Facts about Hinduism

Q) Is there a prophet in Hinduism? A) Hinduism is not based upon a single scripture or the teachings of a single prophet. It is characterized by a diverse array of belief systems, practices and scriptures. Hinduism is referred to as Sanatana Dharma, roughly translated as 'Perennial Faith' where a Hindu through the practice of Dharma will be lead to the ultimate state of self-realization

Q) How does one become a Hindu? A) The conversion process to Hinduism is downright impossible since typically once has to be born a Hindu.

Q) How many Gods do Hindus worship? What are the main Gods and Goddesses? A) In Hinduism all the various Gods are the representation of one true God (Brahman- seen as a universal spirit). Hence, a Hindu can worship as many Gods and Goddesses as he/ she wants. Hindus believe that God, in whatever form they prefer, can grant worshippers grace to bring them closer to Moksha, end of the cycle of rebirth. Contemporary Hinduism is most widely accepted to consist of a Holy Trinity. This is comprised of Brahma (the Creator of worlds), Vishnu (the Preserver of worlds) and Shiva (the Destroyer of worlds). These Gods when take a human form are called Avatars. The three main Goddesses are: Saraswathi (Goddess of Knowledge), Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and Parvathi (Goddess of Power). Hindus also believe in the powers of Nature and have Gods of Nature like Varuna (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), etc. There are also semi-gods in Hinduism.

Q) Why do Hindus worship God in different forms? A) Actually, Hindus believe in only one formless and all-pervading, all-existing, and all-blissful God. That formless God, however, can best be realized by concentrating on various forms of ideal personalities as recorded in the scriptures. In other words, the Hindu religion is flexible and provides many ways to develop one's spiritual ideas in order to suit individual needs. "Unity in the diverse plan of nature" is recognized in the Hindu faith. Just as people tailor clothes to fit their needs, Hindus have different gods and goddesses for their religious needs. All these gods and goddesses resemble humans, animals or natural forces such as wind, water, fire, sun, and moon; each has different powers to bless the world. These godheads, when worshipped, fulfill people's desires in an easier way but with the same qualities of blessings as from one God.

Q) How many times do Hindus pray everyday? A) It is considered a good practice to pray 2 times a day. Indian temples generally follow a practice of performing aarti (lighting of lights) at dawn and dusk as it is believed that the Gods rest during the afternoon and night.

Q) What are the holy texts in Hinduism? A) Hindu scriptures are broadly classified based on its origin into: Shruthi meaning “heard†Amrithi meaning “remembered†Nyaya meaning ‘logic†The oldest scriptures are the Vedas which are all shruthi. In Hindu tradition, the Vedas are said to be eternal; to have existed since time immemorial as vibrations in space, some portions of which are believed to have been perceived by seers and transmitted accordingly via an oral tradition.

Q) Why are vegetarian meals served during Hindu festivals? A) Vegetarian food is considered wholesome, pure and “clean†food. It is normally served on a banana leaf to symbolize simplicity and humility.

Q) How do Hindus greet each other? A) To greet another person, a friend or acquaintance, to pay respect to an elder, a holy person or a temple deity, a Hindu joins his or her hands with palms together, bows down in front of the other person, and says Namaskar, Namaste, or Pranam - meaning Reverent Salutations. Thus when a Hindu joins his hands and says namaskar, he actually says in humility, "I bow to God in you; I love you and I respect you, as there is no one like you."

Q) Why is the colour saffron considered auspicious? A) Among the Hindus, this color is most prominently visible in their flag, robes and the tilaka (mark applied on the forehead). Statues of Hindu Gods are covered with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that command a universal acceptance among Hindus.

Q) Why do Hindus apply a mark on their forehead? A) This mark or tilaka has a religious significance and is a visible sign of a person as belonging to the Hindu religion. The tilaka is of more than one color although normally it is vermillion. It also does not have any standard shape and form and is applied differently by members of different Hindu sects and sub-sects. It is applied as a 'U' by worshippers of Lord Vishnu and is red, yellow or saffron in colour. It is made up of red ochre powder and sandalwood paste. Worshippers of Lord Shiva apply it as three horizontal lines and it consists of ash.

Q) Why is the Sanctum Sanctorum in a Hindu temple small and dark? A) Usually the gateway to a temple will be a massive and magnificent structure. When we stand in front of it we are made to feel so insignificant before the Lord! As we proceed inwards leaving behind the grand carvings and decorations of the outside, we notice that the sanctum sanctorum itself is small and dark. We can have the darshan (blessing) of the Lord only when a light is lit up and waved before Him. This indicates that we have to leave the grand external world outside, direct our minds inward, light up the lamp of knowledge there and behold the Lord within the sanctum sanctorum of our hearts.

Q) Why are flowers offered to the God during Puja (prayer)? A) Puja itself means "flower offering." It symbolizes the natural opening of the heart to the Divine, the way a flower naturally unfolds its petals.

Q) Why do Hindus use coconut in religious ceremonies? A) One of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performing homa (fire rituals). The coconut is usually broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada (blessed gift). The fiber covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolizing the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing one’s inner tendencies is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord. A coconut - Sriphala (the fruit of God), is the only fruit used to symbolize 'God' while worshipping any deity. The three eyes of the coconut represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.

Q) Why do Hindus ring a bell during worship? A) Ringing of a bell or ghanta during prayer or worship eliminates distracting sounds and helps the mind to concentrate on the object of worship

Q) Why do Hindus fast? A) According to the Hindu belief, fasting has a way of neutralizing or minimizing chaos in the body. Instead of focusing on food, when fasting, the whole body assists one in going towards spirituality. Hindus fast in observance of a vow or holy day. Fasting can be done in many ways. A simple fast may consist of merely avoiding certain foods for a day or more, such as when non vegetarians abstain from fish, fowl and meats. A moderate fast would involve avoiding heavier foods, or taking only juices, teas and other liquids.