origin. Indus valley, about 1500BC.
originators. Persian settlers influenced by Aryan invaders.
main text. Collectively known as the Veda. The earliest, Veda Rig, dates from before 1000BC. The most popular is the Bhagavad Gita.
holy city. Varanisi, on the river Ganges.
followers. 650 million. About 80% of all Indians are Hindi.
deity. See below.
Hinduism is a multitheistic religion in which the many gods and goddesses are worshiped in the home and by the numerous sects. The caste system is strictly enforced and all Hindi's are expected to make an annual pilgrimage to a holy centre such as the Ganges, for cleansing. To die in a holy place ensures re-birth.
The Veda Gods: Indra (thunder god), Varuna (divine arbitrator), Agni (god of fire) and Surya (the sun).
The Hindu Gods: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destructor), Gamesh (remover of obstacles) and Hanuman (warrior god). There are also the 10 Avatars of Vishnu which include Krishna and Buddha.
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