Rituals
A major aspect of Hinduism is its rituals. Hindus have a deep reverence and connection to their traditions. Rituals range depending on certain occasions and beliefs, but commonly involve offerings and prayers to the gods and goddesses they follow. There are fire and water rituals, where libations are made to the gods and gurus, mantra and puja rituals, which feature chanting and worshipping of deities, and precepts associated with deities. Many Hindu rituals involve family, or specific members of a family, and are often passed down from generation to generation.
Festivals and Events
There are many festivals and events celebrated in Hinduism, many of which mark significant events in the lives of Hindu deities. Millions of Hindus from each region, culture and village will celebrate the festivals with great zeal and enthusiasm. Diwali is one of the most well known Hindu festivals, celebrated with much fanfare in India. During Diwali, Hindus light multiple lamps and decorate their homes to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Other festivals such as Holi, Pongal and Holika are celebrated with different forms of revelry, with families and friends celebrating together.
Symbols
Symbols are a major part of Hinduism, each with its own special significance. One of the most important symbols is the Om, which is a sacred syllable with three divisions. It stands for Brahman (the one universal spirit). Another important symbol is the Swastika, which is an ancient symbol used to bring good luck and prosperity. The Trishul, or Trident, is another important symbol used to represent the divine power of Shiva, and the Swastika is often associated with Vishnu. The Sri Yantra is a powerful spiritual symbol which represents nine interlocking triangles and is associated with the creative power of manifestation.
Holy Texts
The holy texts in Hinduism are central to the lives of Hindus, containing stories, teachings, and philosophies from the many eras of Hinduism. The Vedas are four in number and are the most ancient texts, while the Upanishads comprise philosophical texts written by ancient sages. The Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana are some of the most popular books written in Hinduism. Other holy texts include Puranas, Smritis, Tantras and Upavedas.
Holy Places
Rivers, mountains, temples, and other holy places are sacred to Hindus and are often seen as the physical embodiement of the divine. Temples can be built on hilltops or along river banks, and the most common form of temple architecture is the vimana, which is a tower often built on high ground. Pilgrimages are common among Hindus, who modify their routes and offerings according to their spiritual beliefs. Varanasi is said to be the oldest living city in the world and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Philosophy and Ethics
Hinduism boasts an array of philosophies and ethical practices. The major philosophies of Hinduism, based on the Vedas, are the Samkhya, Yoga, Vyasa and Vedanta. These provide important philosophical foundations for Hinduism and are widely studied in India. Dharma is the moral law, which suggests a set of guiding values and principles for living. The four ethical codes of Hinduism are honesty and truth, non-violence and non-injury, respect for fellow humans, and respect for nature.
Religious Practices
Religious practices in Hinduism centre around devotion to god, sacrifice, and worship of the divine. Numerous gods are worshiped in Hinduism, with Brahman as the Supreme Being. Hindus often perform ceremonial rituals such as puja, homa and havans, and pilgrimage and charity are also important aspects of their beliefs. Hindus also observe birth, marriage, death and other rites and rituals, and the sacred thread ceremony is an important rite of passage for young boys and girls.
Culturual Practices
Cultural practices in Hinduism involve festivals, dance, art, music and literature. Every region has its own unique way of celebrating the festivals and the colors, decorations, costumes and music associated with them. Dance and music are also important parts of Hinduism and are often used to express devotion. India has a rich cultural heritage and literature, with a large number of ancient texts and epic stories which help to create a sense of cultural identity.
Varieties Of Hinduism
Hinduism has its own multiple forms, practices and beliefs, each with its own complexity and its own importance in the community. Vaishnavism and Shaivism are two major sects of Hinduism, each with its own set of beliefs and practices. They both focus on particular gods and have different devotional practices, although many of the core beliefs remain the same. Other forms of Hinduism include Shaktism, which focuses on the worship of female gods, and Tantrism, which is an esoteric ritual practice.
Yoga And Meditation
Hinduism is closely connected to the practice of yoga, which is a spiritual and physical discipline. Through yoga and meditation, Hindus can reach a state of union with the divine energy and higher self. There are countless benefits to these practices, including improved health, strength and greater insight into life. Various meditative and contemplative practices are used to develop mindfulness and connect with one’s spiritual being.
