Hinduism
In this unit we will be learning about the orgins of Hinduism. The problems with the term Hinduism and the meaning of Sanatana-dharma. The Absolute; Brahman taking many different forms. Ek sat vipram bahuda vadanti – truth is one. We will develop an understanding of Ganesha; examine Divali, the Kumdh Mela and Varanasi and reflect on the importance of human gatherings and spiritual journeys.
We will understand basic features of a Hindu temple and the role of the Mandir in the UK. The clip on the right hand side gives a detailed overview of Hinduism. |
Basic Information:
Many Hindus believe in Brahman as the ultimate reality – one 'Supreme Spirit' in many forms. Brahman is male, female and even animal, it is easier to think of Brahman without form.
Brahman is also commonly understood as the Trimurti - three gods with three key functions:
The atman of each of us may also hold a 'spark' of Brahman. For most Hindus, Brahman is present in the lives of all living things.
The traditional Hindu greeting 'Namaste', usually performed with joined palms and bowed head, may be translated as 'I bow to the divine spark within you'.
ShaktiShakti literally means 'strength' and symbolises feminine aspects of thedivine, often referred to as Devi and Mata. Some of the many forms of Shakti include:
Brahman is also commonly understood as the Trimurti - three gods with three key functions:
- Brahma - the source of all creation.
- Vishnu - responsible for keeping all good things on Earth and bringing harmony when needed.
- Shiva – assists in the creation of new things – some things have to end for others to begin.
The atman of each of us may also hold a 'spark' of Brahman. For most Hindus, Brahman is present in the lives of all living things.
The traditional Hindu greeting 'Namaste', usually performed with joined palms and bowed head, may be translated as 'I bow to the divine spark within you'.
ShaktiShakti literally means 'strength' and symbolises feminine aspects of thedivine, often referred to as Devi and Mata. Some of the many forms of Shakti include:
- Saraswati – inspires music, drama, science and poetry. Many pray to her for help in these areas.
- Lakshmi - many Hindus pray to her for a happy family life and financial security.
- Parvati - known to be caring for others and both patient and wise. The balance of female and male is often represented in Hinduism by images of Shiva and Parvati as halves of one person.
- Durga - a warrior goddess who symbolises the 'hidden strength' of women, and divine opposition to evil.
- Lord Krishna - one of the most popular gods and source of many legends.
- Prince Rama and Princess Sita - a beautiful love story and model for how people should live. They both demonstrate loyalty, bravery and disregard for material possessions.
- Hanuman - a deity in the form of a monkey, recognised for his bravery and loyalty. Many Hindus pray to Lord Hanuman for help in overcoming difficulties.
- Lord Ganesh - commonly depicted with an elephant's head, Ganesh represents wisdom and prosperity.
Key Videos and weblinks:
More clips are available through BBC Bitesize website - KS3 Religious Studies
Short film created by Pixar: Sanjay's Super Heroes
Key Question: What might this clip trying to explore?
Pilgrimage to Varanasi
Varanasi is an ancient city on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India.
It is one of the most sacred sites in India because it is believed to have been the home of Lord Shiva. Some Hindus believe that the River Ganges pays its respects to Lord Shiva by the direction in which it flows. Usually, the river flows from the north to the south, but at Varanasi it flows from the south to the north.
Millions of pilgrims visit Varanasi in order to purify themselves by bathing in the River Ganges at sunrise.
Some Hindus believe that if they die at Varanasi, they might be able to attain moksha sooner. Because of this, some Hindus go there when they are close to death in order to die there. Others have their ashes scattered there by relatives. A feature of the landscape at Varanasi is the cremation ghats that line the banks of the Ganges.
The processions that take the dead bodies to the ghats may be joyful, even accompanied by singing and dancing, because of the belief inreincarnation and the possibility of moksha of the person who has died.
There are many different funeral rituals, but often the body is dipped into the Ganges and covered with ghee, then wrapped in cotton before being cremated in the open on a funeral pyre. The ashes are then scattered in the River Ganges.
Nature and importance
There are lots of mandir in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. Some Hindus believe that worshipping at the mandir in Varanasi dedicated to their favourite deity builds positive merit and may aid their path to moksha.
Three famous mandir Hindu pilgrims may visit are:
The River Ganges
The River Ganges is important in its own right. Some Hindus believe that it flowed from heaven to purify humans. Sometimes the river is represented in female form because many Hindus refer to it as 'mother Gangaa' or 'she'.
There are various locations along the River Ganges which can attract millions of pilgrims. Many Hindus believe water (known as 'Gangaa jal') from anywhere on the River Ganges is purifying and holy.
It is one of the most sacred sites in India because it is believed to have been the home of Lord Shiva. Some Hindus believe that the River Ganges pays its respects to Lord Shiva by the direction in which it flows. Usually, the river flows from the north to the south, but at Varanasi it flows from the south to the north.
Millions of pilgrims visit Varanasi in order to purify themselves by bathing in the River Ganges at sunrise.
Some Hindus believe that if they die at Varanasi, they might be able to attain moksha sooner. Because of this, some Hindus go there when they are close to death in order to die there. Others have their ashes scattered there by relatives. A feature of the landscape at Varanasi is the cremation ghats that line the banks of the Ganges.
The processions that take the dead bodies to the ghats may be joyful, even accompanied by singing and dancing, because of the belief inreincarnation and the possibility of moksha of the person who has died.
There are many different funeral rituals, but often the body is dipped into the Ganges and covered with ghee, then wrapped in cotton before being cremated in the open on a funeral pyre. The ashes are then scattered in the River Ganges.
Nature and importance
There are lots of mandir in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. Some Hindus believe that worshipping at the mandir in Varanasi dedicated to their favourite deity builds positive merit and may aid their path to moksha.
Three famous mandir Hindu pilgrims may visit are:
- the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir - dedicated to Lord Shiva
- the Durga Temple - dedicated to the goddess Durga
- the Tulsi Manas Temple - dedicated to Lord Rama
The River Ganges
The River Ganges is important in its own right. Some Hindus believe that it flowed from heaven to purify humans. Sometimes the river is represented in female form because many Hindus refer to it as 'mother Gangaa' or 'she'.
There are various locations along the River Ganges which can attract millions of pilgrims. Many Hindus believe water (known as 'Gangaa jal') from anywhere on the River Ganges is purifying and holy.