HINDUISM

Where does Hinduism come from? What does Hindu mean? Hinduism has no founder, it developed out of Brahminism. Aum is the main symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is said to be the name most suited for God. The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea.

is the type of Worship is the temple is the book of worship

CREATION STORY

HOME AND FAMILY LIFE  Worship at some Hindu family homes takes place in a shrine, where Puja is performed on a daily basis.  Some Hindus see life as consisting of four stages which they should try to achieve in their lifetime: 1. Brahmacharya - Student, encouraged to learn scriptures and educated in order to earn a living 2. Grihastha – House Holder, expected to marry and have children and contribute to society and charity 3. Vanaprastha – Retirement, no longer needs to be concerned about making money, devote more time to spiritual matters and visit the “Mandir” or temple and “Satsangs” held in Hindu households 4. Saanyas – Renunciation, give up all attachment to the material world  Some Hindus have four aims in life: 1. Dharma – To do their duty 2. Artha – To make wealth 3. Kama – To help others and to fulfill their ambitions 4. Moksha – To not become attached to their success ad gain release from the cycle of rebirth

GODS Some Hindus that Brahman takes many forms and choose to worship a specific god or goddess however other Hindus believe there are certain gods to help you through different times. Brahman is the universe and everything in it. Brahman has no form and no limits; it is Reality and Truth. Saraswati - the Goddess of Learning She is worshipped as the goddess of learning, wisdom, speech, and music. Hindus offer prayer to Saraswati before beginning any intellectual pursuit, and Hindu students are encouraged to offer prayers to her during their school life, and particularly before exams. Rama Rama is one of the most beloved Hindu gods and is portrayed as an ideal son, brother, husband, and king. Ganapati - the Remover of Obstacles Ganapati (also known as Ganesha) is Shiva’s first son. Ganesha, who has an elephant head, occupies a very special place in the hearts of Hindus because they consider him the Remover of Obstacles. Some Hindu households have a picture or statue of this god in their homes.

GODS CONTINUED… Lakshmi Lakshmi is the goddess of good fortune, wealth, and well-being. Hindus often associate Lakshmi with the festival of Diwali, as people start the new business year with Diwali and some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year. Some people build small altars to the goddess and decorate it with money and with pictures of the rewards of wealth such a cars and houses. Krishna Hindus identify Krishna as the teacher of the sacred scripture called the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna is a delight and is the embodiment of love and divine joy. Janmashtami commemorates the earthly appearance of Krishna and is one of the biggest religious festivals in the world with it being celebrated by nine hundred and thirty million people around the world. Krishna reciprocates in unique, personal ways with every devotee who offers him love.

FESTIVALS