Introduction to Hinduism : Part I

Hinduism,the world's one of the ancient religion. But, from where this word came. It has historically been used as a geographical, cultural and later a religious identifier for the people indigenous to the south Asian region. Actually, people or the community living in the valley which ran through north-west India into Pakistan were called Hindus. The Indus river originally was named "Sindhu" running from this area, originates from the Sanskrit. And the Persians mispronounced Sindhu to Hindu,designated this land. Ancient India, extends far from the banks of Indus river including parts of the contemporary Pakistan, Afganistan,Iran and India. It's history overlaps with the development of Indian region since Iron age.

In Hinduism, there are three foremost traditions.The people or community who worships Shiv are known as Shaiv, people who worships Vishnu are known as Vaishnav and the people worshiping Shakti (goddess) are known as Shakya. This ancient religion believes in the principle of create, preserve and destroy. Every thing that has been created will be preserved and ultimately destroyed. And this process will continue.

It is believed that 'Brahma' is the creator. He has originated from the navel of Vishnu. Brahma has four heads, lives in Brahmlok and has the Royal Swan as his vehicle/mount. Vishnu ,the preserver is often depicted as having pale blue or dark complexion and has four arms. He holds a lotus (padma), a mace (gada), a conch (shankh) and a discus (chakra) known as sudarshan. He lives in vaikunth lok reclining on the coils of the serpent "Shesh". Garud, the divine like bird (eagle) serves as the vehicle/mount. Shiv, the destroyer of the evil and the transformer is a yogi or AadiYogi lives an ascetic life with wife "Parvati" on mount Kailash. He is also regarded as the Patron of yoga, meditation and art. Shiv has a serpent called 'Vasuki" who lies around his neck, adoring crescent moon, the holy river "Ganga" flowing from his matted hair, third eye on his forehead, trishula his weapon and a damru. This Trinity is the base of Hinduism.