Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.Because the religion has no specific founder, it’s difficult to trace its origins and history. Hinduism is unique in that it’s not a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies.

In Hinduism, 4 yuga is considered.

Origin:

The word Hindu is derived from Indo-Arya /Sanskrit root Sindhu. It is believed that Hindu was used as the name of the Indus River in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism includes a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book.Hinduism originated around the Indus Valley near the River Indus in modern day Pakistan.

Hinduism Beliefs:

  1. Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. For this reason, it’s sometimes referred to as a “way of life”as opposed to a single organized religion.
  2. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, governed by Karma.
  3. One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul. The goal is to achieve"moksha" or salavati on,which mera the cycle of rebirth to become part of the andolit soul.
  4. Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality.
Hinduism Symbol:

There are two primary symbols associated with Hinduism, the om and the swastika. The word swastika means "good fortune" or "being happy" in Sanskrit, and the symbol represents Good Luck.

The om symbol is composed of three Sanskrit letters and represents three sounds (a, u and m), which when combined are considered a sacred sound. The om symbol is often found at family shrines and in Hindu temples.

Hinduism Holy Books:

The primary sacred texts, known as the Vedas, were composed around 1500 B.C. This collection of verses was written in Sanskrit and contains revelations received by ancient saints and sages.

The Vedas are made up of four compositions, and each veda in turn has four parts which are arranged chronologically.

  • The Rig Veda:- is the oldest of the four vedas and consists of 1028 hymns praising the ancient gods.
  • The Samaveda:- Samhita consists of chants and tunes for singing at the sacrifices.
  • Yajurveda:- Samhita is used as a handbook by priests performing the vedic sacrifices.The Samhitas are the most ancient part of the Vedas, consisting of hymns of praise to God.
  • Atharvaveda:- Samhita (c. 900 BCE) preserves many traditions which pre-date the Aryan influence and consists of spells, charms and magical formulae.

Hindus believe that the Vedas transcend all time and don’t have a beginning or an end.Many others famous books which is believed by Hindus.

Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita, or "Song of the Lord" is part of the sixth book of the Mahabharata, the world's longest poem.Composed between 500 BCE and 100 CE, the Mahabharata is an account of the wars of the house of Bharata.The Bhagavad Gita takes the form of a dialogue between prince Arjuna and Krishna, his charioteer.

Arjuna is a warrior, about to join his brothers in a war between two branches of a royal family which would involve killing many of his friends and relatives.He wants to withdraw from the battle but Krishna teaches him that he, Arjuna, must do his duty in accordance with his class and he argues that death does not destroy the soul.

Upanishad (were taught who sat down behind teacher (upa=Near, ni= down, shad= sit)* & 18 Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata are also considered important texts in Hinduism.

Hindu Gods:

Hindus worship many gods and goddesses in addition to Brahman, who is believed to be the supreme God force present in all things.

Some of the most prominent deities include:

  1. Brahma: the god responsible for the creation of the world and all living things.
  2. Vishnu: The God that preserves & protects the universe.Vishnu is the preserver of universe.in hindu religion it's assume that 10 avatar of vishnu have created.
  3. Shiva: Shiva's role is to destroy universe in order to re-create.
  4. Devi(Goddess):- The Goddess that fights to restore dharma.

Sects of Hinduism:

Hinduism has many sects, and is sometimes divided into the following:

  • Shaivism (followers of Shiva)
  • Vaishnava (followers of Vishnu)
  • Shaktism (followers of Devi)
  • Smarta (followers of Brahman and all major deities)

Some Hindus elevate the Hindu trinity, which consists of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Others believe that all the deities are a manifestation of one.