Hinduism is one of the oldest and most influential religions in the world, with over one billion followers. Its origins are shrouded in mystery and there is much debate about who the founders of Hinduism may be. The most accepted theory is that Hinduism was created by a group of people belonging to the Aryan culture who migrated to northern India from Central Asia around 4000 BC. It is also believed that the religion was partly shaped by later waves of invaders in the subcontinent.
The diverse range of Hindu beliefs, practices and rituals are attributed to the varied religious, cultural and spiritual heritages of the people throughout the region. However, it is generally accepted that the Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of the religion. They were written and developed by a succession of ancient and powerful sages, known as “Rishis”. These sages are thought to be the spiritual and intellectual inheritors of Aryan culture, and through them the essence of Hinduism was preserved and passed down through generations.
These Rishis shaped Hinduism by formulating the philosophies and doctrines that form the core of the religion. For example, the philosophy of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ which holds that there is only one ultimate reality, was developed by the 8th century philosopher Adi Shankara. This system was based upon and expanded upon the ideas of previous Rishis like Badarayana, Gaudapada, and Shankaracharya, who laid down the foundation for the religion to flourish.
In addition to this, the Rishis developed complex rituals and symbolic practices, as well as laws, which collectively formed the present day dharma of Hinduism. Their focused efforts to document and record the vast philosophical and theological aspects of the religion formed the foundational scriptures known as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
Throughout the ages, the various groups of Rishis have contributed individual, specific and unified theories, ideologies, and practices to the religion which has allowed it to evolve and take shape into its current state, with a set of diverse and intricate beliefs. Due to the immense range of philosophical and spiritual texts, it is impossible to pinpoint a single founder or creator of Hinduism, but it can be concluded that the works of the Rishis have been integral in the formation of this ancient and complex religion.
Developments in Hinduism
Though the Vedas are regarded as the most authoritative of Hindu scriptures, there have been developments within the religion that made it into the practice that it is today. These changes were brought about by great philosophers, saints and sages, including Vaishnavism which was founded by the saint Ramanuja in the 11th century, and Shankara’s monism which was established in the 8th century. In the 17th century, the Bhakti movement promoted devotion and faith as a path to devotion, and was reinforced by the works of poet-saints like Kabir and Mirabai.
More modern figures have also left their mark upon Hinduism. In the 19th century, Dayananda Saraswati established the influential Arya Samaj in India, whilst Swami Vivekananda is known for introducing Eastern philosophies to Western audiences. In the 20th century, there have been several important Hindu figures including Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakshinai, the late President of India, and Swami Chinmayananda, a renowned Indian spiritual teacher and commentator on the Vedas.
The ongoing growth, reform and preservation of Hinduism is made possible by the individuals who altogether formed this ancient religion, often referred to as the “founders of Hinduism”. These figures are responsible for introducing, as well as passing down, key aspects of the faith which make it the earliest and longest surviving religion in the world.
Impacts of Hinduism
The influence of Hinduism is evident in the various branches of religion and philosophy it has spawned, such as Buddhism and Jainism. Hinduism has deeply shaped the lifestyles and traditions of many countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and even some countries in South-East Asia and Africa. Its traditions and beliefs are embedded in popular culture and can be seen in art, music, film, theatre and dance.
The impact of Hinduism is not just limited to the culture and spiritual lives of its followers. Its beliefs and philosophies have made a lasting mark across the world, albeit sometimes in ways that are more subtle than parades and festivals. For instance, key concepts such as karma and reincarnation, have captivated and influenced the works of pioneering thinkers like Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud.
Hinduism has made an impact upon politics and economics too. Some of the key figures involved in India’s independence movement like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were Hindus, and their principles of non-violence and peace inspired the independence movement and determined much of the country’s post-independence politics.
The Contribution of Hindus
Hinduism has become the driving force behind changes in the social fabric of India, where fairness and opportunity are offered on the basis of one’s competency, rather than lineage and birth. This change in social and political landscape is powered by the work of Hindu reformers and activists, who have campaigned for the equal rights, as well as emancipation of certain sections of society.
Hinduism is also associated with numerous philanthropic organisations, each of which are dedicated to various causes, ranging from healthcare and education, to social welfare and conservation. The temples of Hinduism have also played a vital role in these efforts, offering food, shelter and medical services to those in need.
Despite the great diversity of beliefs which shape Hinduism, the contributions of figures like the Rishis, and more modern influencers like Gandhi, cannot be understated. Their collective efforts are responsible for evolving the religious and spiritual beliefs of ancient Hindus into the multifaceted and ever-changing modern practice we are familiar with today.
Religious Practices in Hinduism Today
Though the religion has gone through many changes and developments, certain rituals, ceremonies and festivals are still practiced today. One of the most significant of these is Durga Puja, which celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The holiday is celebrated with much fanfare and processions, as well as by engaging in traditional religious activities such as fasting, prayer and worship.
India’s independence day is also based on Hindu ideals, which celebrate the freedom and unity of the nation. This day is marked by fly-pasts, colourful parades and people coming together in celebration. Another important festival in Hinduism is Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated all around the country.
Hinduism is also characterized by pilgrimage, or tirtha-yatra. This involves visiting places of spiritual and religious significance to Hindus such as the Kumbh Mela or the Char Dham. Pilgrims can seek blessings or enlightenment, as well as engage in religious activities such as bathing in a holy river or visiting a temple.
Changes in Hinduism
Modern day Hinduism is marked by contrast to that of its historical origins. The faith has modernised and adapted to an ever-changing environment and has embraced a more universal approach by incorporating diversity and inclusivity. The traditional boundaries of Hindu worship and religious practice are slowly dissolving to make way for broader and more international perspectives.
The use of technology and social media platforms are helping to spread the word of the religion and make it accessible to a wider audience. The influence of Hinduism is extending to other religions and cultures, as well as the political and economic landscapes of nations.
However, despite the advances, traditional Hindu practices still remain as part of the faith and are hugely important to its followers. Puja, or ritualistic worship, is an important element of personal worship and is still practiced in Hindu households.
References to Hinduism in Art and Media
Due to its long history and enduring traditions, Hinduism has been the source of inspiration for many musicians, writers and filmmakers across the world. Hindu gods and goddesses are often depicted in art, music, films and television shows.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata, two seminal pieces of Hindu scripture, have been adapted into films, as well as popular theatre productions. In films and television, gods like Krishna and Ganesha are often featured as protagonists, while various motifs and symbols are used to symbolise faith, myths and stories.
Hinduism is also being celebrated in literature, with many non-fiction books exploring the practice, its different aspects, and the lives of notable Hindu figures. This includes works by authors like Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, Amitav Ghosh, Devdutt Pattanaik, and Hanif Kureishi.
Meanwhile, the increasing acceptance of Indian classical and folk music has resulted in it being used in theatre, film or as soundtracks for commercials, web series and even short films. Furthermore, the celebration of festivals like Holi and Diwali are also becoming more commonplace in other parts of the world.
