History and Origins
This collection of ancient texts, composed in Sanskrit, is considered the oldest and most sacred scriptures in Hinduism.
What are the Vedas?
This term refers to a person’s duty or righteous path, a central concept in Hindu ethical teachings.
What is dharma?
This daily ritual, often involving lamps, incense, and offerings to deities, is performed at home or in temples.
What is puja?
This towering structure is a Hindu place of worship, often elaborately carved and home to one or more deities.
What is a temple
This traditional social system, influenced by Hindu concepts of dharma and karma, has historically divided society into hierarchical groups.
What is the caste system?
This river, considered sacred by Hindus, is believed to have spiritual purification powers and is central to many ancient rituals.
What is the Ganges River?
This ultimate goal of Hindu spiritual practice is liberation from the cycle of rebirth and union with the divine.
What is moksha?
This sacred syllable, often chanted in meditation and rituals, is believed to represent the essence of the universe.
What is Om
This geometric design, used in meditation and ritual, symbolizes the universe and often includes symmetrical patterns.
What is a mandala?
This peaceful approach to life, deeply rooted in Hindu teachings, inspired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi in their fight for justice.
What is ahimsa
This term refers to the belief in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which became central to Hindu philosophy during its early development.
What is samsara?
This law of cause and effect in Hinduism determines one’s future based on their actions in this life or previous lives.
What is karma?
This traditional rite of passage, marking a boy’s formal entry into spiritual life, includes receiving a sacred thread.
What is the Upanayana ceremony?
This sacred plant, associated with the goddess Lakshmi, is often used in offerings and rituals.
What is the tulsi
Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi have had this kind of cultural impact, with celebrations spreading globally and influencing art, food, and music.
What is global cultural influence or cross-cultural celebration?
Hinduism is often considered the world’s oldest major religion, with roots tracing back to this ancient civilization around 1500 BCE.
What is the Indus Valley Civilization?
This Hindu belief holds that all living beings have a divine essence called atman, which is ultimately identical to Brahman, the universal spirit.
What is non-dualism or Advaita?
Many Hindus observe this weekly or seasonal practice of not eating certain foods or skipping meals for spiritual discipline.
What is fasting?
This symbol, often seen at the entrance of homes and temples, represents good fortune and auspiciousness in Hinduism.
What is the swastika?
This ancient Hindu practice, combining physical postures, breath control, and meditation, has become a global wellness movement.
What is yoga?
This spiritual and philosophical poem, part of the Mahabharata, features a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
These three paths to spiritual liberation—karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga—offer different ways to reach moksha.
What are the paths of action, devotion, and knowledge?
These holy sites along the Ganges and other rivers draw millions of pilgrims for ritual bathing to cleanse sins.
What are pilgrimage sites
This Himalayan city is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism and is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva.
What is Varanasi?
Hindu respect for this group of animals has led to social customs, dietary restrictions, and legal protections in parts of India.
What are cows?