Year 6 Hindusim

What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, with roots dating back over 4,000 years. It is unique because it didn't have one single founder. Instead, it grew from the combined beliefs of people living in the Indus Valley.

Today, over 1 billion people follow Hinduism, mostly in India and Nepal, making it the third-largest religion in the world!

Key Beliefs:

Brahman

Hindus believe in one Supreme Spirit called Brahman. Brahman is in everything and everyone.

Karma

The belief that every action has a consequence. Good actions lead to good results in the future!

Reincarnation

The soul (Atman) is eternal. When the body dies, Hindus believe the soul is reborn into a new life.

Gods and Goddesses (Deities)

What are deities? In Hinduism, deities are different forms or faces of the one Supreme Spirit, Brahman. Each deity represents a different power or quality, like wisdom, strength, or creation.

Brahma

The Creator of the universe.

Vishnu

The Preserver who protects the world.

Shiva

The Destroyer of evil.

Ganesha

God of new beginnings.

The Mandir (Temple)

A Mandir is a Hindu place of worship. It is a sacred home for the deities. When Hindus visit a Mandir, they perform special rituals and pray together as a community.

Why take off shoes? It is a sign of respect and ensures the sacred space stays clean and pure.

Why ring the bell? Worshippers ring a bell when they enter to "wake up" the senses and announce their arrival to the deity.

Who is in charge? A Hindu priest is called a Pandit. They lead the prayers and take care of the Mandir.

Puja and Arti:

What is Puja?

Puja is the act of showing reverence to a god through prayers, songs, and rituals. It often involves making offerings like fruit, flowers, or water to a deity's statue (Murti).

What is Arti?

Arti is a beautiful part of worship where a lamp filled with ghee (purified butter) or camphor is lit and waved in front of the deity. It represents light overcoming darkness.

Tilak

You might see Hindus wearing a mark on their forehead made of coloured powder or paste. This is called a Tilak (or Bindi). It represents the "third eye" and is a sign of blessing and concentration during worship.

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