Where did the Major Religions of the World Originate, and How do Religions Diffuse?

From the Hearth of South Asia Hinduism – originated in Indus River Valley over 4000 years ago Ritual bathing, karma, reincarnation Text: Vedas sacred sites: Ganges River social manifestation: caste system diffusion: through South Asia and into Southeast Asia (contagious diffusion)

Hinduism Ranks next in size after Islam, but it the oldest organized religion. No bureaucracy-but does have holy men. Vedas or stories, but not a book like the Qu’ran, Bible or Torah. Concentrated in South Asian hearth. Polytheistic-thousands of gods-many cults-much fragmentation. Hinduism is found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal.-about 750 million Photo at right-orange robes and saffron ash on forehead-indicate a sadhu-a holy man who has dedicated his life to ascetism and meditation.

Sacred Landscapes of Hinduism Hinduism – pilgrimages follow prescribed routes, and rituals are followed by millions. Varanasi, India on the Ganges River where Hindus perform morning rituals.

The Ganges is a sacred river to Hindus, a symbol of life without end The Ganges is a sacred river to Hindus, a symbol of life without end. Pilgrims come from all over to bathe in its holy waters.

Hindu Temple – Angkor Wat, Cambodia. This temple suffers from neglect and destruction now, as Buddhism has supplanted Hinduism in most of Cambodia.

Disposition of the Deceased - Each religion approaches the disposition of the deceased in different ways, and cultural landscapes reflect the religious traditions. Hindu crematorium in Mombasa, Kenya

As Shiva destroys the Universe with fire, Hindus cremate their dead.