Hinduism is not just a religion — it's a vibrant and deeply rooted way of life followed by over a billion people, mainly across India and Nepal. Regarded as the oldest surviving spiritual tradition in the world, Hinduism encompasses a rich and diverse collection of philosophies, rituals, and cultural practices that have developed and adapted over thousands of years.
Define Hinduism
Hinduism is often described as a way of life rather than a rigid set of beliefs. It embraces a wide range of philosophies, rituals, and cultural practices. Unlike many religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no central religious authority, and no universally accepted scripture or doctrine. Instead, it is a fusion of various Indian traditions and philosophies that developed over millennia.
Hinduism is not just a religion but a vast cultural and philosophical system that continues to shape millions of lives. Its adaptability, spiritual depth, and philosophical richness have helped it endure and thrive over thousands of years, making it a truly timeless tradition.
Etymology of “Hinduism”
The term “Hindu” is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word Sindhu, which referred to the Indus River and the surrounding region. Persian invaders in the 6th century BCE pronounced it as “Hindu,” referring to the people living beyond the Indus. Over time, “Hinduism” became the name for the religious and cultural practices of those people.
A Brief History
Hinduism’s roots can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2500–1500 BCE), where early forms of ritual worship and sacred symbols appeared. Later, the arrival of the Indo-Aryans led to the composition of the Vedas — the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, composed around 1500 BCE.
The religion evolved through various periods:
- Vedic Period: Centered on rituals, fire sacrifices, and hymns to nature gods.
- Upanishadic Period: Emphasised meditation, philosophy, and internal spiritual growth.
- Epic and Puranic Periods: Gave rise to texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita, and devotional movements to deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi.
Over time, Hinduism absorbed and adapted various local beliefs, making it a pluralistic and flexible system.
Core Beliefs and Practices
Despite its diversity, Hinduism shares several common concepts:
- Dharma: Righteous duty or moral order.
- Karma: The law of cause and effect.
- Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
- Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of samsara.
- Atman and Brahman: Belief in the soul (atman) and the universal spirit (Brahman), which are ultimately one.
Practices include:
- Puja: Worship at home or in temples.
- Meditation and yoga for spiritual discipline.
- Celebration of festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri.
- Pilgrimages to sacred sites like Varanasi, Rameswaram, and the Ganges River.
