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HINDUISM
| Hinduism
began in India about 4,000 years ago. There was
no founder and it includes many ancient relgious
beliefs and customs. The various sacred books
contain stories, hymns, prayers amd poems. |
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Hindus
believe in a great soul or spirit, called Brahman,
who cannot be seen but is present in everything.
There are thousands of Hindu gods and goddesses
and each one shows a different aspect of Brahman's
power. |
| In India, there
are many shrines and temples, but much of the
main religious life of Hindus takes place in the
home. In Hindu communities in other countries,
the Mandir, or temple, is often a place of meeting
as well as a place of worship.
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| The
religious books of the Hindus contain stories,
prayers, hymns and poems. They are written in
Sanskrit which is the language of ancient India.
The most important books are the Vedas, the oldest
writings about religious life and duty; the Upanishads
which are hymns and poems; and the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata which are poems. |
| The
religious books of the Hindus contain stories,
prayers, hymns and poems. They are written in
Sanskrit which is the language of ancient India.
The most important books are the Vedas, the oldest
writings about religious life and duty; the Upanishads
which are hymns and poems; and the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata which are poems. |
| The
most famous symbol is
Aum or Om.
It means everything: past, present and future.
It represents the whole universe and its oneness. |
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Other
symbols include animals associated with gods
and goddesses, such as the bull Nandi.
Cows are sacred and Hindus do not eat beef. |
| Diwas
are small lights or lamps made of clay or
metal. The wicks are dipped in oil or ghee
(clarified butter) before being lit. Diwas
are used during worship and particularly at
the time of Diwali - the festival of lights.
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Images
of various deities, particularly Brahman,
Ganesha, Hanuman, Krishna, Laxmi, Ram, Sita
and Vishnu. These could be statues, either
plain or coloured, pictures, wall hangings,
etc. |
| A
puja tray is used in worship at home
or in the temple. The tray will include a
diwa, incense sticks, a bell, water and offerings
to the deity of fruit, nuts or sweets. These
components represent the four elements of
Air, Earth, Fire and Water. |
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Hinduism for
Schools |
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Hinduism
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Diwali |
Hinduism for
Children |
Hindu Kids Universe |
Hinduism |
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- Hampton Hill | Site
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