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Aug 31, 2024 · History of Hinduism facts for kids. Kids Encyclopedia Facts. Hindu artifacts, artworks and temples ranging from the 9th-century to the 21st-century. The history of Hinduism covers a wide variety of related religious traditions native to the Indian subcontinent.
The major religion of the Indian subcontinent is Hinduism. One of the oldest of the world’s religions, Hinduism dates back more than 3,000 years, though its present forms are of more recent origin.
- Beliefs
- Main Traditions
- Hindu Texts
- Festivals
- History
- Varna
- Temples
- Alternative Cultures of Worship
- Important Symbolism and Themes in Hinduism
- Geographic Distribution
Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to) Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra(the continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (Every action has a reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara or liberation in this life), and the various Yogas (paths or practices).
Hinduism has no central doctrinal authority and Hindus do not claim to belong to any particular sect or tradition. Four major sects in Hinduism are: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smarthism. Vaishnavism is the tradition that worships Vishnu and his avatars, such as Krishna and Rama. The people of this sect are generally non-ascetic, monastic. ...
Hindu text are world's oldest and had been written in Sanskritand Tamil. The oldest Text is Rig Veda which is about 4000 years old.Hindu Texts can be divided in two parts: 1. Shruti (what is heard) 2. Smriti (what is remembered)
There are many Hindu Festivals celebrated throughout the world but mainly in India and Nepal. These festivals include worship, offerings to deities, fasting, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, etc. The festivals mainly celebrate events from Hindu mythology, changes in season, changes in Solar System. Different sects celebrate different fe...
Periodisation
Hinduism can be divided in following ages 1. Prevedic religions (pre-history and Indus Valley Civilisation; until c. 1500 BCE); 2. Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE); 3. "Second Urbanisation" (c. 500–200 BCE); 4. Classical Hinduism (c. 200 BCE-1100 CE);[note 20] 5. Pre-classical Hinduism (c. 200 BCE-300 CE); 6. "Golden Age" (Gupta Empire) (c. 320–650 CE); 7. Late-Classical Hinduism - Puranic Hinduism (c. 650–1100 CE); 8. Islam and sects of Hinduism (c. 1200–1700 CE); 9. Modern Hinduism (from c. 1...
Origins
The origins of Hinduism are unknown but the earliest traces of Hinduism come from Mesolithic in the sites such as the rock paintings of Bhimbetka rock sheltersdating to a period of 30,000 BCE or older, as well as neolithic times. Some of the religious practices can be considered to have originated in 4000 BCE. Several tribal religions still exist, though their practices may not resemble those of prehistoric religions.
According to one view, the Varna, which later transformed into castesystem during the British rule, shows how strongly many have felt about each person following his or her dharma, or destined path. Many Hindus say it goes against the true meaning of dharma. However, Varna plays a big role in Hindu society. It's later transformation as Caste system...
Puja (worship) takes place in the Mandir (temple). Mandirs vary in size from small village shrines to large buildings, surrounded by walls. People can also visit the Mandir at any time to pray and participate in the bhajans (religious songs). Hindus also worship at home and often have a special room with a shrine to particular gods. Temple construc...
The Bhakti schools
The Bhakti (Devotional) school takes its name from the Hindu term that signifies a blissful, selfless and overwhelming love of God as the beloved Father, Mother, Child, or whatever relationship finds appeal in the devotee's heart. The philosophy of Bhakti seeks to tap into the universal divinity through personal form, which explains the proliferation of so many gods and goddesses in India, often reflecting the singular inclinations of small regions or groups of people. Seen as a form of Yoga,...
Tantrism
According to the most famous Western Tantrik scholar, Sir John Woodroffe (pseudonym Arthur Avalon): "The Indian Tantras, which are numerous, constitute the Scripture (Shastra) of the Kaliyuga, and as such are the voluminous source of present and practical orthodox 'Hinduism'. The Tantra Shastra is, in fact, and whatever be its historical origin, a development of the Vaidika Karmakanda, promulgated to meet the needs of that age. Shiva says: 'For the benefit of men of the Kali age, men bereft o...
Ahimsa and the cow
Many Hindus are vegetarians (do not eat meat) because of their respect for life. About 30% of today's Hindu population, especially in orthodox communities in South India, in certain northerly states like Gujarat, and in many Brahminareas around the subcontinent, are vegetarian. Most Hindus who do eat meat do not eat beef. Some do not even use leather products. This is most likely because many Hindus have relied so heavily on the cow for all sorts of dairy products, tilling of fields and fuel...
Hindu symbols
Hindus use many symbols and signs. The two most important symbols used by Hindus are the "Aum" and the "Swastika (Hinduism)".
Forms of worship: murtis and mantras
Contrary to popular belief, practiced Hinduism is neither polytheistic nor strictly monotheistic. The various Hindu gods and avatars that are worshipped by Hindus are understood as different forms of One truth, sometimes seen as beyond a mere god and as a formless Divine Ground (Brahman), akin but not limited to monism, or as one monotheistic principle like Vishnu or Shiva. Whether believing in the One source as formless (nirguna brahman, without attributes) or as a personal god (saguna Brahm...
The nations of India, Mauritius, and Nepal as well as the Indonesian island of Bali have more people who are Hindus than people who are not Hindus.In these nations, specially Nepal and IndiaHinduism is very popular. These countries also have many Hindus: 1. Bangladesh(12 million), 2. Sri Lanka(2.5 million), 3. the United States(2.0 million) 4. Paki...
Jan 27, 2023 · 1. To kick off our Hinduism fun facts, did you know Hinduism is the world's third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam? 2. Another interesting fact about Hinduism, 90% of Hindus live in India! 3. Two other religions have originated from Hinduism: Sikhism and Buddhism. 4.
Understand the historical origins of Hinduism, and how these are understood through western perspectives (e.g. the term Hindu for peoples who share the Vedas)
The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism are called the Veda, which means “knowledge.” Hindus composed these texts in what is now India over hundreds of years, beginning in about 1500 bce . For a long time they passed down the texts of the Veda by reciting them.
Lesson 1: Tracking Early Hinduism. In this lesson students explore the early history of Hinduism and create a scrapbook that highlights important gods, holy sites, and ancient texts. Lesson...
