Hinduism in a Nutshell        

by

 trsiyengar

Every religion has its plus and minus point. No religion can be termed superior or inferior. However, tolerance is the most important thing and the main essence of Hinduism. That's why, many religions co-exist and survive in India.

Sarve Janaas sukhino bhavanthu. Lokaas samasthaas sukhino bhavanthu. Sarve badraani pasyanthu.  Samastha sanmangalaani santhu.  OMM Saanthi, Saanthi, Saanthi: These are the main plank of  Hinduism as it is given in Sanskrit.

The rough translation runs thus : Let all the people be happy.  Let the entire world be happy. Let every Dharma grow and glow. Let there be every good thing happen to all.  Let peace peace prevail everywhere. These are the key words of the Veda. In short, let all the people, irrespective of caste, creed, Religion & faith in harmony and happily.

In India there are seven major religions viz. Hindus, Muslim. Christian, Sikh, Jain, Parsees and Buddhists. All have co-existed from time immemorial. May be of late the tolerance capacity has reduced, but still it has not fully faded away.

Hinduism in general a multiplicity of  several faiths and there are three major divisions viz. Vaishnavites, Shaivites and commons, who worship Lord Vishnu - the preserver, Lord Shiva - the destroyer and Lord Brahmma - the creator, respectively. Again, there are innumerable sub divisions among each sect and faith. One may wonder, how such tiny sects can be formed and followed!

Over and above this Religion gives freedom to one and all, to chose their form of worship and that too without any compulsions. Here, one is free to adhere to his faith or free himself from the religious routines.  It is left an individual to accept any faith of belief  he needs or reject it in Toto. Does any other religion give you this much of freedom? In India,  one creates his own God and worships Him too. That much of freedom one enjoys here!

Dharma and Karma the two issues works wonderful things in a day-to-day life. God fearing is one most of the Hindus possess in mind. This keeps them in doing any unlawful or moving against nature of law. Thus the entire human community is protected with justice. Hinduism preaches non-violence in general. It considers even trees and plants are worth worshipping because of its cherished value it passes to the human kind.

Hindus worship, apart from God and Nature, Cows also. A cow is considered most sacred for Hindus. In the form of Gomaata or mother cow, gives multiple benefit to the society. Even its urine is consumed in small quantities, to purify one's body. Some of the researchers even found that it is a preventive medicine for many ill health's. And particularly it even cures kidney ailments. According to a report appeared in the Indian Express of Mumbai edition of January 14, 2000, states that Gomutra or the Cow's Urine highly beneficial in the treatment of Asthma, headache and tooth problems too!

The Brahmins used to consume Panchacavya (i.e. a mixture of five items, namely Cow dung, Cow's Urine, Cow's milk, Curd and Ghee made of Cow's milk) during thread wearing ceremony and also whenever they perform any orthodox rituals. This is done to purify one's body from any sins and make him fit for the rituals. Even today it is widely accepted and performed.

During Vedic Era, there were no castes but people were assigned jobs.  Based on their profession they were divided in to groups Such as the Ruler or King as Kshatriya, the Carpenter, Goldsmith & Ironsmiths and the businessmen as Vaisyas, and the persons who served the Kingdom as Sudras. The Brahmins were considered as most learned people, who with their rigorous and strict adherence to their daily routines with orthodox principle, advised the Ruler and general public and guided them in their day-to-day life. Additionally the Brahmins used to propagate the teachings of Vedic Science and performed daily prayers and Puja at all the temples.

Although the topographic, climatic and linguistic differences are there from State to State, the worship, name and fame of the Gods are the same everywhere. This can be seen right from Southern end of Kanyakumari to the Northern end of Kashmir.

Hindus worshipped the Nature in the form of five basic elements namely Earth, Water, Air, Sky and Fire. Later, many of these gave way to new altars. You name a subject, you will find a God in that form in one or other corner of the land called Bharat, that is India!

India is very rich in its traditions and civilization. Hinduism is considered as the oldest Religion in the World dating back to 6000 years. Yet, Hinduism survived the onslaught of every invader. In addition, it continues to hold majority of Indians in its fold, because of the firm belief and the fact is, Hindus or born. They are not created. This in itself is the proof of its strength and value.

One can go on and on in praise of Hinduism. But the most important ones are briefed here. Hope this article gives a fair picture of Hinduism concisely.

If you would like to know more about Hinduism and the practices, beliefs and rituals especially on Srivaishnavam Culture & Practices, Please click here.