as a source of theological knowledge and beliefs.
Major concepts and practices of Hinduism
Hinduism encompasses a wide range of religious beliefs. As a result, it’s sometimes called a “style of life” or a “family of religions,” rather than a single, organized religion.
Hindu families worship at home altars daily, as well as at temples on major occasions. Murti is a revered icon that Hindus use to depict the different aspects of God. Wood, stone, or metal can be used to create a murti.
Individual gods and goddesses are viewed by Hindus as personifications of a vast unifying force that governs all things but which humanity cannot fully comprehend.
The concept of the soul is one of Hinduism’s central ideas. According to this belief, all living things have a soul and are a part of the supreme soul. The goal is to attain “moksha,” or salvation, which will bring a stop to the cycle of rebirths and allow you to become a part of the absolute soul.
The belief that people’s actions and thoughts directly impact their current and future lives is one of religion’s major principles. Hindus follow the principle of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and the universal law of cause and effect.
Hindus aim to live according to dharma, which is a code of conduct that promotes morality and good behavior. All living animals are revered by Hindus, and the cow is considered a sacred animal.
The Holy Books of Hinduism
Hindus place a higher emphasis on several sacred writings than on a single holy book. The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita are highly significant Hindu texts that are of higher reverence.
- The Hindu holy books are highly revered and worshipped in every Hindu household and hence these sacred texts are handled with care; they are never laid on the floor or touched with unclean hands or feet.
- Before using or reading it, prayers are frequently uttered.
- Silk cloth is frequently used to wrap texts.
- They are sometimes placed in shrines and are worshipped with reverence.
The Vedas, or core religious writings, were written approximately 1500 B.C. These ancient texts were carved into leaves, such as palm leaves. They were written in Sanskrit.
Recitation, personal study, theological training, pravachan and other forms of worship, and consultation on spiritual and secular legislation are all done with books. These scriptures are generally a collection of poetry and hymns containing insights received by ancient saints and sages.
They are also a source of Concepts in philosophy, Personal values, Precepts in the real world, Myth and legend, Mantras, and prayers for worship and arts and sciences of various kinds.