RELIGION IN INDIA
Hinduism

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learn about our visits to Hindu temples.

Hinduism is the largest major religion in India. It is extremely complex, with a long history dating back to 2700 BCE. The three major Hindu deities are SHIVA, VISHNU and BRAHMA. BRAHMA is the supreme deity. Because his work of creating the earth is done, he is not popularly worshiped today. However Hindus believe that the world can survive only as long as Brahma stays awake. Both SHIVA and VISHNU have large followings today. VISHNU has incarnated himself on ten separate occasions in his role as preserver in order to bring about some good or to correct an evil. For example, he has returned as LORD KRISHNA, LORD RAMA, and BUDDHA.

In addition to these three major deities, thousands of other deities are worshiped as part of Hinduism. GANESH (the elephant headed god) is one of the most popular. He is the remover of obstacles and one must turn to him in order to ensure that any new undertaking is successful. He is the son of SHIVA and PARVATI. HANUMAN (the monkey god) is also popular. He is renowned for his ability to perform impossible feats and students often turn to him for help at exam time. He played an important role in the Ramayana by rescuing Sita from the evil Lord Ravana.

Goddesses also play important roles in Hindu religious life. In addition to goddesses of local or regional significance, several major goddesses are worshipped. LAKSHMI, Vishnu's wife, is the goddess of fortune and is worshipped for wealth and prosperity, especially during Diwali, the Festival of Lights. PARVATI is Lord Shiva's wife and his constant companion. She discusses questions of Hindu philosophy with Shiva. DURGA and KALI are the fierce forms of PARVATI. A major festival in Bengal commemorates Durga's victory over the demon, Mahishasura. Karni Mata (see Karni Mata Temple) is considered to be an incarnation of Durga. KALI is often represented with seven tongues, blood dripping from her mouth, and a necklace of skeletons. She is worshiped in the darkest nights of the month. The Kali temple in Calcutta is her most famous temple.

Related Web Sites

• Religious Tolerance Organization Hinduism--history, beliefs, texts, caste, etc
• Links to Hinduism sites and resources
• Hinduism, World's Oldest Religion History, temples, myths, facts, calendar, links, and more
• Eastern Religions, Hinduism Page Introduction, gods, origin, social order, links, and more

Web Page created by: Pat Hankinson
with contributions from participants of the
2001 Saheli Insight India Program
Web Master: Pat Hankinson - E-mail: Pat@judypat.com
© Copyright 2001 Pat Hankinson