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:''This article discusses the adherents of [[Hinduism]]. For other meanings of the word, see [[Hindu (disambiguation)]]. For more information on the people of [[India]], visit the [[Demographics of India]].''

{{Hinduism_small}}

A '''Hindu''' (archaic ''Hindoo''), as per modern definition is an adherent of philosophies and scriptures of '''[[Hinduism]]''', the predominant [[religious]], [[philosophical]] and [[cultural]] system of the [[Indian subcontinent]] and the island of [[Bali]]. Historically, Hindus can be referred to as the successors of [[Vedic aryans]] and other tribes of India. Most of the Hindus today live in the [[Republic of India]]. Another popular name for India is [[Hindustan]], meaning the ''land of Hindus''.

More than one [[billion]] people across the world practise Hinduism. The vast majority, 950 million, live in the [[Indian subcontinent]], the birthplace of Hinduism. The [[Himalaya]]n kingdom of [[Nepal]] is the world's only Hindu nation. Though the majority of the Indian population practices Hinduism, India is a [[secular]] [[republic]]. Large Hindu communities, mostly [[expatriate]]s from India, live in [[South East Asia]], [[North America]], the [[West Indies]], [[Western Europe]], the [[Middle East]], [[East Africa]] and [[South Africa]]. The Hindus of Bali, and in other parts of Indonesia are indigenous [[Agama Hindu Dharma|Indonesian Hindus]].

==Origins of the word ''Hindu''==

{{seealso|Etymology of India}}

[[Image:Sindhu river.jpg|right|thumb|250px|River Sindhu, [[Ladakh]]]]

The origin of the word Hindu is still disagreed upon by historians and linguists. It is generally accepted as having originally been a [[Persian language|Persian]] word for someone who lives around or beyond the river [[Indus]], which is called [[Sindhu]] in [[Sanskrit]], and meant any inhabitant of the [[Indian subcontinent]], before the [[Partition of India]].

In Persian and [[Arabic]], the term "Hind" denotes the Indian subcontinent, and the term Hindu (Indu or Intu in [[China]]) is still used in some languages to denote a person from the region. A variant of the word was taken into old Greek, and lost the initial aspiration ('h') in modern Greek. This led to the [[Greek language|Greek]] name of 'India'.

Until about 19th century, the term Hindu implied a culture and ethnicity and not [[religion]] alone. When the British government started periodic census and established a legal system, need arose to define [[Hinduism]] as a clearly-defined religion, along the lines of [[Christianity]] or [[Islam]]. Some scholars like [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]], defined it as a religion based on the [[Vedas]], using the analogy of [[Bible]] and [[Qur'an]] being the basis of Christianity and Islam respectively.

The old Persian definition of "Hindu" would club all people living in India into a single group called "Hindus". However, today all Indians are not called Hindus simply to be able to differentiate between adherants of different faiths, and also with respect to peoples' sentiments.

That even an [[atheism|atheist]] may be called a Hindu is an example of the fact that Hinduism is far beyond a simple religious system, but actually an extremely diverse and complicated river of evolving [[philosophy|philosophies]] and ancient [[tradition]]s.

==Who is a Hindu?==

[[Image:Prambanam.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Hinduism is the world's oldest existing religion. Shown here is a 1100-year-old [[Siva]] [[Prambanan|temple]] in Indonesia]]

{{seealso|History of Hinduism}}

Prior to successful invasion of Indian subcontinent by [[Babar]] from [[Uzbekistan]] and later by European colonialists, there was no distinct definition of religion in India. Reform movements like the [[Samana]]s were not far from the [[Jain]] and [[Buddhist]] orders, and such groups provided the wheels of philosophical evolution and cultural change. While strict social ordering existed in the [[Brahmin|Brahmanical]] system, it was never necessary for anyone to worship a particular form of God, perform a particular set of rituals, speak a particular language, or regard one book as the most sacred. Different scholars gave different definitions but still who is Hindu is disputed. One definition states that a Hindu is one who accepts the authority of the Vedas.

The [[colonialism|colonial]] [[British Empire|British]] [[government]] introduced the [[census]] as is today, and for legal purposes set worded definitions and distinctions between populations living interwoven for thousands of years. This practice, once established, was exploited for political power by various communities, with distinct religions getting special privileges and recognitions as opposed to members of a sect, reform movement or of the larger mass of people. These bookish definitions fail to alter, however, centuries-old practices and relationships between communities, which though not free of divisive conflicts, are certainly not victims of any schisms.

Many Hindus identify the [[God|Supreme Being]] as [[Vishnu]] and are known as [[Vaishnava]]; many others believe the Supreme Being is [[Shiva]] or [[Shankar]] and are known as [[Shaiva]]; while many other believe in the female Principal [[Shakti]] as the Supreme Energy or Force for life (birth and preservation) and destruction unified, and are called [[Shakta]]. In [[Vaishnavism]] and [[Shaivism]], Shakti is God's Unified Energy (Power) personified. The fourth major group, the [[Smarta]], call the Trinity and Shakti as the Supreme One [[Brahman]], which manifests into personal forms of God, such as [[Brahma]], [[Vishnu]] or [[Shiva]] (also known as Mahesh). However, no barrier or distinction or rivalry of any nature exists between any of these - historically, Hinduism is known for its religious tolerance and there is no friction whatsoever between these groups, who respect each other's practices. Each naturally respects all incarnations of the God, only choosing to see the Supreme in one particular form. Many follow a blend of all three beliefs and this is by far the most common form of religion for Hindus, with a mix of [[Shaivism]], [[Shaktism]] and [[Vaishnavism]] as well as other reform movements. In most Hindu temples one will find [[Shiva]] [[lingam]] together with [[vaishnava]] aspects of worship.

[[Hinduism]], especially its history and heritage, is vitally important and is strongly defining the characteristics of [[Indian nationalism]], and the political identity and expression of India's Hindus.

==Hallmarks of Hindu society==

===Ethnic and cultural fabric===

[[Image:Early morning on the Ganges.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Ganges is considered as the most sacred river by Hindus]]

{{seealso|Indo-Aryans|Aryan Invasion Theory|Demographics of India|History of India}}

Hinduism has one of the most genetically and ethnically diverse body of adherents in the world. Hinduism, its religious doctrines, traditions and observances are very typical and inextricably linked to the culture and demographics of India.

Large tribes and communities of indigenous origins, are also closely linked to the earliest synthesis and formation of Hindu civilization. Peoples of [[Mongoloid]] roots living in the states of north eastern India and [[Nepal]] were also a part of the earliest Hindu civilization. Immigration and settlement of peoples from [[Central Asia]] and peoples of [[Indo-Greek]] heritage have brought their own influence on Hindu society. For example, the staunchest defenders of Hindu India against Muslim invaders were the [[Rajput]]s of modern [[Rajasthan]], who were immigrants from Central Asia. The [[Mehr]] community of Rajasthan and [[Gujarat]] is also proud of its Central Asian roots, but more fiercely proud of its Hindu traditions and faith.

The deities of the Indus Valley Civilization have uncanny resemblances to Hindu gods such as [[Shiva]]. Worship of Lord [[Vishnu]] also, could be an ancient indigenous practice and the scarce mention in Vedas could be a later inclusion. The roots of Hinduism in southern India, and amongst tribal and indigenous communities is just as ancient and fundamentally contributive to the foundations of the religious and philosophical system. Today, almost all Hindus belong to the ethnic communities living in the 28 states and 7 union territories of [[India]], and the provinces of [[Nepal]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Bangladesh]].

Ancient Hindu kingdoms arose and spread the religion and traditions across [[South East Asia]], particularly [[Thailand]], [[Burma]], [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], [[Cambodia]] and what is now central [[Vietnam]]. A form of [[Hinduism]] particularly different from Indian roots and traditions is practised in [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]], where Hindus form 90% of the population. Indian migrants have taken Hinduism and Hindu culture to [[South Africa]], [[Fiji]], [[Mauritius]] and other countries in and around the [[Indian Ocean]], and in the nations of the [[West Indies]] and the [[Caribbean]].

Many Europeans, Africans and Americans have adopted spiritual and religious exercises inspired by [[Hinduism]] in [[North America]], [[Western Europe]] and [[Southern Africa]]. The [[ISKCON]] is a sect of the devotees of [[Krishna]], specifically, [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]], mainly in the [[United States]] but spreading across the world, embracing people and working in countries completely unassociated with India.

===Linguistics of Hinduism===

[[Image:Mahabharata2.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Believed to be written in 3100 B.C.E., the [[Mahabharata]] is one of oldest known [[epic poetry|epics]]. Shown here is a scene from the epic [[Battle of Kurukshetra]]]]

{{seealso|Sanskrit}}

Although the [[Vedas]], the [[Mahabharata]] and the [[Ramayana]] have been written in the ancient language of [[Sanskrit]], Hinduism has several important religious and philosophical works written in other ancient languages like [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Pāli|Pali]], [[Prakrit]], and modern languages like [[Hindi]], [[Punjabi]], [[Malayalam]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Marathi]] and [[Bengali]].

The approximately 950 million Hindus who live in the [[Indian subcontinent]] are the people who speak the 18 official languages of [[India]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]] in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Gurkhali]] in [[Nepal]], some 5-10 more unofficial languages and over 1,000 dialects.

Millions of Hindus are well-versed with English. Many of modern discourses, essays and analysis of Hindu religion and society, and re-telling of its greatest epics, are published in the [[English language]].

===Dietary habits and doctrines===

{{seealso|Vegetarianism|Vegan|Cuisine of India}}

[[Vegetarianism]] is not as common amongst Hindus as is thought in the West. While 82% of the population of India is Hindu, only about 20% follows strict vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is recommended for its [[sattvic]] qualities. Most Hindus abstain from [[Beef]] while many others refrain from meat on holy days.

Vegetarianism started to gain immense popular strength in Hinduism since its early days as is evident from the [[Bhagavada Gita]] which preaches the principle of [[ahimsa]], or absolute non-violence to all forms of life. This has also inspired a stricter, regimental adherence to vegetarianism in [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]]. [[Mahatma Gandhi]] was the most prominent proponent of veganism/vegetarianism since mid-15th century redefining Hinduism by Adi Shankaracharya.

Vegetarianism in Hinduism is encouraged due to the belief that all animals have [[Atman]] or soul and thus should not be killed. Also killing leads to bad [[karmic]] consequences and the consumption of flesh is not [[sattvic]]; meaning one can not achieve full spirituality or a close connection with Lord.

===Ceremonies, observances and pilgrimage===

Hinduism is also very diverse in the religious ceremonies performed by its adherents for different periods and events in life, and for death.

====Initiation====

{{main|Initiation in Hinduism}}

Many Hindus, especially those belonging to the [[Brahmin]] and [[Kshatriya]] caste may perform a coming of age ceremony, commonly known as either [[Upanayana]] or ''Janoy''.

The Upanayana is akin to Bar-Mitzva in Jewish culture. It is very similar to the Navjot ceremony of the Zorashtrians. In a ceremony administered by a priest, a young boy usually shaves his hair off as a measure of austerity and a coir string Janoy is hung from around his left shoulder to his right waist line for Brahmins and from right shoulders to left waistline by Kshatriyas. The ceremony varies from region to community, and includes reading from the [[Vedas]] and special ''mantras'' and ''shlokas''.

Young females (prepubescent until married) do not have similar ritual passage as young males. However, some young Hindu females, especially those fromm southern India, may follow annual Monsoon Austerity Ritual of Purification by not eating cooked food for one or two weeks, depending on age of child. This is known as "Goryo" or "Goriyo".

====New Year====

Unlike most other cultures, [[New Year]] is celebrated as a festival in India. Many regions have different calendars and mostly start in March. New Year is celebrated at different times of the year by people of different states. That is people from [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Maharashtra]] states celebrate New Year on the same day, but people from Tamil Nadu celebrate the New Year at different time. The names of the new year vary too. For example [[Telugu people]] call new year [[Ugadi]] while [[Tamil]] people call their new year as ''Varusha Pirappu''. People from [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] and other northern states in India also celebrate [[Vaisakhi]] which is a harvest festival on [[13 April]].

====Fast====

Fasting is a very common among most Hindus. They Fast on certain days of the week based on their belief and to appease certain deities. Some fast on Mondays to appease ''Siva'', where as some fast on Saturdays to appease ''Shani'' similarly some fast on Fridays to penance in the name of goddess [[Laxmi]] or [[Santoshi]]. Most fasting Hindus abstain from eating meat and only live on fruits and milk. Some people refrain from using [[edible salt]]s in the preparation of the meal and have it only one time on the day. There is a month called ''Shravan'' or ''Savan'' when Hindus fast for the whole month and abstain from eating any form of meat. Also they fast during the holy days like [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] (Chauth), [[Shivratri]], [[Ram Navami]] and [[Navaratri]]. Fasting is seen as a form of penance (tapasya) or alternatively as a mean to develop a close bond with the Supreme Being.

====Marriage====

{{main|Marriage in Hinduism}}

Wedding ceremonies and rituals vary in Hinduism. Most Hindu parents look for a prospective match for their children from their own community also known as ''arranged'' marriage. The ritual of matching the prospective's ''jathakam'' or ''janampatri'' with the help of a holy priest is also widely practised by many Hindus.

Hindu marriage ceremonies are very colorful and elaborate. Families of the bride and the groom hold numerous festitivities to celebrate the wedding. [[Saptapadi]] is an important ritual performed during the wedding in which the bride and the groom circumambulate a sacred fire, known as [[agni]], seven times. [[Dowry]] formed an integral part of Hindu marriage until it was made illegal by the Indian government in [[1961]].

====Pilgrimage====

[[Image:Mahakumbh.jpg|thumb|250 px|The largest religious gathering of humans on Earth. Around 70 million [[Hindu|Hindus]] from around the world participated in '''[[Kumbh Mela]]''' in the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] holy city of [[Prayaga]], [[India]], which is also known as Allahabad.]]

Many Hindus make piligrimages to the holy shrines (known as ''Tirthas''). Hindu holy shrines include the abode of Shiva, Mount [[Kailash]] in [[Tibet]], Shiva's lingam in [[Amarnath]], [[Anantnag]], [[Rameshwaram]], and [[Kedarnath]]; the holy cities of [[Haridwar]], [[Dwarka]], [[Allahabad]], [[Mathura]], [[Tirumala]], [[Kashi]], [[Mahabalipuram]] and [[Ayodhya]]. Goddess [[Durga]]'s holy shrine in [[Vasihno Devi]] attracts thousands of devotees every year. Hundreds of millions of Hindus annually visit holy rivers such as the [[Ganges]] ("Ganga" in Sanskrit) and [[Varanasi|temples near them]], wash and bathe themselves to purify their sins, make sacrifices and win pivous credits.

The [[Kumbha Mela]] (''the Great Fair'') is a gathering of between 10 to 20 million Hindus upon the banks of the holy rivers, as periodically ordained in different parts of India by Hinduism's priestly leadership. The most famous is at the confluence of the [[Ganga]] and [[Yamuna]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] which is known as "Sangam". It is regarded as the largest gathering of humanity on Earth.

====Death====

Upon the death of a Hindu person, his or her body is ceremonially bathed and wrapped in clean, mostly white [[khadi]] cloth. The families often dress their departed relative in their best clothes, but maintain an emphasis on less color.

At the ceremony of cremation all mourners must wear only white clothes. In India, especially northern India, white is the color of mourning. In modern times, dull colored clothes, shirts and pants are deemed acceptable.

An attending priest conducts the ceremony, purifying the body and pyre by sprinkling holy water and continuously singing or chanting religious [[hymns]] or songs. The body is to be set alight only by the eldest male child of the deceased, or the closest male relative. However, in modern society women are asserting their right as children and/or closest relative of the deceased to cremate their loved ones. In many cases, this is increasingly being accepted.

Hindus in India are cremated upon open grounds upon wooden pyres, though the use of cremation chambers is increasing in popularity owing to the scarcity of wood and lack of exposure. The ashes of the person's remains are gathered and placed in a pot, which may be ritually immersed in any of Hinduism's holy rivers by the family with an attending priest. However, if one is unable to reach a Hindu holy river, it is best to find a river or body of water that flows into the ocean. If Ganga water (or water from any holy river) is available in sealed copper pots, water is either poured into the mouth of the deceased, or mixed with the ashes following cremation, if it is not available, holy water prepared by priests is poured into the mouths of the deceased. It is accepted that the ashes of the deceased will be immersed within 3 days. If it is not done within this time frame, additional rituals must be carried out, and not very many people know what those rituals are. However these procedures are not concrete, and may vary from region to region.

The practice of cremation is not universal among Hindus. Hindus of various regions and castes may bury their dead as well, as per their families tradition. However, many prefer cremation in comparison to burial, even if burial is the common practice of the family.

==Religion for the common Hindu==

[[Image:Khujaraho.JPG|right|thumb|250px|[[Icons]], also known as [[murtis]], play a crucial role in Hinduism. Shown here is a 10th-century temple in Khajuraho depicting Hindu icons]]

{{seealso|Yoga|Vedic astrology|Bhagavad Gita|Ramayana}}

To all Hindus, the [[Vedas]] are the main source of religious social and religious practices in Hindu, and indeed Indian society.

The [[Puranas]] are a wide collection of religious treatises, biographies and stories on the historical, mythological and religious characters in Hindu folklore, classic literature and sacred scriptures. There are often the source of popular Hindu folk tales and religious lessons.

[[Yoga]] is an important connection to a Hindu to his religious and historical heritage. The art of spiritual and physical exercises are a distinguished native tradition pursued by millions of Hindus worldwide.

Indian [[Vedic astrology]] is important to the conduct of any of life's important events such as marriage, applying for a post or admission, buying a house or starting a new business. To millions of Hindus, the kundali is an invaluable possession that charts the course of life for a man or a woman from the time of his birth, all ascertained by Vedic mathematics and astrology.

The most popular Hindu scriptures are the [[Mahabharata]], the holy war between good and evil. [[Krishna]]'s discourse to the warrior prince [[Arjuna]], the [[Bhagavad Gita]] is the guide book on life for the common Hindu. It is the source of divine guidance and inspiration, where the reader learns to interpret Krishna's teachings in the personal and worldly contexts of life. Most Hindus consider this book as the main source of religious teaching.

To hundreds of millions of Hindus, [[Rama]] is more than just an incarnation of the Supreme, or simply a just king of [[Ayodhya]]. He is the still living, thriving soul and identity of real Hinduism. [[Rama]] is the image of Hinduism, the Perfect Man, its conscience and undying hope of deliverance.

The doctrines of [[moksha]] by the diligent discharge of personal, social and religious duty is the corner stone of the hindu society. By following one's duty (Dharma) one gains merit and when the process is completed; a union with the Godhead and cessation of the cycle of birth and death. Dereliction of duty will result in all sorts of misfortunes, including birth in a lower level in the social heirarchy. This is a strong motivation to stick to the right path.

== See also ==

===Hindu people===

*[[Hinduism]]

*[[India]], [[Nepal]], [[Bali]]

*[[Demographics of India]]

*[[History of India]]

* [[World Hinduism]]

* [[Hindu Nationalism]], [[Indian Nationalism]], [[Hindutva]]

* [[Survey of Hindu organisations]]

===Hinduism===

*[[Ramayana]]

*[[Mahabharata]]

*[[Bhagavad Gita]]

*[[Vaishnavism]]

*[[Shaivism]]

*[[Balinese Hinduism]]

*[[Criticism of Hinduism]]

* ''The Hindu prayer'' [[Jai Jagdish Hare]]

===Other Dharmic religions===

*[[Jainism]]

*[[Buddhism]]

*[[Sikhism]]

=== Literature ===

*Elst, Koenraad: Who is a Hindu [http://koenraadelst.voiceofdharma.com/books/wiah/index.htm]

*Goel, Sita Ram: How I became a Hindu [http://voi.org/books/hibh/]

=== External links ===

*[http://www.pariharam.com More about Hinduism]

*[http://www.voi.org/books/htemples2/app3.htm Meaning of the word Hindu]

*[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hinduism/id/22591 Who is a Hindu]

*[http://www.panditjiusa.com/HinduCulture.htm The Hindu Culture ]

*[http://www.hinduconnect.com Hindu Discussions ]

[[Category:Hinduism]]

[[Category:Indian culture]]

[[ru:Индус]]