Pd7Hinduism_E

 Hinduism by: Davy Founder:  Hindus do not believe one person alone founded Hinduism. They believe that hinduism is a lifestyle, rather than a religion, that was created by God. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, dating back to more than 4,000 years ago.  Beliefs:  Hindus believe that Brahma is the essence of God, or the supreme being. There are four parts to Brahma: Vishnu, Shiva, Deities, and Ganesha. Vishnu sustains the universe and keeps it together as one, Shiva destroys and recreates the universe, The Deities are gods that bring good luck, and Ganesha is the destroyer of obstacles. Hindus also believe in the caste system, in which each person is born into one of the four classes. Brahmins are one of the classes. They are the priests and teachers of the caste system. The next class is the Kshatriyas, or the warrior class. Their job is to protect their people and give gifts to the Brahmins. The third class is the Vaishyas, or the merchants and peasants. Their role was to trade, tend cattle, barter, and to lend money. The fourth and final class of the caste system is the Shudras, the working class. Their only role is to serve the other three classes. The lowest Shudras were called Chandalas, or impure ones, because of their gory religious practices and unclean habits. They were not allowed to walk the same street as the people of the other classes, and would not enter a village in the day. To see one is considered a bad omen. They are assigned the lowest jobs, such as the cremator, cemetary attendant, butcher, hunter, or human waste cleaner. Religious leaders:  Mahatma Ghandi was a very important person in the Hindu religion. He believed that even the lowest class inthe caste system is important, and he changed many people's view of the less fortunate. Unfortunately, Ghandi was assassinated.

  Places of Worship: Mahatma Gandhi.  Hinduism is practiced in a shrine at home called a Puja, or at a temple called a bhajan.  Hinduism was started in the Indus Valley of India, and is practiced in India and its neighboring countries.  Festivals:  The main festival of Hinduism is Dewali, the festival of lights.

Some religious Hindu symbols are the Om and the Swastika. The Om is said to be the first sound, and is used in meditation. The Swastika is the symbol of faith and prosperity. 

The Hindu symbol "Om".