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By Megan Zborowski · Editorial Assistant

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, as well as the third largest with over 750 million followers. It is the dominant religion in India, with nearly 80 percent of the population following Hinduism.

Unlike other major religions, Hinduism does not claim a single founder, nor is it a single, unified religion. It does not require followers to accept a specific set of ideas or beliefs, making it a more cultural religion. For most Hindus, it is more than a religion; it is a way of life.

HINDU BELIEFS

Although it is difficult to define Hinduism, there are several beliefs that are central to the faith. Dharma is the divine law of being, which leads to happiness and contentment by living according to the sacred texts of Hinduism, including the Vedas and Upanishads. Dharma is the very foundation of Hindu life, based on a moral code and any spiritual discipline that guides one's life.

Part of the painting of the goddess Lakshmi by Pieter Weltevrede; photo courtesy www.sanatansociety. com.

Hindus also believe in reincarnation — a cycle of life, death, and rebirth, which is governed by karma. Karma is best understood in terms of cause and effect, action and reaction. It is not considered fate. The actions and thoughts during present life will ultimately affect the next life. If a Hindu leads an essentially good and selfless life, the next birth will be rewarding. If not, rebirth may result in a lower life form. This cycle reinforces the belief that the soul is immortal.

Brahman, or the Universal Soul, is the underlying principle of Hinduism. It is a formless entity, the source of all being. The essence of Brahman is present in all things. Hindus therefore believe that everything in life is sacred. Brahman is the eternal, Supreme God, from which all deities manifest.

HINDU GODS & GODDESSES

Gods and goddesses play a fundamental role in Hinduism. The Hindu Trinity is composed of three principal gods: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver and sustainer), and Shiva (the destroyer). Brahma is the creator of the universe who symbolizes the mind and intellect. Since the creation of the world is complete, Hindus do not worship Brahma frequently. Vishnu, on the other hand, is more popular among believers. As the protector of the universe, he maintains cosmic order and represents goodness and mercy. His worshippers consider him the greatest of the gods. The destroyer of the universe, Shiva, is a fundamental force in the Trinity. Without him, there would be no recreation. Shiva represents essential goodness because he rids the earth of evil.

Ganesha, the son of Shiva, is one of the most popular gods among Hindus. This deity is usually depicted as having a human form with the head of an elephant. Ganesha has the power to remove obstacles and evil, and also ensures success to worshippers. Many Hindus also worship Ganesha as the god of knowledge and wisdom. For this reason, Hindus worship him prior to beginning any spiritual, religious, or worldly activity.

Wealth and prosperity make the goddess Lakshmi very popular among Hindus. As the consort of Vishnu, Lakshmi is the goddess of good fortune, success, and beauty. She is worshipped as the source of worldly possessions, both material and spiritual.

Lakshmi is also one of the mother goddesses. The worship of God in the form of a Mother is a unique feature of the religion. By worshipping God as the Divine Mother, Hindus are able to attribute motherly traits to God. Lakshmi is addressed as mata, or mother.

The worship of these and other deities is central to the faith. Hindu worship, or puja, involves rituals that incorporate mantras (prayers), murtis (images), and yantras (the use of external objects). Hindus worship the divine — either a high god or family deity — daily. Puja keeps believers aware of their gods and mindful of their duties as Hindus. These rituals allow Hindus to worship a deity, which will lead to attaining a closer relationship with God.

HINDU MARRIAGES

The yantra, or symbol, of the god Ganesha. Painting by Pieter Weltevrede; photo courtesy www.sanatansociety.com.

Marriage is also a fundamental aspect of the religion. Hindus regard marriage as a holy sacrament, a sacred relationship between two people that extends beyond the present life, sometimes lasting for more than seven lives.

Throughout India, Hindus recognize several types of marriages. Generally, most marriages are arranged with the consent of the bride and groom, but love marriages are increasing. The giving of a dowry by the bride's father to the groom and his family is still practiced among many families.

In India, marriage ceremonies vary from region to region, but there are several rituals that are common. In arranged marriages, the ceremony is usually a lengthy, elaborate affair involving both families. The ceremony is performed in the presence of family deities and begins by invoking the blessings of Ganesha.

The Saptapadi, or Seven Steps, is the most important ritual performed during the Hindu marriage ceremony. Although there are regional variations, the Saptapadi is a spiritual ritual performed to invoke the gods to bless the bride and groom. The couple walks around the nuptial fire, or agni, seven times, reciting a prayer at each stage for nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, children, long life, and harmony, respectively. After the bride and groom make their rounds, or parikramas, around the agni, the ceremony is concluded with a mantra, and the couple is now united as husband and wife.

TRADITIONAL TEMPLE DANCING

Classical dance has also played a role in the lives of Hindus. Classical dance was conceived and nurtured in temples throughout India. Hindus believed that a spiritual experience could be achieved through a dedicated practice of the art. Dance was one of the mediums of worship performed by Hindus to connect with their gods. Dance continues to be an important form of expression among Hindus, with gestures and body language playing an integral role in explaining emotion and worship.

Bharatnatyamis is one of the most popular forms of classical Indian dance. Its' origins go back over 2000 years, when Brahma revealed the dance to the sage Bharata. During the medieval period, this dance was performed by temple dancers to worship their gods, but was outlawed when Britain colonized India. Bharatnatyam is once again an extremely popular form of expression and worship among Hindus.

Hinduism is a diverse, complex religion that affects every aspect of its followers' lives. The religion does not identify a single set of beliefs or puja rituals for all followers, allowing them to develop their own spiritual paths. All that really matters is that Hindus lead a good and spiritual life and treat all life with respect.

READ MORE: Fortune, Gods, & Gems.

March/April 2004 • Style: Fortune, Gods, & Gems • Selling: Tucson '04 Sets the Pace • Selling: Benched • Book Highlights - Alexandrite: The Stone of the Czars • Bonus: Hinduism • Bonus: Dos & Donts from the Bench Jeweler • News & Updates • In This Issue

• Main Article: Fortune, Gods, & Gems

• More on Hindu gods and goddesses