NATIHinduism-Taylor

 = = =Hinduism=

**Who are the founders of Hinduism?** The founders of hinduism were european people called the Aryans. The Aryans brought hinduism to India first around 1700 B.C.

Who are the religious leaders of Hinduism?
The religious leader of hinduism is the Pandit or the priest. The Pandit rule the church. Some other leaders are Swamis and Gurus. Swamis are monks who have given up their life to be more attached with god and spirtuality. Gurus are great teachers.

What is the place of worship?
People who practice hinduism usually go to temples that are called Mandirs. Some also have shrines in their homes that they pray to.

Where did this religion begin and where is it practiced today?
Hinduism was brought to India and was practiced in Asia. About 14%of the world's population, or 900 million people, practice Hinduism today. It has now spread to the United States, the UK, and Canada.

What are the main beliefs of the religion?
The people of this religion believe in Brahman, or the creator. They understand and believe in karma, reincarnation, Dharma, Samsara, and Mosha. They think that the soul is eternal. Bindis and Tilaks are worn for good luck.

Who are the Gods?
There are three gods in hinduism, Brahama is the creator of hinduism. Vishu is the preserver and Siva is the destroyer. Togather they all form the trimunti, a three person statue.

What are the sacred writings?
There are 4 vedas. They are called the Rig veda, Sama veda, Yajur veda, and Atharva veda. They contain hyms, incantations, and rituals from ancient India.

What are the religious practices?
Their religion is focused on the devotion to God or several gods. This devotion usually takes the form of rituals associated with sculptures and images of gods. Many people have shrines in their homes. Yet some ignore the gods altogather and just meditate.

What are some religious festivals and traditions?
Some traditions that they have are a day of celebrating sibilings, weddings, Divali which is like a new year and is celebrated in october/ november, and they also celebrate Holi which is a celebration of spring.

What are the main symbols of this religion?
Maddalas are used during meditation. They are often circular and rich with color and details. Another symbol is the white elephant.

||