-
- FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HINDUISM
- "Its chief mark consists
in concentration on the spiritual aspect, belief in the intimate
relationship of philosophy and life, the inseparability of theory
and practice and the insistence on intuition coexisting with
the acceptance of authority."
Source: The Gazetteer of India, Volume 1: Country
and people. Delhi, Publications Division, Government of India,
1965.
- Q. Where and when did
Hinduism begin?
- A. Hinduism basically started with Sruti
“that which is heard”. The master of vedic age called
Rishis, heard eternal truths in their heart and they taught their
disciples telepathically, by transfer of thoughts. Later Vedas
and Upanishads were taught in chanted lyrics and they laid the
foundation of Hinduism.
- An exact date of when Hinduism actually stared
cannot be quoted, but there are many theories regarding the birth
of Hinduism-
- Mythological Stories – Hindu mythological stories says that it is
trillions of years old. Some say Hinduism started soon after
ice age ended and some even say its origin is 6000-7000 years
before Christ [6000-7000 B.C.].
Theologians View – Theologist like Max Muller of Germany traces
Hinduism to have begun in 3rd Millennium B.C. He says nomadic
tribes called Aryans came from Europe and settled on banks of
rivers like Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra in India and started a
“Thinking Process” later known as Hinduism. Other Hindu
Theologians say that the early settlers of North India exchanged
knowledge with dark colored people of South India called Dravidians
and thus laid the foundation of Hinduism in India.
Archeological Evidence – Evidence found at Indus valley civilization
at Mohanjodaro and Harappa dates Hinduism to have started 6000-7000
years before Christ and the discoveries raise the question that
is Hinduism Pre Aryan or Non Aryan or Post Aryan?
- Thus the origin of Hinduism is a mixture
of contradictory ideas and thoughts. But we can say that whatever
may be the origin of Hinduism it was a blend of Aryan, Dravidian,
Mayan, Egyptian and Greek civilization.
- Major events in the development of the history
of Hinduism are –
- The original name of Hinduism was Santana
Dharma meaning “righteousness forever “of” that
which has no beginning or end”. This name was given by Persians
when they invaded India in 6th B.C.
- For long periods of time there was no written
Hindu scripture. It was just in the forms of Sruti [that which
is heard] and was narrated by rishis to their disciples with
careful sound of words. Later with coming of various civilizations
in India, Hinduism became a blend of various ideas and thoughts
and thus came to be known as “The thinking process”.
- In the development process of Hinduism the
Hindu scriptures play a very vital role. The scriptures are written
in Sanskrit and are –
- Vedas
Rig Veda [Vedas of Hymns] consists of 1028 hymns to gods like
Indra & Agni.
- Yajur Veda [Vedas of Liturgy] concerns the
knowledge of how to perform all rites and rituals.
- Sama Veda [Vedas of Music] concerns the knowledge
of chants.
- Atharva Veda – This Veda contains the
knowledge given by Sage Atharvana. It contains many magical charms
and incantations.
- Upanishads
The word Upanishad is composed of Upa [Near], Ni [Down] and Shad[To
sit]. Upanishad is a teaching given by Guru [teacher] to his
disciples and it is a rule that no one except the disciple could
hear his guru’s teachings.
- Dharma Sutras
These are the backbones of Hinduism ethics and morality. They
are basically the first lawgiver code books to Hinduism written
by sages like Manus, Yatnavalka, Parasara and Gauthama. The earliest
Dharma sutra is called “Code of Manu” and is popularly
known as Manusmriti.
- Panchatantra
It is a collection of stories told by Vishnusharman to princes
to teach them worldly affairs. Each story has a moral and is
like a fable book in which human characters are replaced by animal
characters. It teaches what exactly should be the course of action
of a wise man.
- Arthashastra
It is the code of ethics for kings written by Kautilya of Maurya
Dynasty. It consists of methods of spy system, how to deal with
the enemy and various political and social subjects.
- Brahma sutra
These describes the nature of Brahman in depth and is written
by Sage Badarayana [Veda Vyasa].
- Agamas
These are a group of literature which deals with worship of god
in many forms and they have their own set of rules and regulations
for their devotee. These Agamas gave rise to 3 branches of Hinduism
–
- Vaishnavism
Saivism
Saktism
Famous Indian Epics
The 2 famous epics are Ramayana and Mahabharata written by Sage
Valmiki and Sage Veda Vyasa respectively. The Bhagwad Gita is
the form of conversation between warrior Prince Arjuna and Lord
Krishna at the outset of Mahabharata war.
- Puranas
These are called Vedas of common folk and are written in question
& answer form. They consist of religious stories which make
common people understand the higher truths of life. The major
puranas are called Mahapurana.
- Thus all the above Hindu scriptures played
a key role in the development of Hinduism and paved a way for
a religion which is appreciated by the entire world.
- Q. What are the main ideas
this religion professes?
A. Hinduism is more a way of life than a specific religion. In
Hinduism one can find all religions of the world. Various religions
like Buddhism, Sikhism emerged from it. The most important aspect
of Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no monopoly
on ideas. It is open to all. Hindus believe in one God expressed
in different forms. For them, God is timeless and formless entity.
Hindus believe in eternal truths and these truths are opened
to anyone who seeks them, even if he or she is ignorant of Hindu
scripture or ideas. This religion also professes Non-violence
- "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" - Non violence is the highest
duty. True Ahimsa implies curtsey, kindness, hospitality, humanity
and love.
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- Q. How do Hindus worship?
A. The place where Hindus worship is called a Temple. Most of
the ancient Indian Temples were constructed by Hindu Kings. The
Temples were constructed on auspicious sites and the whole process
was very elaborate. Two rituals associated with temple construction
were a. Pratishta [installation of icons] and b. Kumbha –
Abhishekam [temple dedication].
- The idols of Gods are either made of special
stone or wood and the artisan who makes them are called Shilpikar.
The process by which worship of Gods & Goddess is done is
called Pooja. It is the most common form of ritual. In the process
of Pooja, Upacaras [offerings of many articles like food, perfumed
water, tulsi leaves, sandal wood paste etc with honor to deity]
play a vital role. The person who performs the Pooja is called
Poojari.
- Generally, all Indian houses have a small
corner reserved for God and is called Mandir or Pooja Ghar where
the Indian Family worships together. An individual family can
have their own Poojari doing the Pooja or the head of the family
does the Pooja. This tradition is considered a good practice
in Indian houses. It is a time when all the family members come
together and pray together.
-
- Q. What are the important
rituals, ceremonies etc practiced by Hindus?
A. Rituals are basically an art of worshipping the God. Rituals
may vary from home to home in some way or other but their basic
concept remains the same. The rituals of Hinduism are-
- Poojas
Yajnas
Vedic Rituals called Samskaras [means refinement] – these
are carried out throughout the whole life cycle and are 16 in
all –
1. Garbhadhana - Ritual to guarantee conception
- 2. Pumsavana - Ritual to protect fetus and
to have a boy
- 3. Simantonnayana - Ritual at the last month
of pregnancy
- 4. Jatakarana - Preparation of astrological
chart of child
- 5. Namakarana – Naming the child
- 6. Nishkaramana – Taking the child out
of the house for the first time
- 7. Annaprasana – First feeding of rice
to the child
- 8. Chudakarana – First cutting of hair
of the child
- 9. Karnavedha – Boring ear lobes of
the child
- 10. Vidyarambha – Beginning of child
learning alphabets
- 11. Upanayana – Wearing of holy threads
by boys
- 12. Vedarambha – Commencement of the
Vedic studies
- 13. Keshante – First shaving of the
child’s head
- 14. Samavartana – Home coming after
completion of Vedic Studies
- 15. Vivaha – Marriage Rituals
- 16. Anthyesthi – Funeral rituals
- Shraddha – Rituals at the time of death,
these lasts for 12 days and is carried out to ensure that the
departed soul is at ease and it goes to heaven where there are
lesser difficulties.
Tirtha Yatra – Ritual of going to holy places for purification
and redemption from sin. Important places for tirtha yatra are
–
1. Badrinath [North]
- 2. Puri [East]
- 3. Rameshwara [south]
- 4. Dwarka [West]
- These are also called as Four Dhams.
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- Important Festivals
There are many Hindu festivals and their importance differs from
place to place –
-
- Deepavali – It is called as the Festival
of Light and comes in the month of Kartika [Oct./Nov.]. Many
mythological stories prevail for Deepavali; the major two being
the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and the
second being the Death of Titan of Hell, Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
Both the events signify winning of good over evil, people light
candles, diyas in their houses, worship Laxmi [Goddess of Wealth]
and visit near dear ones, distribute sweets and wear new clothes
etc.
- Holi – Also called as Festival of Colors;
it is celebrated in the month of March. The mythological story
behind Holi is of Prahlada, Holika and Hiranayakshyup which signifies
Holika buring to ashes and Prahlada emerging as great worshipper
of Lord Vishnu and defeater of demon Hiranayakshyup. People celebrate
Holi by throwing colored water and bright powders on each other
and enjoying themselves.
- Onam – Celebrated in Kerala to mark
the end of summer monsoons. It has a mythological story of welcoming
demon King Mahabali to his lost kingdom.
- Pongal – Celebrated in Tamil Naidu during
the months of Januray /Feburary. It is celebrated at the time
of rice harvest.
- Raksha Bandhan – Celebrated in the months
of July/August; a sister ties a Rakhi [sacred thread] to the
wrist of her brother/s who in turn give her some presents and
become responsible for her safety.
- Rama Navami – Celebrated as the Birthday
of Lord Rama.
- Ganesh Chathurthi - Celebrated as the Birthday
of Lord Ganesha.
- Navratri – Festival of Nights; lasts
for 9 days with 3 days each devoted to worship of Goddess Durga
[Goddess of Valor], Lakshmi [Goddess of Wealth] and Saraswati
[Goddess of Knowledge].
- Saraswati Puja – A Festival honoring
Goddess of Knowledge.
- Shivaratri - Celebrated as the Birthday of
Lord Shiva.
- Krishna Janamashtami - Celebrated as the
Birthday of Lord Krishna.
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- Q. How many Gods do Hindus
worship? What are the main Gods & Goddess?
A. According to Hinduism all gods are the various representation
of one true God. Hinduism states that there is only one God and
the Vedas call him Brahman. The vibratory aspect of Brahman is
called AUM or OM. From AUM came the 3 godheads –
- a. Bramha [creator]
- b. Vishnu [preservor]
- c. Shiva [destroyer]
- These gods when take a human form are called
Avtaars.
- The three main Goddesses are-
- Saraswati [Wife of Lord Brahma;
Goddess of Knowledge]
Lakshmi [Wife of Lord Vishnu; Goddess of Wealth]
Parvati [Wife of Lord Shiva; Goddess of Power]
- Hindus also believe in Powers of Nature and
have gods of nature like Varuna [water], Agni [fire], Vayu [air]
etc. There are also Semi-gods like Hanuman etc.
- It is believed that there are 33 crores gods
in Hinduism. A Hindu can worship as many Gods and Goddesses as
he wants because Hindus believe that all forms of Gods and Goddesses
are manifestations of one god or power. A Hindu temple can have
a blend of various Gods.
-
Q.
How many times do Hindus pray everyday?
A. It is considered a good practice to pray 2 times a day. The
Indian temples generally follow a practice of performing aarti
[lighting lights] at dawn and dusk and it is believed that the
gods rest during afternoon and night, so prayers should be offered
at dawn and dusk.
-
- Q. Who is the most important
God in this religion? Why?
A. It is believed that everything came from Brahman and Brahman
is God. The Vedas state that "Prajapati Vai Idam Agre Aseet
[In the beginning was Prajapati - The Brahman]. Later on came
Mother God and Trinity of Gods; followed by Nature Gods, Minor
Gods etc.
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- Q. How do Hindus pray?
A. Hindus pray generally at a temple or at home with pure heart
and mind.
-
- Q. What is the final destination
of all souls in Hinduism?
A. At the time of death, the body dies but the soul never dies.
The soul passes from one body to another after the death, like
a body changes clothes, the soul goes on taking endless number
of bodies; until it pays off all the karmas attached to the soul.
The path the soul takes is decided by the past actions which
as popularly known as "Karmas". After death the soul
seeks an ideal body to be born again. So if you are born rich
or poor - it is because of your actions in your previous life.
Thus the should continues the journey of life and death with
karmas attached to it from one life to another by undergoing
pain or pleasure. The different methods of god realization provide
an easy way to put an end to the drama. Then the individual soul,
which is called "Jeevatman", will merge with Absolute
Soul or Infinite Power [God], popularly know as "Paramatman".
This merging process is called Salvation or Enlightment.
- In order to reach enlightment a human being
should adopt different methods of God realization which are as
follows-
- Karma Yoga – It is a system of attaining
freedom through selfless actions. The word “Karma”
means “to do”, thus Karma means work. The Karmas which
we do dictate our past, present and future. An individual should
engage himself in good karmas.
Jnana Yoga – It is a system of reaching enlightment by adopting
the path of knowledge or Hindu Philosophy.
Bhakti Yoga – Bhakti Yoga comes from the word “Bhaj”
which means “to be attached to”. Through this the devotee
goes for total surrender to God and in this process a total dissolution
of “I” or “Ego” takes place.
Raja Yoga – It is a very scientific path of God Realization.
In this the individual practices self control and thought control
of his body and mind.
- Q. What methods do Hindus
use to teach the morality and values of Hinduism?
A. The main methods are as follows-
- 1. Reading of Ancient Scriptures
- 2. Hearing preaching from some renowned saints
- 3. Visiting historical places
- 4. Having group discussions with fellow followers
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- Q. How do you become a
member of Hinduism?
A. Hinduism does not believe in religion conversion. You have
to be born a Hindu.
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- Important Milestones
of Hinduism
- 1200 BC Composition of the hymns of the Rig
Veda
- 1200-900 BC Composition of Yajurveda, Samaveda
& Atharvaveda
- 900-600 BC Upanishads
- 483 BC Death of Buddha - Buddhism
- 468 BC Death of Mahavir - Jainsim
- 400 BC Composition of Mahabharata
- 200 BC Composition of Ramayana
- 1469-1531 AD Guru Nanak – Sikhism
- 1772-1833 AD Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Brahma Samaj
- 1824-1883 AD Dayananda Saraswati, Arya Samaj
- 1896-1977 AD A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami, ISKON
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- Ten Avtaars of Lord
Vishnu
- The ten incarnations of Vishnu is a Hindu
theological concept in Vedic history. Vishnu exists as the Creator
and also within every being as our soul, our Supreme. He also
enters or descend to our world in the form of Avatar whenever
his presence is needed.
- 1. Matsya - The Fish 2. Kurma- The Tortoise
3. Varaha- The Boar 4. Narasimha- The Man-Lion 5. Vamana - The
Dwarf 6. Parasurama - The Warrior 7. Sri Rama - The King 8. Sri
Krishna - The Cowherd 9. Buddha - The Teacher 10. Kalki - The
Slayer