Hindu

From ArticleWorld

Previously all Indians were called Hindus, though such was really not the case. And following the same dictum, India was called Hindustan- Land of Hindus. Followers of Hinduism are found in the eastern part of Asia, and also in Europe, Canada, West Indies, South Africa and the US.

The tenets

Hindu religion is different in form and content than any other religion in the world by virtue of the fact that it has had no single preacher or icon as in other religions. There are no single set of rules for a person to be known as a Hindu. Hinduism is more of a “way of life” followed mostly by the residents of India. There are many different rules and guidelines according to the varying geographical condition, the climate and Hindus profess worship of embodiment of natural forces like the sun, moon, wind, fire, earth and water, along with all living beings.

The adherents of Hinduism are spread mostly in south East Asia and south Asia. Though more than 80% of the Indian population is Hindu, India is a secular country in accordance with the basic tenets of Hinduism that preaches equality towards all religions.

Hindu Gods

Some of the Hindu gods are Rama, Krishna, Indra, Shiva, and Vishnu. There are Goddesses named Durga, Shakti, Kali, Parvati, and Saraswati. Each representing some form of virtue and are deemed immortal.

There are differing names to same God s in different regions. The Indian mythology is replete with legends and stories creating an aura of the Gods and Goddesses.

There have been various scriptures written on the tales signifying each divine being, and the more known across the world are Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagvad Gita. The rules governing a Hindu way of life are simple to follow and in consonance with nature.

Others

Some of the other religions that grew in India have been largely influenced by Hinduism. Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism are some prominent religions that have their roots in India and have been conceptualized from Hinduism.