Hinduism

Hinduism is a major religion and cultural tradition of the Indian subcontinent, notable for its diversity of beliefs, practices, and institutions. It has no single founder, no central authority, and no universally accepted canon, allowing a wide range of teachings and rituals.

Its origins lie in ancient Vedic religion and pre-Vedic traditions in the region. Over centuries, diverse communities adopted and adapted beliefs, giving rise to a broad spectrum of practices unified by key concepts such as dharma (duty and virtue), karma (action and consequence), samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth), and moksha (liberation).

Many Hindus conceive of a supreme reality, Brahman, expressed in many forms and deities, with the individual soul, atman, seeking realization or union with Brahman. Philosophical schools explore metaphysical questions, while devotional movements emphasize personal relationships to particular gods.

Key scriptural materials include the four Vedas, the Upanishads, and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita). The Puranas and other texts supplement these. The six classical schools—Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta—offer different approaches to knowledge and practice. Major devotional traditions include Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.

Practices vary but commonly include puja (ritual worship), temple rites, meditation, and life-cycle ceremonies. Hindus observe many festivals, such as Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri, and ethical disciplines such as ahimsa (nonviolence) and often vegetarianism.

Hinduism has shaped social and cultural life in South Asia for millennia. In modern times it has seen reform movements, and Hindu communities form large diasporas worldwide, sustaining diverse traditions in new contexts.