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Hinduism Mary Grace Jaramillo

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions originating in India over 5,000 years ago. It is polytheistic and believes in one supreme being, Brahman, who takes various forms. The religion is based on sacred texts called the Vedas and spreads its influences beyond India's borders. Hindus worship God in the form of a trinity consisting of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer who represents the cycle of birth, death and renewal.

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Charina Aubrey
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66 views14 pages

Hinduism Mary Grace Jaramillo

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions originating in India over 5,000 years ago. It is polytheistic and believes in one supreme being, Brahman, who takes various forms. The religion is based on sacred texts called the Vedas and spreads its influences beyond India's borders. Hindus worship God in the form of a trinity consisting of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer who represents the cycle of birth, death and renewal.

Uploaded by

Charina Aubrey
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to Hinduism

What is Hinduism?
 the oldest major world religion
 It is 5000 years old and is the 3rd largest World’s Largest Hindu Temple in New
 It is the traditional religion of India, Delhi

originated in the Indus Valley.


 The religion is based on God- given truths
or laws, and is a way of life based on universal
principles
Faith Spreads Beyond India
About 1000 years ago, the faith was carried along trade
routes to lands to the east.
Hindu influences remain in Thailand, Malaysia and Bali,
in Indonesia.
The World’s Oldest Living Faith
It has no founder therefore it is not based on the teachings of a
person or group of people; most likely the Indus Valley people.
Archaeologists have found many statues of a female figure in the
homes of Indus Valley people.
A collection of beliefs, and practices developed over thousands
of years
Hinduism is a polytheistic religion
The Arrival of the Aryans
As Indus Valley cities declined, the Aryans came to India
and settled along the Ganges river.
The Aryans religious hymns called the Rig Veda, were
adopted by the Hindus and are the most sacred writings of
Hinduism.
In early days animal sacrifice to the gods was an important
part of their religion but soon lost its popularity, as the feeling
grew that animals should not be killed for sacrifices.
Wisdom- Vedas: the Holy Writings
 Vedas are collection of Hindu writings
 Considered to be world’s oldest writings
 Word “Veda” means “to know”
 Vedas are believed to be divinely given (god
given) or revealed knowledge
 Vedas are divided into 4 scriptures: the Rig Veda,
Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda
Each Vedas has 4 parts:
1. “Mantras” – prayers and hymns
2. Brahmanas “priests” – provide information and explain the rituals, ceremonies and
importance of saying prayers
3. Aranyakas “ the forest books” – written for hermits and saints who lived simple
lives isolated in the forest
– contain meditations and asceticism
4. Upanishads “sitting down near” – writings about the origins of the universe,
characteristics of God and the presence of the atman or soul in all living beings
A. How do Hindus Worship?
 believe in one supreme being, whom they call
Brahman
 worship that one God in various forms, according to
the different functions they believe he performs
 believe that God is omnipresent (always present)
everywhere in all living things
How do Hindus Understand God?
 Some Hindus say that three letters of the word
G – 0 – D relate to the deities’ three main functions
1. G: Generator – this represents God’s ability to create things
2. O: Operator – this represents God’s ability to preserve things and
keep them going
3. D: Destroyer – this represents God’s ability to destroy things
 Hindus believe that these three roles are fulfilled in the Hindu
Trinity.
B. The Hindu Trinity
 The Hindu Trinity is composed of
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
 Hindus believe in more than one God
or Deity. They are polytheistic.
 Worshippers will devote themselves to
one God, their personal deity
Brahma : The Creator –
 supreme presence, or God
 all others Gods originate from Brahma.

Vishnu : The Preserver of


the universe –
 Maintains balance between good and
evil.
 Appears in 10 different forms or avatars
Shiva: The Destroyer
Worshipped as the destroyer or reproducer
fire represents cycle of birth and death
holds the flame of destruction, purification,
and renewal
His hands symbolize blessing and protection
snakes symbolizes his power over evil
forces.
g

g
g

g
g

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