Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, dating back over 4,000 years.1)
It is the third-largest religion globally, with over a billion followers, mostly in India and Nepal.2)
The term “Hinduism” was coined by British colonizers during the 19th century; originally, it was known as Sanatana Dharma, meaning “eternal law.”3)
Hinduism is not a monolithic religion; it encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions.4)
The sacred scriptures of Hinduism are known as the Vedas, which were composed in ancient Sanskrit.5)
Hinduism recognizes a vast array of deities, both male and female, with some estimates suggesting there are around 330 million gods and goddesses.6)
The Trimurti is a concept in Hinduism that represents the three principal deities: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).7)
The concept of karma, the law of cause and effect, is central to Hindu belief. It suggests that one's actions in this life will influence their future lives.8)
Hinduism believes in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as reincarnation or samsara.9)
Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hinduism, referring to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.10)
The Ganges River is considered the holiest river in Hinduism, and many pilgrims visit its banks for religious rituals and to cleanse their sins.11)
The cow is considered a sacred animal in Hinduism, symbolizing motherhood, nurturing, and fertility.12)
The Swastika is an ancient Hindu symbol representing well-being and prosperity. It predates its association with Nazism and has a positive connotation in Hinduism.13)
Yoga, which originated in ancient India, is an integral part of Hindu practices and is seen as a means to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization.14)
The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text within the Indian epic Mahabharata, presenting a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna on duty, righteousness, and devotion.15)
Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, is closely connected to Hinduism and has been practiced for thousands of years.16)
Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated worldwide, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.17)
Holi is another widely celebrated Hindu festival, known as the “Festival of Colors,” representing the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.18)
The city of Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.19)
The concept of Ahimsa, or non-violence, is deeply ingrained in Hindu philosophy, advocating compassion and respect for all living beings.20)
Hindu temples vary widely in architectural style, ranging from simple structures to elaborate, intricately carved buildings like the famous temples of Khajuraho and Angkor Wat.21)
The Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, is a collection of hymns dedicated to various deities and natural forces.22)
Hinduism considers four stages of life: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retiree), and Sannyasa (renunciate).23)
The festival of Navaratri celebrates the divine feminine and lasts for nine nights, during which various forms of the goddess Durga are worshipped.24)
Mahatma Gandhi, the renowned leader of India's independence movement, was deeply influenced by Hindu philosophy, particularly the principles of ahimsa and satyagraha (nonviolent resistance).25)
The sacred syllable “Om” is considered the cosmic sound of the universe and is chanted during meditation and religious rituals.26)
Hindu temples often have a central sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) where the main deity resides, surrounded by various other halls and structures.27)
The concept of chakras, energy centers within the human body, is an essential part of Hindu and yogic philosophy.28)
Many Hindu rituals and festivals are based on the lunar calendar, resulting in dates that vary each year in the Gregorian calendar.29)
The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the world's largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of pilgrims to bathe in sacred rivers for spiritual purification.30)