Title: Hinduism LO’s: -Identify important Hindu Gods -Present the Hindu understanding of reincarnation and of concepts connected with it.

Who is Brahma? Brahma is the supreme being that brings forth creation. Brahma is the least worshipped god in Hinduism today. There are only two temples in the whole of India devoted to him, compared with the many thousands devoted to the other two. What does Brahma look like? Brahma has four heads. It is believed that from these heads came the four Vedas (the most ancient religious texts for Hindus). It is claimed that Brahma emerged from the navel of Vishnu sitting on a lotus flower, which is a symbol of eternity, plenty and good fortune.

Who is Shiva? Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change. Shiva is therefore seen as the source of both good and evil What does Shiva look like? A third eye : The extra eye represents the wisdom and insight that Shiva has. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy. A cobra necklace : This signifies Shiva's power over the most dangerous creatures in the world. Some traditions also say that the snake represents Shiva's power of destruction and recreation.

What does Shiva look like… cont’d The vibhuti: three lines drawn horizontally across the forehead in white ash. They represent Shiva's all-pervading nature, his superhuman power and wealth. Also, they cover up his powerful third eye. The trident: The three-pronged trident represents the three functions of the Hindu triumvirate. His blue body represents the infinite. *Even though Shiva is the destroyer, he is usually represented as smiling and tranquil*

Who is Vishnu? Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. His role is to return to the earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. So far, he has been incarnated nine times, but Hindus believe that he will be reincarnated one last time close to the end of this world. What does he look like? Vishnu is represented with a human body, often with blue coloured skin and with four arms. His hands always carry four objects in them, representing the things he is responsible for. (Conch, Mace, Lotus, Chakra) Four arms also symbolize four caste systems and Vedas

Reincarnation Based around the soul (atman) It takes on a new life within a new body Samsara : the continual process of birth and rebirth Karma : the term refers to the consequences to our actions (what a person does in this life effects the next life) Moksha is the goal – liberation from samsara

Yoga Meditation is a key means of achieving moksha Yoga is a term that means ‘unity’ Yoga is a way of experiencing a sense of unity with the divine Popular in the west because of its difficult physical techniques and postures

Bhagavadgita (bah gah vahd gee-tuh) Most famous religious text Bhagavadgita –Song of the Lord) A poem of a conversation that takes place on the eve of a great battle between Arjuna (warrior prince) and Lord Krisna (an incarnation of Vishnu)

Caste system A social status inherited at birth Underlying caste is the belief that certain people and things are ‘unclean’ and threaten ‘purity’ of others Who’s Where? Brahmins at top (priests) Kshatriyas (Warriors and rulers), Vaishas (farmers and merchants), Shudras ( Craftsmen and Servants) Dalits at bottom (road sweepers, sewage workers Dalits known as ‘untouchables’ – belief that coming into contact with their shadow is polluting Caste system still operates in Hinduism particularly in marriage

Extra Stuff for interest…

Lakshmi Lakshmi is the consort of the god Vishnu. She is one of the most popular goddesses of Hindu mythology and is known as the goddess of wealth and purity.Vishnu What does Lakshmi look like? Lakshmi is commonly portrayed as a beautiful woman with four arms, standing on a lotus flower. There is usually one, or sometimes two elephants behind her, anointing her with water. She is often depicted sitting beneath Vishnu, massaging his feet.

Worshipping Lakshmi Hindus believe that anybody who worships Lakshmi sincerely, and not in greed, will be blessed with fortune and success. It is said that Lakshmi resides in places of hard work, virtue and bravery, but leaves whenever these qualities are not apparent any more. Lakshmi is particularly worshipped during the festival of Diwali. This festival commemorates the epic story, Ramayana. Ramayana is the legend of Lord Rama's battle with the demon Ravana, in which Lakshmi features.

After worshipping Lakshmi on Diwali, many Hindus gamble and spend profusely, believing that Lakshmi has bestowed good fortune upon them. In addition to this, two days before Diwali, a festival called Dhantares is celebrated to seek more blessings from her. During this time Hindus buy gold and silver and start new business ventures. Hindus worship Lakshmi at home as well as in the temple. Friday is believed to be the most auspicious day for her worship.

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Bindi A red dot on the forehead is an auspicious sign of marriage and guarantees the social status and sanctity of the institution of marriage. Men wear one when they pray The red dot between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolizing auspiciousness (prosperous) and good fortune.