Hinduism Michael Wang, Riowena Seah, Dong Huek, Chris Liu

Significance of the Hindu Culture

Beliefs

Hindu Gods BrahmaVishnu Shiva

Brahma One of the Trinity Gods Known as the creator Night and Day is caused by his movement Made himself half women and half man in order to create human race Had five heads but lost one to Shiva Each four head represents the four Veda’s

Vishnu Preserver and Protector of Creation Is the embodiment of mercy and goodness, self existence and all-pervading power that preserves the universe and cosmic order Never sleeps nor tolerates ego Holds four weapons, –Sankha, Vaijra, club, and the lotus When the balance between good and evil is changed, Vishnu incarnates into a human and sets it right. Called Vishnu avatars.

Shiva Known as the Destroyer Responsible for the form of destruction and death Also represents the most essential goodness God of yogis, self control and celibate Lives on Mt. Kailas in the Himalayas Trident represents three Gunas Snakes show he is beyond death and poison Takes many forms Dance represents the destruction and creation of the universe, and cycles of life death and rebirth

Festivals: Diwali Known as the Festival of Lights Worships Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Kali, the goddess of strength. Celebrates Rama’s return from exile.

Festivals: Holi Takes place in February or early March. People throw colored powder and water at each other A popular tradition is to light bonfires

Festivals: Durga Puja and Dussehra Celebrate Rama’s triumph over the evil Ravana, who was the kidnapper of Rama’s wife. Celebrates the warrior goddess Durga’s triumph over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasur.

Daily Diet

How Geography has Influenced Hinduism

Sources Hindu Gods- -brahma photo

Sources “Diwali”. Diwali (Divali, Dewali, Deepavali) The University of Kansas Medical Center. 8 December “Diwali”. Religion and Ethics – Hinduism. December BBC Home. 8 December “Holi – The Festival of Colors”. Festivals Indiaexpress.com. 8 December “Holi”. Schools BBC Home. 8 December “Dussehra: introduction”. Dussehra Festivals of India. 8 December