Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest living religious traditions and the faith of more than a billion people, most of them in India and Nepal, with large communities around the world. It has no single founder, no single holy book and no central authority. Instead, it is a family of related traditions that share many ideas, texts and practices. Many Hindus call their tradition Sanatana Dharma, often translated as “the eternal way” or “the eternal order”.
Where the name comes from
The word “Hindu” comes from Sindhu, the Sanskrit name for the Indus River. Persian and later Greek writers used versions of this word for the people living beyond the Indus. Over centuries it came to describe the religious traditions of the region, and the term “Hinduism” became common in English in the nineteenth century.
Sacred texts
Hindu scriptures are usually grouped into two kinds:
- Shruti (“what is heard”): the Vedas, regarded as revealed knowledge. There are four: the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Each contains hymns, ritual texts and, in its final part, the philosophical Upanishads. See the Upanishads: an introduction.
- Smriti (“what is remembered”): later texts, including the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita), the Puranas with their stories of the gods, and texts on law and conduct.
Key ideas
- Brahman: the ultimate reality behind everything that exists.
- Atman: the true self within each living being.
- Dharma: right conduct, duty and the order that sustains life.
- Karma, samsara and moksha: the idea that actions have consequences, the cycle of rebirth, and liberation from it. See karma, samsara and moksha.
The four aims of life
Many Hindu texts describe four aims (purusharthas) of a good human life: dharma (right conduct), artha (material wellbeing), kama (pleasure and love) and moksha (liberation). They are meant to be pursued in balance, with dharma as the guide.
One reality, many forms
Hindus worship God in many forms. The major traditions include Vaishnavism, centred on Vishnu and his incarnations such as Rama and Krishna; Shaivism, centred on Shiva; Shaktism, centred on the Goddess, Devi, in forms such as Durga and Kali; and the Smarta tradition, which honours several deities. Many Hindus understand these forms as different ways of approaching one ultimate reality.
Many paths
Hindu thought describes several paths (margas or yogas) towards the highest goal, suited to different temperaments:
- Karma yoga: the path of selfless action.
- Bhakti yoga: the path of loving devotion.
- Jnana yoga: the path of knowledge and insight.
- Raja or dhyana yoga: the path of meditation.
Hinduism in daily life
For many Hindus, faith is lived through daily worship at a home shrine (puja), visits to the temple (visiting a Hindu temple), festivals throughout the year, pilgrimage, family rituals marking life events (samskaras), and values such as non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness and hospitality.
Common questions
Do Hindus believe in one God or many?
Both answers are heard. Many Hindus worship particular deities while understanding them as forms or aspects of one ultimate reality. Beliefs vary between traditions and individuals.
Is there a Hindu “bible”?
There is no single book. The Vedas hold the highest authority for many, while texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana are widely read and loved.
Can anyone learn about Hinduism?
Yes. Many temples welcome respectful visitors, and introductory classes and books are widely available.
Key points
- A family of traditions with no single founder or book.
- Shared ideas include dharma, karma, rebirth and liberation.
- God is worshipped in many forms, often seen as aspects of one reality.
