| Hinduism |
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| Lord Krishna and Radha |
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| Interested in meditation? |
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| God is the central Quality in all objects I am taste in water, son of Kunti, I am light in the moon and sun. The sacred syllable Om of all the Vedas, Sound in ether, manliness in men. I am the goodly odor in earth, And brilliance in fire am I, Life in all beings, And Austerity in ascetics am I. Know me as the eternal seed of all beings. I am intelligence of the intelligent. Majesty of the majestic am I. Bhagavad Gita [vii.20] |
| The symbol above is called OM. It signifies God almighty. OM means "That which hath no beginning nor end" |
| Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the entire world and the roots can be followed all the way back to beyond 1000 BC. Already the Indus valley civilization had develped a religion closely related to Hinduism. Later Dravidians and the Aryan invaders had an impact on combining their own religion within the religion of Indus Valley. Around 1000 BC, the vedic scriptures were introduced to them, providing the first loose framework for the religion. Even these days the four Vedas (divine knowledge) are the most important part of HIndu philosophy. Everything goes through the cycle of rebirths. Each rebirth can move closer or further from eventual moksha, the spiritual salvation which frees one fromt he cycle. Karma, the law of cause and effect, encourages people to follow a good life-the better the life people live, the better reincarnation they will receive in their next life. You are either born to be a Hindu or you are not: you can never become one. |
| MISCONCEPTION of Hinduism A popular misconception holds that Hinduism is polytheistic- believes in multiple Gods. TRUTH Hinduism is truly monotheistic (believes in one God). However, Hinduism believes not only in one God but also in his supreme personality. This personality of the supreme being is manifested in different forms around us and within us perpetually. To meditate on the supreme bring, man would have to absorb all these infinite manfestations (which are continuosly taking place without a starting point or an end) with his finite or limited capabilities. Clearly, this is not possible. Therefore, God manifests himself in billions of ways to help mankind visualize him. This belief of Hinduism is often confused with polytheism. |
| Hindu Festivals 1. Makar Sakrant:- (January 14) astronomically the day denotes the entry of sun in the sign of Capricorn. It is considered to be an auspicious occasion for performing religious rites (to fulfill desires) 2. Vasant Panchami:- Vasant means spring. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in order to be blessed with prosperity 3. Maha Shivratri:- Occurs on the 13th day from full moon of Falgun (February-March). It is believed to be the most auspicious day to propriate Lord Shiva and seek his blessings to tide over worldly hurdles. 4. Holi (Phagva):- As a mark of burning Holika (demoness) a bonfire is made at night. On the ensuing day it is a joyous celebration with singing, dancing, and spraying of colours (powder). 5. Ram Navmi:- Birth of Lord Ram. Looked at the beginning of end of evil era. 6. Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi):- (July-August) On this day, the sister ties a thread on the wrist of her brother(s) as a mark of the unbreakable love of each other and the brother's obligation to guard her for life. 7. Janmashtami:- (August-September) Birth of Lord Krishna. In the night songs and stories related to Krishna's birth are sung and narrated. 8. Ganesh Chaturthi:- (August-September) Ganesh is first place in pooja system. Any undertaking beginning with the worship of Ganesh is said to be successful 9. Navratri:- (September-October) Durga (goddess of might and maternal care) is worshipped. 10. Vijaya Dashami:- (September-October) It commemorates the day of victory over Ravana (demon King) by Lord Rama. Lord Rama, Sita, Laxman (brother) and might devotee Hanuman are worshipped. 11. Deepavali (Diwali):- Most important festival. Goddess Laxami who wields the power of wealth is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity round the year. Homes are decorated as nicely as possible. The decoration of homes with rows of lamps is the unique feature of this celebration. |