Hinduism-+Group+4

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=Period 4= http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/gallery/photos/4.html (click on explore the topic)

= **RESEARCH GUIDE: HINDUISM** = **1. What are the religion's followers called?** The followers of Hinduism are generally called Hindus.

a. The Vedas- The Vedas are the holiest texts of Hindu religion. There are four Vedas (the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and the Atharva Veda) that contain hymns, incantations and rituals. They were written from 600 to 300 B.C. They are often thought to be like a bible or Torah, or other holy book.
 * 2.** **Religious Text:** (What is it made up of? Give a short explanation.)

b. Bhagavad Gita- The Bhagavad Gita, written between 500 B.C.E. and 100 C.E., translates to "Song of the Lord". It is a section of the sixth book of the Mahabharata, which is the world's longest poem.It's one of the most popular texts in Hindu religion, known as a smriti text. It tells the stories of the wars of Bharata.

a. **Diwali**- A 5 day festival of lights, considered by many as New Year's Eve because it marks the beginning of the new year on the Hindu calendar. Candles, electric lights, and fireworks are lit in the celebration of welcoming Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Dice and card games are played, and gambling is encouraged for good luck and wealth in the year to come. b. **Holi**- The celebration of spring where there is no social caste system and everyone just has fun. Called the festival of colors, it incorporates bonfires, partying, and spraying each other with colored powders and waters. It is celebrated to throw off the gloom of winter and welcome the coming agriculture season. c. **Makar Sakrant**- This holiday celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere. Bonfires are held, and sweets, sugarcane, and rice are thrown into the fire in honor of the gods. Many Hindus also fly colorful kites. d. **Navaratri**- Navaratri, which translates into 9 nights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It is dedicated to Durga, the mother goddess, but worships other gods and goddesses as well. There are feasts, fun, and time for visiting home. Ganges is the longest and the most sacred river in India. It is known to be a remission of sins and faciliates salvation. People all over India make an annual visit to the temples and shrines that are near the river.The water of the river is given to the dying to drink. People bathe in it as a purifying ritual-to wash away sins. Also, people scattered their love one's ashes on the shore to improve their karma.
 * 3. Special Days:** (What are they celebrating? Are there any special activities?)
 * 4. What is the role and importance of the Ganges in Hinduism?**

A social system which is ranked based upon birth, marriage, and occupation. Varnas- historical division of society into 4 broad classes & 1 group outsiders. ( Brahmins,Kshatryas,Vaishyas, Shudras, and Untouchables.) 1. priest and people with money & education ( come from Brahma's mouth), 2. emerge from B's arm- warriors or ruling arms. 3. merchants or artisans= B's thigh, 4. unskilled labourers & servants= B's feet. 5. too low for Varna. Caste system originated from 2 ideas, hierarchy and purity. Untouchables had been abolished. Caste system creates a sense of community especially in the countryside.
 * 5. What is the caste system?**

Brahma- The First god in the hindu Triumvirate or Trimurti. He is the God of Creation, and also the least worshiped god, because his role is finished. Shiva- The 3rd God in the Trimurti, he is the god of Destruction. The Hindus see him as the root of all evil. He still hasnt done his job. Vishnu- The 2nd God in the Trimurti, and the most worshiped. He is the god of upkeep, and that means he is doing his job right now. Vishnu is the most worshiped god, and is seen as the leader of the 3 Gods. India/ Nepal-900 Million.( Mainly in India) a. Dharma: Dharma is the power which maintains the universe; it means duty, virtue, morality, and even religion. b. Samsara: Samsara is the process of reincarnation. c. Karma: The literal meaning is action. It refers to the law that every action has an equal reaction that will occur either immediately or sometime in the future.
 * 6. Who are the following and what do they each represent to Hindus?**
 * 7. Primarily Located in the following countries:** (give numbers/percentages if available)
 * 8. Core Beliefs:** (What are the central ideas to the religion?)