CSAHinduism-Natasha

= Hinduism =

Founder: No record Religious leader: Shankaracharya Place of Worship: At home, a decorated alter, or at temples.


 * Religion **
 * Started in India
 * Practiced in:
 * India
 * Nepal
 * Bangladesh
 * Indonesia
 * Sri Lanka
 * Pakistan
 * Mayasla
 * USA
 * South Africa
 * Myammar


 * Description of Main Beliefs **
 * Believe in one, all pervasive Supreme Being
 * Believe in the divinity of the four Vedas- the world's most ancient scriptures
 * Believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution
 * Believe in karma, the law of cause and effect
 * Believe that the soul reincarnates
 * Believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship. rituals, sacraments, and personal devotional create a communion with these devas and gods
 * Believe that all life is sacred


 * Description of Gods **[[image:Hinduism_&_Vedic_Traditions.jpg width="189" height="238" align="right"]]
 * Numerous Gods
 * Three main gods
 * Shiva- destroyer of the world, represents most essential goodness. Has many forms, has five heads; combination of all Shiva energies.
 * Vishnu- the preserver and protector of creation. Never sleeps. Is always shown with four weapons.
 * Brahma- the creator. Is half man, half woman. Has four heads but used to have five.


 * Description of Sacred Writings **
 * The Vedas
 * Four Vedas
 * Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda
 * Upanishads
 * How the soul can be united with the truth through contemplation and meditation.
 * Puranas
 * Contain a complete narrative of the history of the mystery of the universe from creation to destruction, genealogies of the kings, heroes and demigods, and descriptions of Hindu cosmology and geography.

Types of temple worship **
 * Descriptions of Practices
 * Japa- individual silent or soft repetition of mantas.
 * Bhajani singing of religious songs, usually with instruments.
 * Kirtan- singing and chanting of holy mantras. Includes instruments and simple dance.
 * Arotik- ceremony where certain pleasing articles are offered to the Lord.
 * Pujas- Hindus conduct these in shrines in temples, in the home, and in outdoor public places. **
 * During a puja, an image or other symbol of God serves as a means of gaining access to the divine. Objects are energy that allow the devotee to experience communication with his or hers gods.

-Diwali- this is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindus which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festivals is celebrated for 5 continuous days, where the 3rd day is the main festival or "Festival of LIghts". Fire works are normally associated with this festival-people light up candles in their house too.
 * Description of Festivals **
 * -The Mahakumbh Mela, Allahabad- millions of Hindus, pilgrims, and people from around the world converge for this festival. This is a great Indian bathing festival where people bathe in water.

**** Symbols ** -The Om is the most important symbol in Hinduism. Its associated with every prayer, and in shrines.