NATIHinduism-Joe


 * Hinduism**


 * Wh****o was the founder of Hi****nduism?**

The founders were European people called Aryans. They brought Hinduism to India around 4000 yrs. ago in the Indus River Valley. ..............................................................................................................................................................................................
 * Who are the leaders of Hinduism?**[[image:images-5.jpg align="right"]]

Pandits, who are also known as priests. There are swamis, which are monks who have given up their life to become more attached with Brahman and spirituality. Lastly, there are gurus, who are very good teachers. One of these teachers was Mohandas Ghandi, who was assassinated in 1948. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................
 * Where do Hindus worship?**

Hindu people worship inside shrines and mandirs(temples). ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
 * Where did Hinduism begin and where is it practiced today?**

Hindus make up 14% of the world's population, which is equal to 900,000,000 people. It was brought to India and practiced in some of Asia. It's also practiced in Sri Lanka, Maylasia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and is spreading to the US. .....................................................................................................................................................................
 * What are the main beliefs of Hinduism?**

They believe in Brahman, a spiritual being. Hindus must understand Karma, Dharma, Samsara, and Mohksha. They think they undergo endless creation, preservation, and dissolution. Hindus also believe all religions have a right path. Hindus must know that divine beings exist. They practice ahimsa, which means noninjury. Hindus need a satguru(enlightened master). Finally, Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred. .....................................................................................................................................................................
 * Does Hinduism worship a God?**

Yes, Hindus have three main gods: Brahman, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahman is the creator of life. Vishnu is the preserver of it. Shiva is the destroyer of life and worlds. Together these three gods form the Trimuti, which is a three person statue. .....................................................................................................................................................................
 * What are the sacred writings of Hinduism and what do they contain?**

They have the Vedas, which are four ancient Indian collections of hymns and ritual formulas. The four names of them are the Atharva, Sama, Yajur, and the rg. The others are Sanskrit, the Upanishads, the Rymana, and the Mahabarata. .....................................................................................................................................................................
 * What are the religious practices of Hinduism? How do they worship? How do they practice their beliefs?**

Hindus wash their hands and feet before entering a shrine. They also ring a bell when they enter. They dress and bathe statues. When meditating, they aum. Hindus also pray and worship in shrines and mandirs. They purify themselves in their shrine rooms and towers. Another thing they do is worship sacred statues.

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 * What are some Hindu religious festivals? How, when, and why do they celebrate them?**

There is Rahsha Bandhan, which is a Hindu wedding. Another festival is Divali, which is the celebration of the new year. Finally, there is Holi, which is the beginning of Spring. In Holi, Hindus splash water colored with powder all over themselves. ......................................................................................................................................................................
 * What are the symbols of Hinduism? What do they represent?**

One symbol is a maddala, which is used for meditation. They look circular and rich with color and details. Another symbol is a swastika. They look like a cross with bent arms. In Hindu culture, they're a sign of peace and luck. There is also the "aum" sound. This sound begins and ends prayer. Also, there's a conch that signals the start of worship at a shrine. Finally, there is a bell, that's rung when entering a temple.