Hindus

Malviya dwipa island across Har ki Pauri during Kavad mela, Haridwar

A Hindu wedding ritual in progress b

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Hinduism percent population in each nation World Map Hindu data by Pew Research

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, with a rich tapestry of culture, philosophy, and tradition. It is predominantly practiced in the Indian subcontinent, including countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with significant populations in Fiji, Bhutan, Mauritius, and among the diaspora communities around the world. Hinduism encompasses a broad range of beliefs, practices, and denominations, making it a complex and diverse religion.

Origins and History

The origins of Hinduism can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, around 2500 BCE. However, it was the Vedic period (c. 1500 - 500 BCE) that laid down the foundational texts and rituals that would come to define the religion. These texts, known as the Vedas, are considered sacred scripture by Hindus and form the bedrock of Hindu thought.

Beliefs and Practices

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, the most prominent of which are Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). However, it also accommodates monotheistic, pantheistic, and monistic beliefs. Central to Hindu belief is the concept of dharma (righteous living), karma (the law of cause and effect), samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of samsara).

Hindu practices include rituals such as puja (worship), meditation, family-oriented rites of passage, annual festivals, and pilgrimages. Important festivals include Diwali (the Festival of Lights), Holi (the Festival of Colors), and Navaratri (a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga).

Sacred Texts

In addition to the Vedas, Hinduism has a vast body of sacred literature, including the Upanishads (philosophical texts that explore the concepts found in the Vedas), the Mahabharata and Ramayana (epic narratives), and the Bhagavad Gita (a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata).

Denominations

The major denominations within Hinduism are Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu), Shaivism (worship of Shiva), Shaktism (worship of the goddess, primarily Durga), and Smartism (a tradition that reveres all the major Hindu deities equally).

Hindu Society and Culture

Hindu society is traditionally structured around the concept of varna, or class, which divides society into four main groups: Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists), and Shudras (laborers). This system, along with the practice of jati (caste), has evolved over time and remains a subject of significant social and political debate and reform.

Hindu culture has made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, architecture, literature, music, and dance. The concept of zero, for instance, was developed by ancient Hindu mathematicians.

Contemporary Hinduism

Today, Hinduism continues to be a vibrant and evolving tradition, facing challenges and undergoing transformations in the modern world. Issues such as the caste system, the role of women in society, and the impact of globalization are subjects of ongoing discussion and change within Hindu communities.