hindu

Hindu refers to a follower of Hinduism, a diverse set of religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions native to the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is not a single unified creed; it encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and ways of life. The term Hindu originated from the Persian designation of people living beyond the Indus River and came to denote adherents of various traditions that developed in the region.

Hinduism has ancient roots in the Vedic religion of the early Indian subcontinent and evolved through classical, medieval, and modern phases. Key philosophical schools include Advaita Vedanta, Vishishtadvaita, and Dvaita; devotional movements such as Bhakti; and regional practices that reflect local cultures and histories. The tradition is highly pluralistic, permitting both monotheistic and polytheistic expressions, and it emphasizes tolerance for a variety of beliefs and practices.

Core concepts include samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth), karma, dharma (moral law or duty), and moksha (liberation from samsara). Many Hindus worship multiple deities, with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva forming a traditional framework in some traditions, while countless regional gods and goddesses are revered in others. Hinduism is often described as henotheistic or polytheistic, though some schools emphasize a single ultimate reality.

Sacred texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and epic and Puranic literature such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Practices include puja (ritual worship), temple rites, samskaras (life-cycle ceremonies), meditation, yoga, and festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, and Durga Puja.

Geographically, Hinduism is the majority faith in India and Nepal, with significant populations in Sri Lanka, Bali (Indonesia), and a worldwide diaspora in North America, Europe, and Africa. The tradition continues to adapt to changing social and cultural contexts.