History of Hinduism
The practice of Hinduism dates back to ancient times. According to the Vedic literature, it is believed to have been revealed to people by their patron deities, who taught them correct symbols, rituals, spiritual knowledge and laws to live by. Hinduism is the oldest recorded religion in the world, predating even Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism. It has evolved over the centuries and today consists of various denominations and sects, each with its own core beliefs, faith and practices.
In its traditional form, Hinduism is based on the principles of four paths of Dharma, which entail: service, dedication and selflessness; following the path of righteousness; renunciation of attachments to the material world, and perfecting one’s inner self. These values are based on ancient Hindu texts, such as the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. The main religious symbols of Hinduism are the Trimurti – the three main gods of Hinduism – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and the central deity, Devi, who is often represented as the divine female mother in Hindu culture.
Number of people Practicing Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s major religions, with an estimated 1.1 billion adherents around the globe. It is the third largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. In India, Hinduism is the majority religion, comprising 79.8% of the total population, according to the 2014 census. Hinduism is also the dominant religion in Nepal, where 81.3% of the population follow it. Hinduism is also practiced on a smaller scale in Bhutan, Singapore, Mauritius, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Growth of Hinduism
The growth of Hinduism has been rapid over the past decades, primarily because of immigration to countries with predominantly Hindu populations. In the United States, Hinduism is the fastest growing religion, with 1.7 million adherents, according to a 2016 Pew Research study. In Australia, the Hindu population has grown significantly over the past decade, with the number of Hindu adherents estimated to be 385,000 as of 2019.
Practices and Beliefs of Hinduism
The beliefs and practices of Hinduism are based on the concept of Dharma, which encompasses four aspects: service and dedication, righteous conduct, renunciation of material desires, and the pursuit of inner divine knowledge. Additionally, Hinduism teaches people to practice Ahimsa, or non-violence, towards all beings, as well as truth, non-stealing and purity, among other virtues. Additionally, Hindus believe in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, known as samsara, and the law of karma – the idea that one’s actions, good or bad, will determine their future incarnations.
Centers of Hindu Worship
Hindus practice their faith at temples, sacred sites and shrines, with Hindus visiting the temples for rituals, sacrifices, weddings and pilgrimages. The most important Hindu temples are located in India and Nepal, including Varanasi and Kanchipuram in India, as well as Patan and Pashupatinath in Nepal. In countries with significant Hindu populations, like the United States and Australia, there are also numerous Hindu temples, largely centered around key cities, like New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.
Common Rituals of Hinduism
Hindus conduct numerous rituals to show devotion to their various deities and observe various occasions. One common ritual is the practice of puja, or acts of worship, which entails offerings and prayers to one or multiple deities. This ritual can be performed at home, or in temples and often includes flowers, incense, chanting, and the offering of traditional food items, such as fruits or sweets. Additionally, there are numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year in Hinduism, with the main festivals being Diwali, or the celebration of light, and Holi, when Hindus traditionally throw colored powder in celebration of love and friendship.
Hinduism in Recent Times
In recent times, Hinduism has seen a growth in popularity in some parts of the world, primarily due to immigration and the growth of yoga and meditation as a spiritual practice for many people. Additionally, Hinduism has been viewed in recent times as being tolerant of other religions and cultures, which has helped it become more popular in countries with large non-Hindu populations.
Effects of Hinduism in Today’s Society
Hinduism has had a significant influence on world culture and literature. Throughout history, Hindu art, philosophy, and literature have had a powerful impact on other religions, as well as on art, literature, and culture in general in the world. Most notably, its shared belief of ahimsa – or non-violence – with Buddhism, has had an effect on values of non-violence around the world. Additionally, the philosophy of karma, which Hindus believe governs our lives, has been adopted by many different cultures and incorporated into their life philosophies.
Spread of Hinduism throughout the Globe
The spread of Hinduism throughout the world has been largely due to globalization, immigration, and the growth of the Internet, through which Hindus share stories, beliefs and practice across countries, continents and cultures. Additionally, the teachings of Hinduism have been spread through the emergence of institutions, like universities, and spiritual communities, like ashrams, which give people exposure to the teachings and philosophy of the religion.
Hinduism in the 21st Century
Hinduism has seen a resurgence in recent years as it has become more accessible to the modern world. Through social media, websites, and television shows, Hinduism has spread throughout the world, exposing millions of people to its teachings, philosophy, and culture. Additionally, advances in technology, including the internet and telecommunications, have enabled Hindus to connect with each other and share information, resources and spiritual teachings with ease.
Literature and Art of Hinduism
Hinduism has a rich history of literature and art, which have shaped its philosophy, culture and practice. The ancient Vedas and Upanishads are some of the earliest and most important scriptures in Hinduism. Additionally, there are numerous texts, like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as numerous works of art, like temple architecture, frescoes and sculptures, which are all integral to Hinduism and have had an enormous impact on people throughout the world.
Role of Women in Hinduism
Women have always been an integral part of the Hindu faith, and in recent times, they have become increasingly empowered to play an active and visible role in the religion. Hinduism teaches the importance of respect and equal rights for all genders, and in recent years, many Hindu women have become active in education, politics and business, both in India and abroad. Additionally, there are numerous female deities in Hinduism, like Devi, and numerous female spiritual teachers and gurus, making Hinduism unique in its approach to gender roles.
