Hinduism: Western term for the religious beliefs and practices of innumerable sects to which the vast majority of the people of India belong. Arising initially as a synthesis of indigenous religion and the religion brought to India c.1500 B.C. by the Aryans, Hinduism developed in syncretism with the religious and cultural movements of the Indian subcontinent. Hindu belief is generally characterized by the Caste system and the acceptance of the Veda as sacred scripture. The Veda, which comprises the liturgy and interpretation of sacrificial ritual, culminates in the Upanishads, mystical and speculative works that state the doctrine of Brahman, the absolute reality or Self, and its identity with the individual soul, or atman.

The goal of Hinduism, like that of other Eastern religions, is liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the suffering brought about by one's own actions this can be effected by following spiritual Yoga, practices leading to knowledge of reality and union with God. Early Brahmanism, the religion of the priests, or Brahmans (who through Vedic ritual sacrifice established a proper relation to the gods), was challenged in the first millennium B.C. by non-Vedic systems such as Buddism and Jainism.

To meet the challenge, the Brahmans recognized popular devotional movements and showed greater concern for the people. Writings like the laws of Manu regulated Dharma (duty) according to one's class (priest, warrior, farmer or merchant, laborer) and stage in life (celibate student, householder, forest recluse, one who completely renounces societal ties).

The post-Vedic Puranas deal with this structure of individual and social life and also describe the repeating cycle of birth and dissolution of the universe, represented by the divine trinity of Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, the destroyer. In medieval times, Tantra and devotional sects flourished, producing poet-saints who wrote religious songs and epics.

This literature still plays an essential part in Hinduism, as does the practice of puja, or worship of enshrined deities such as Vishnu and his incarnations Rama and Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha, and Devi (also called Kali, Sarasvati, or Lakshmi). Many modern Hindu leaders, e.g., Swami Vivekananda, Mohandas Gandhi, and Aurobindo Ghose, have stressed the necessity of uniting spiritual life with social concerns. A Hindu revival in the late 20th cent. has led to a political movement to replace the secular Indian state with a Hindu one and to renewed tensions between Indian Hindus and Muslims.

Hinduism Resources

The Advaita Vedanta Home Page - This is a good resourceful site about the Vedanta philosphy and goes through the history of its developement.

All around Hinduism - Articles on Sri Ganesha and Sri Rama, Divine Pictures and a lot of Links to Hindu related sites.

The Angadipuram Temple of Northern Kerala - The Angadipuram Temple, steeped in history and legend, is worthy of becoming a pilgrimage centre. A personal account of the temple and its culture.

Dinakaran's Homepage - Personal homepage providing links to sites related to Hinduism, one of the oldest religions of the World. Find about the Ashrams, Mutts and other Hindu Organisations.

Dvaita Home Page - Site devoted to Indian philosophical dualism.

Eastern Religions: Hinduism Page - Information on Hinduism from a religious, historical, and philosophical perspective.

The Eternal Quest: Vedanta in Atlanta - Swami Yogeshananda teaches Vedanta, its philosophy and application in daily life. Vedanta accepts all religions as valid ways of reaching the truth.

Finding Siva - A student of religions journeys through India, learning about Hindusim along the way.

Gaudiya Vaishnava Society Online - Page devoted to Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Hindu Religion Details and Links - More about Hindu religion and others from India site.

Hindu Resources Online http://www.hindu.org/ -

Hindu Universe http://www.hindunet.org/  

Introduction to Hinduism http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/1415/indexd.html

Namaste http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/1415/index.html