Introduction about Hinduism

Hinduism is the only major religion of the world that can neither be traced to a specific founder nor has a holy book as the one and only scriptural authority. India's major religion, Hinduism is followed by approximately 80% of the population and is one of the oldest extant religions with its roots extending back to 1000 BC. The rituals and the religious practices of the Indus Valley Civilization developed with the influence of the southern Dravidians and the Aryans around 1500 BC. The religion has gifted a number of Holy books to the world including, the Bhagwad Gita, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Puranas.Hinduism has a number of sacred writings that outline how its followers should conduct their lives. These writings include the Mahabharata and its famous section, the Bhagavad-Gita. 



Hinduism believes that a person's life is actually the journey of the soul. The Hindu goes through a series of reincarnations that eventually lead to 'moksha', or salvation, freeing the body from the cycle of rebirths (after reaching spiritual perfection). Purity of mind and action is essential, as 'karma' or actions in life determine your reincarnation. Bad 'karma' leads to being born into a lower reincarnation. 'Dharma' on the other hand controls the laws of the social, ethical and the spiritual. 

The most interesting fact about the religion is the number of Gods worshipped. The three main manifestations of the omnipresent God are: Brahma, the creator of the universe, Vishnu the protector and Shiva the destroyer. Wars between the Asuras (demons) and the Devas (Gods) are a common part of the Hindu mythology. The Asuras wanted to conquer the territory of the Devas. Many interesting stories are woven around this theme.

Hindus follow the principle of ahimsa, non-injury to living creatures. This principle especially applies to cows, which Hindus believe are sacred animals. As a result, hardly any Hindus eat beef, and many do not eat any kind of meat. 

Hindus are divided into a large number of social groups called castes. The castes are grouped into four main categories. These categories, from the highest to the lowest, are Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras. Each caste has a traditional occupation, such as priest, artist, or farmer. A Hindu is born into a caste and can never become a member of a different caste. Within a community, a person's social status usually depends on the caste to which he or she belongs. 

Each caste has its own rules of behavior. These rules limit social contacts with members of other castes. Marriage between people of different castes seldom occurs. Each caste also has rules concerning who may cook the food its members eat. For example, people of a high caste may eat only food that is prepared by members of the same caste. Most Hindus will eat food prepared by members of a higher caste. Each caste also has customs regarding the type of food its members may eat. Some castes eat meat, and others eat fish but not meat. Some eat neither meat nor fish, but do eat eggs. Still others do not eat eggs. Generally, the higher castes have more restricted diets than the lower castes. 

Education and modern industrial life have weakened many caste barriers. Today, Hindus of various castes mix in factories, offices, and public places. But few Indians want the caste system to die out completely. Many castes provide welfare and educational benefits to their needy members. Castes also help to pass on various skills in arts and crafts from generation to generation.