Hindu faith

The essence of Hinduism

The Hindu religion is deeply rooted in the culture of India and remains the country's dominant religion. Its all-encompassing nature allows each individual to practice the religion according to their intellectual level. Hindus believe in reincarnation (the soul is reborn many times) and karma (a person's life in all births is determined by actions and inclinations).

Hindus believe in one supreme Lord who appears on earth in different forms whenever there is an increase in evil. These incarnations are known as avatars. Of the ten predominant avatars, the most supreme is Krishna.

Practicing the faith

The ultimate aim for a Hindu is to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth and to attain union with Brahman, the Universal Being. This liberation, known as Moksha in Sanskrit (a classical language of India), is achieved by following three traditional paths:

1. Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge;
2. Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action;
3. Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion.

The Vedas and the Upanishads (texts originated in ancient India) are the main source of Hindu religious beliefs, but rituals are adapted according to local prevailing customs and traditions.

All Hindus believe in the sanctity of the Ganges water, chanting of mantras such as 'aum' repeated several times and the Bhagvad Gita (Sanskrit text).

Meditation, yoga asanas (postures), fasting and performance of moral deeds are common to all paths, though some may place more emphasis on one or more of the above practices.

Significant features of Hinduism

The horoscope, known as Kundali in Indian Vedic Astrology, is usually consulted during important events such as marriage, buying a house or starting a new business. Hindu parents look for a prospective match for their children from their own caste (social standing) although inter-caste marriages are more common in modern society.

Hindu temples can be simple or elaborate structures. Generally a bath is taken for physical purity before visiting the temple and fasting may also be undertaken for mental purity. Hindus ring a bell before entering a temple and congregational chanting of hymns, individual prayer, salutations to the deity, and offerings of gifts are all acts of worship. Worship in the home is equally important and usually a daily routine.

Hindus in Bury

There are over 900 million Hindus worldwide and approximately 900,000 in Britain. Bury has a relatively small population of Hindus in relation to the Northwest as a whole.

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