When Did Hinduism Start Date
Its origins are unknown and the religion has evolved over time and so defining the start date of Hinduism is tricky. Scholars place Hinduism’s beginning anywhere between 2000 BC and the 8th century BC, depending on how broadly the definition of Hinduism is interpreted. Nonetheless, Hinduism is one of the oldest living religious traditions in the world and has had a strong influence in Indian culture and philosophy, as well as in South or Southeast Asia.
Most scholars agree that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion founded in ancient India, and likely carries elements from earlier Proto-Indo-European religious traditions. The emergence of a distinct Hinduism is so ancient it was likely already an established religion by the time the Aryan Vedic culture emerged in the area of the Indus Valley civilization, approximately 1500-1000 BC.
Scholars have also suggested that prehistoric archaeological sites such as the Linga and Goddess cults in India may suggest a pre-Vedic presence of Hinduism as early as 5000 BC. An analysis of core concepts within Hinduism also supports a longer history stretching back to the Neolithic period c. 9000-4000 BC.
The Vedic religion, with its associated literature (codified around 800 BC), is the most ancient record of Hinduism and is therefore much discussed among scholars. Forms of Vedic religion had emerged before this, but they were not necessarily part of an organized system until much later. It is believed that by 300 to 400 BC the Vedic religion had undergone major changes leading to the emergence of classical Hinduism, now the main form of Hinduism.
The Vedic religion was built around the Soma tradition of drink-giving and featured rituals involving offerings of bali (animal or plant sacrifice) or pinda (rice balls) to appease the gods. Animal symbolism, divine hierarchy, and philosophical questions about the existence of the soul were all deeply explored at this time. Vedic scriptures, such as the Upanishads, also began to be written during this period.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism’s most revered texts, is believed to have been written around the 5th century BC, although it was not widely read until the 13th century. This text is thought to mark the emergence of devotional forms of Hinduism, in which worshippers prayed to deities such as Krishna as a means of attaining moksha (liberation). Many of the core spiritual doctrines of Hinduism were established during this period.
Hinduism has evolved significantly over its long history, with its traditions driving changes in Indian culture and philosophy. By 400 AD the religion had become entrenched and widely embraced with more focus on caste-based hierarchy, temples, murti worship, and a large number of ritualistic practices.
Philosophies of Hinduism
Philosophy plays a significant role in Hinduism. Philosophical concepts such as Brahman (absolute reality), Maya (illusion), Karma (action-reaction), Samsara (rebirth) , Dharma (duty), and Moksha (freedom from this cycle of life and death) are core components of Hinduism. These beliefs and practices have been popularly understood and discussed by prominent philosophers such as Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanuja, who have made lasting contributions to Hindu philosophy.
This philosophical tradition is more extensively discussed in the texts known as the Prasthana-trayi, or threefold source of knowledge. Established by Badarayana in the Brahma Sutra, the three branches of the Prasthana-trayi are the Upanishads, the Bhagavata Gita, and the Brahmasutras. These texts form the core of the Hindu doctrinal teachings and scriptures that guide the beliefs and practices of Hindus.
Vedanta, the philosophy of the Upanishads, has been interpreted in various and often contrasing ways by Vedantists, whose comments and debates have shaped Hinduism. Their ideas, particularly those of the Advaita (non-dualistic) school, have had a profound impact on the development of intellectual ideas in Hinduism.
Yoga is another important part of Hindu philosophy. Philosophical interpretations of the nature and function of yoga can be found in the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Vasisht and the Tirumaltapadi, among other classical texts. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (c.400 BC), is known to be the oldest surviving treatise devoted to yoga and systematically presents the practical as well as philosophical aspects of yoga.
Hinduism has traditionally placed great value on the practice of meditation, which has been an integral part of Hindu practice for thousands of years, with references to it appearing in the Upanishads and other ancient texts.
Temples and Rituals
Hindu temples have been around since the time of the Vedic religion, in which worshippers conducted rituals to appease the gods and goddesses. By 1000 BC, the Agamic tradition had been established, governing the rituals enacted in temples. Temples were typically built to house an statue of a deity, known as a murti, which had been consecrated with specialist Mantras and rituals. The murti links worshippers with the divine and is considered an important symbol.
A key way in which devotees interact with the divine is through rituals and offerings to the murti. Rituals may include performing pooja, offering flowers, and chanting of mantras. At temples, practitioners often take part in abhishekas (ceremonies or ritual) bathing of the murti with milk, ghee and other substances. Other offerings such as food, incense and lamps may also be made.
Hindus celebrate a variety of festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Durga Puja – each of which have their own unique rituals. Hindus also observe many other auspicious days, such as the Ganga Dussehra, a festival celebrated on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi where thousands of devotees also take dip in the sacred water.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which takes place in the city of Allahabad in India, is the largest religious gathering on Earth with tens of millions of Hindus attending. This is often accompanied by the Ardh Kumbh Mela held every 6 years at Prayag. Such festivals not only form an important part of Hindu practice, but they are also a chance to celebrate with singing, dance and feasting.
Hindu Scriptures
Hinduism has a large body of scripture known as the Vedas, which are believed to be the oldest scriptures in existence. There are four main Vedas – the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and the Atharva Veda. These texts have traditionally been regarded as revealed knowledge, and describe the basis of Vedic culture, beliefs and philosophy.
Also significant are other Vedic texts such as the Upanishads, which contain discussions about the nature of reality and the meaning of life. The Upanishads, written between 800 and 400 BC, are considered to be the philosophical basis of Hinduism and are often called the Veda of Dharma (Vedanta) or the Vedanta. The Hit Upanishad, composed around 800 BC, is the earliest surviving record of Hinduism.
The Mahabharata, written in the 5th century BC, is one of the great epics of Hindu India and is said to be the world’s longest poem. It consists of a narrative of the Kurukṣetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pāṇḍava princes. Along with its entwined epic, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata forms the Hindu Itihāsa.
The Bhagavad Gita, written sometime between 400 BC and 200 BC, is one of the best known and most popular of Hindu literature. It centers on a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, and serves as a compilation of Hindu religious and philosophical teachings.
Influence of Hinduism
Hinduism is not just one of the oldest religions, it has also been one of the most influential. Its long history is intertwined with the cultural, social, political and economic evolution of India and South Asia. Key aspects of Hinduism such as the belief in karma and reincarnation, concepts of dharma and spiritual practice, have been adopted and adapted by many religions and philosophies around the world.
Hinduism has also had a strong influence on the philosophical and spiritual beliefs of the region, with its ideas of karma, samsara, karma yoga and ahimsa (non-violence) being embraced by many. The philosophical system of Yoga has also been responsible for making Hinduism’s core religious teachings accessible to Westerners. Its influence can also be seen in many of the literature and art that have been produced in South Asia.
Hinduism has also had a major impact on Indian culture and society. It permeates everyday life in India, from its festivals and holidays, to its traditional art, music and dance. The numerous Hindu temples that are found around India are also a testament to the strong influence that Hinduism has had on architecture and art in the region.
Criticisms of Hinduism
Hinduism has faced a number of criticisms over its long history. Some criticize its ideas of karma, reincarnation and a caste-based hierarchy as outdated and oppressive. The caste system is seen by some as another form of class discrimination, in which people are born into particular social positions and have little chance of changing them.
Other criticisms include its patriarchal nature, which enshrines gender inequality at a religious level and its lack of emphasis on human rights. There have also been questions raised about the structure and authority of its leadership, and its traditional acceptance of animal sacrifice and other rituals.
However, Hinduism has also seen a great deal of reform in recent years. The traditional religious system has had to contend with a more secular society and ideas of human rights, and modern Hinduism has had to adapt and evolve in order to be more in line with contemporary values. In particular, there has been a movement towards addressing gender inequality and the misuse of rituals such as animal sacrifice.
Relevance of Hinduism Today
Hinduism remains an important religion in India, with Hindus making up a majority of the population. In many ways, it has become entwined with Indian culture and identity, and it remains an important source of spiritual inspiration for many Indians. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Hinduism as people have sought to reconnect with traditional values and spiritual practices.
Though it is sometimes criticized for its traditional rituals and outdated dogmas, it is still seen by many as offering valuable ethical teachings, spiritual contemplation and a path towards personal liberation. Its philosophical traditions have long been a source of wisdom for people around the world,
