Hinduism-+Group+4

=Period 5= =[] (click the drag down menu)= = = = **RESEARCH GUIDE: HINDUISM** = **1. What are the religion's followers called?** Hindus. a. The Vedas- This Provides the first written record of agriculture in India. It describes plowing, fruit, vegetables, cultivaction, following and irragation.
 * 2.** **Religious Text:** (What is it made up of? Give a short explanation.)

b. Bhagavad Gita- This Book tells the story of King Pandu and his five sons.

a. Diwali- Festival of Lights is the most popular of all festivals in South Asia. And is also the ocassion for celebrations by Jains, sikhs, as well as Hindus.
 * 3. Special Days:** (What are they celebrating? Are there any special activities?)

b. Holi-The Spring Festival associated with Krishna when people throw colored powder and water at eachother. This day celebrates renewal and creation.

c. Masar Sakrant-This Festival is celebrated in January, and is one of the most aupicious festivals of the year.

d. Navaratri- Also known as Nine Nights. It is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolizes Triumph of good over evil

A sacred river in India. The water is used for worship and is given to the dying to drink.
 * 4. What is the role and importance of the Ganges in Hinduism?**

It is a chart that shows what somebody will be reincarnated into.
 * 5. What is the caste system?**

Brahma- He was the first god. his job was the creation of the world and all creatures. He is also the least worshiped god. He has four heads, and with these four heads came vedas. He also has four arms, and usually has a beard,
 * 6. Who are the following and what do they each represent to Hindus?** All of the Gods are responsible for creation, upkeep, and destruction of the world.

Shiva- Is the second god in the Hindu truimvirate. It's role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. It's powers now are used to destroy the illusions and imperfections of the world. It is known to have a tamed passion. They all worship him as their primary god.

Vishnu- Is the second god in the truimvirate. He is the protector and preserver of the universe. His role is to return to Earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. Associated with light and the sun. He is represented with a human body with blue colored skin and with four arms. He carries four objects in his hands, the conch, the chakral, a lotus flower, and the mace.

Nepal 89% 19,000,000 India 79% 780,000,000 Mauritus 52% 600,000 Guyana 40% 300,000 Fiji 38% 300,000 Sariname 30% 116,000 Bhutan 25% 400,000 Trinidad 24% 300,000 Sri Lanuna 15% 2,800,000 Bangladesh 11% 12,000,000
 * 7. Primarily Located in the following countries:** (give numbers/percentages if available)

a. Dharma: righteousness in their religious life. b. Samsara: process of reincarnation c. Karma: intentional actions that affect one fortunes in this life and the next life. d. Moksha : "release" from the cycle of endless death and rebirth.
 * 8. Core Beliefs:** (What are the central ideas to the religion?)