Each of the Hinduism's four major denominations share rituals, beliefs, traditions and personal deities with one another, but each sect has a different philosophy on how to achieve life's ultimate goal (moksha, salvation) and on their concept of God (Īshvara). However, each denomination respects all others, and conflict of any kind is rare. In fact, many Hindus will not claim to belong to any denomination at all. Contemporary Hinduism is now divided into four major divisions, Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smārtism. Just as th ...

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Hinduism, Hinduism - Core Concepts, Hinduism - The Eternal Way, Hinduism - Basic beliefs, Hinduism - Practice Yoga Dharma, Hinduism - The four objectives Of Life, Hinduism - The four stages of Life, Hinduism - The four classes of the society, Hinduism - Nature of God, Hinduism - Denominations, Hinduism - Hindu sacred texts, Hinduism - Shruti, Hinduism - Bhagavad Gītā, Hinduism - Smriti, Hinduism - Origins and society, Hinduism - Origins of Hinduism, Hinduism - Etymology, Hinduism - Vedic religion, Hinduism - Hindu nationalism, Hinduism - Temples, Hinduism - Current geographic distribution, Hinduism - Hindu philosophy: the six Vedic schools of thought, Hinduism - Pūrva Mīmāmsā, Hinduism - Yoga, Hinduism - Uttara Mimāmsā: Vedānta and its three main schools, Hinduism - Alternative cultures of worship, Hinduism - The Bhakti schools, Hinduism - Tantra, Hinduism - Important symbolism and themes in Hinduism, Hinduism - Tilaka symbol on forehead or between eyebrows, Hinduism - Ahimsa non-violence vegetarian diet and the cow, Hinduism - Hindu symbolism, Hinduism - Murtis icons, Hinduism - Sanskrit, Hinduism - Mantra, Hinduism - Criticism, Hinduism - Hinduism, Hinduism - Related systems and religions

Read more here: » Hinduism: Encyclopedia II - Hinduism - Denominations

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Hindu deities, Hindu deities - Trimurti, Hindu deities - Popular gods, Hindu deities - Denominations of Hinduism, Hindu deities - Polytheistic gods, Hindu deities - Smartism, Hindu deities - The Trinity, Hindu deities - Vedic Deities, Hindu deities - The 10 Avatars of Vishnu, Hindu deities - The 'Hidden' Avatar, Hindu deities - Relatives, Hindu deities - Mother goddesses

Read more here: » Hindu deities: Encyclopedia II - Hindu deities - Denominations of Hinduism

List of Hinduism-related articles - Smartism. Harihara Ishta-deva List of Hinduism-related articles - Shaivism. Shaivism List of Hinduism-related articles - Tamil. Ayyavazhi Thaipusam List of Hinduism-related articles - Vaishnavism. Vishnu sahasranama ...

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List of Hinduism-related articles, List of Hinduism-related articles - Major topics, List of Hinduism-related articles - History, List of Hinduism-related articles - Politics, List of Hinduism-related articles - Terms and concepts, List of Hinduism-related articles - Science medicine and Cosmology, List of Hinduism-related articles - Time, List of Hinduism-related articles - Hindu philosophy, List of Hinduism-related articles - Texts, List of Hinduism-related articles - Denominations and regional festivals, List of Hinduism-related articles - Smartism, List of Hinduism-related articles - Shaivism, List of Hinduism-related articles - Tamil, List of Hinduism-related articles - Vaishnavism, List of Hinduism-related articles - Animals people places and things in Hindu mythology, List of Hinduism-related articles - Places, List of Hinduism-related articles - Animals, List of Hinduism-related articles - Items, List of Hinduism-related articles - People, List of Hinduism-related articles - Non-human races, List of Hinduism-related articles - Teachers, List of Hinduism-related articles - Other lists

Read more here: » List of Hinduism-related articles: Encyclopedia II - List of Hinduism-related articles - Denominations and regional festivals

Hinduism (हिन्दू धर्म; also known as Sanātana Dharma - सनातन धर्म, and Vaidika-Dharma - वैदिक धर्म) is a worldwide religious tradition that is based on the Vedas and is the direct descendant of the Vedic religion. It encompasses many religious traditions that widely vary in practice, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. An array of deities, all manifestations of the one supreme monistic Ishvara, are venerated. Beliefs, codes and principles vary fr ...

Including:

• Hinduism - Core Concepts
• Hinduism - The Eternal Way
• Hinduism - Basic beliefs
• Hinduism - Practice Yoga Dharma
• Hinduism - The four objectives Of Life
• Hinduism - The four stages of Life
• Hinduism - The four classes of the society
• Hinduism - Nature of God
• Hinduism - Denominations
• Hinduism - Hindu sacred texts
• Hinduism - Shruti
• Hinduism - Bhagavad Gītā
• Hinduism - Smriti
• Hinduism - Origins and society
• Hinduism - Origins of Hinduism
• Hinduism - Etymology
• Hinduism - Vedic religion
• Hinduism - Hindu nationalism
• Hinduism - Temples
• Hinduism - Current geographic distribution
• Hinduism - Hindu philosophy: the six Vedic schools of thought
• Hinduism - Pūrva Mīmāmsā
• Hinduism - Yoga
• Hinduism - Uttara Mimāmsā: Vedānta and its three main schools
• Hinduism - Alternative cultures of worship
• Hinduism - The Bhakti schools
• Hinduism - Tantra
• Hinduism - Important symbolism and themes in Hinduism
• Hinduism - Tilaka symbol on forehead or between eyebrows
• Hinduism - Ahimsa non-violence vegetarian diet and the cow
• Hinduism - Hindu symbolism
• Hinduism - Murtis icons
• Hinduism - Sanskrit
• Hinduism - Mantra
• Hinduism - Criticism
• Hinduism - Hinduism
• Hinduism - Related systems and religions

Read more here: » Hinduism: Encyclopedia - Hinduism

The principle of Varnasrama Dharma is one of the basic principles of Hinduism. The Varnasrama system is peculiar to Hindus. It is a characteristic feature of Hinduism. It is also prevalent throughout the world according to Guna-Karma (aptitude and conduct), though there is no such distinct denomination of this kind, elsewhere.

The duties of the castes are Varna Dharma. The four castes are Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Dharma in Hinduism: Varna Dharma � The Dharma according to the Caste

What is Hinduism?

I will answer it simply, first by first asking if you ever heard of a religion called Jordanism? No, you haven't. But let us juxtapose it to Hinduism. Along the Jordan River Christianity, Islam and Judaism came up. Jordanism could become a modern word to name all three of these religions, which do have similar beliefs and practices. But, like the denominations now under the banner name of Hinduism, they are also three separate religions.

Read more here: » Hinduism: What is Hinduism?

Raghunath ki Kahani - Epic for All Time

The Ramayana is one of the most popular epics of India. Ramayana-lovers are to be found all over the world. All are not necessarily followers of Hinduism. With its engaging storyline, it holds readers of all denominations and backgrounds spellbound. Narrated in an engaging fashion, the story of Rama entertains as well as informs, while presenting to us the model of an ideal human being.

Read more here: » Ramayana: Raghunath ki Kahani - Epic for All Time

The principle of Varnasrama Dharma is one of the basic principles of Hinduism. The Varnasrama system is peculiar to Hindus. It is a characteristic feature of Hinduism. It is also prevalent throughout the world according to Guna-Karma (aptitude and conduct), though there is no such distinct denomination of this kind, elsewhere.

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Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

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Read more here: » Caste System: The Principle of the Hindu Caste System

Question One: Why does Hinduism have so many Gods?

Hindus all believe in one Supreme God who created the universe. He is all-pervasive. He created many Gods, highly advanced spiritual beings, to be His helpers.

Read more here: » Hinduism: Why does Hinduism have so many Gods?

Shruti Vedas Rig Veda Sama Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda Brahmanas Aranyakas Upanishads Smriti Itihāsas Mahābhārata Bhagavad Gītā Ramayana Puranas (List) Tantras Sutras (List) Stotras Ashtavakra Gita < ...

Including:

• Hindu deities - Trimurti
• Hindu deities - Popular gods
• Hindu deities - Denominations of Hinduism
• Hindu deities - Polytheistic gods
• Hindu deities - Smartism
• Hindu deities - The Trinity
• Hindu deities - Vedic Deities
• Hindu deities - The 10 Avatars of Vishnu
• Hindu deities - The 'Hidden' Avatar
• Hindu deities - Relatives
• Hindu deities - Mother goddesses

Read more here: » Hindu deities: Encyclopedia - Hindu deities

Hinduism encompasses many movements and schools fairly organized within Hindu denominations. A denomination shares a common ground of beliefs but embraces many different movements and schools inside its philosophical branches. Hindu denominations - Basic overview. Contemporary Hinduism is traditionally divided into four major denominations: Śaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Smartha. Hinduism is a very rich and complex religion. Each of its four denominations share rituals, bel ...

Including:

• Hindu denominations - Basic overview
• Hindu denominations - Vaishnavism
• Hindu denominations - Śaivism
• Hindu denominations - Shaktism
• Hindu denominations - Smartha sect
• Hindu denominations - Newer denominations
• Hindu denominations - Agama Hindu Dharma

Read more here: » Hindu denominations: Encyclopedia - Hindu denominations

In Smartism, a denomination of Hinduism, an Ishta-deva or Ishta devata or Ishta-devatha is a term meaning "the god one prays most." It is derived from the Sanskrit roots for good and god. Traditionally it alludes to the particular god (from among 330 millions as believed by Hindus) who is the saviour of the family (akin to a Patron Saint, chosen by a devotee. In such a concept held by Smartas, di ...

Including:

• Ishta-deva - Murti
• Ishta-deva - Misunderstanding from outsiders
• Ishta-deva - Disagreement within Hinduism
• Ishta-deva - ISKCON and new religious movements

Read more here: » Ishta-deva: Encyclopedia - Ishta-deva

Please remove this notice after the article has been expanded. Details are on this talk page or at Wikipedia:Requests for expansion. For the Goa trance artist, see Shakta (band). Shaktism is a denomination of Hinduism that worships Shakti, or Devi Mata -- the Hindu name for the Great Divine Mother -- in all of her forms whilst not rejecting the importance of masculine and neuter divinity (which are however deemed to be inactive in the absence of the Shakti). In pure Shaktism, the Great ...

Including:

• Shaktism - Philosophy
• Shaktism - Origin and History
• Shaktism - Roots in Hinduism
• Shaktism - Worship
• Shaktism - Shakta Upanishads
• Shaktism - See Also

Read more here: » Shaktism: Encyclopedia - Shaktism

In Hinduism and Buddhism, a devaloka or deva loka is a plane of existence where gods and devas exist. The deva lokas are usually described as places of eternal light and goodness, similar to the concept of Heaven. Teachers of different Hindu denominations and Buddhist schools may call such homes of the gods by other names, including Svarga, each differing in non-fundamental aspects. To Hindus, Devaloka is a plane of blissful existence that can be reached as soon as one is sufficiently attuned to light and good. However, ...

Read more here: » Devaloka: Encyclopedia - Devaloka

Monotheism (in Greek μόνος = single and θεός = God) is the belief in a single, universal, all-encompassing deity. Zoroastrianism, the Abrahamic religions, and Vaishnavism (a Hindu denomination) are considered monotheistic. Monotheism - Types. Various forms of monotheism exist, including: Theism a term that refers to the belief in the existence of a god or divine being. Deism is a form of monotheism in which it is believed that one god exists. However, a deist rej ...

Including:

• Monotheism - Types
• Monotheism - Origins in Abrahamic or Middle East religions
• Monotheism - In Hinduism
• Monotheism - In Ayyavazhi
• Monotheism - In Taoism
• Monotheism - Comparison to polytheism

Read more here: » Monotheism: Encyclopedia - Monotheism

A priest or priestess is a holy man or woman who takes an officiating role in worship of any religion, with the distinguishing characteristic of offering sacrifices. Priests have been known since the earliest times and in the simplest societies (see shaman and oracle). There are priests in some branches of Christianity, Shintoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and many others, though each culture has a local denomination for the priestly office. Priests are generally regarded as having good contact with the deities of the religion ...

Including:

• Priest - In Judaism
• Priest - In Christianity
• Priest - Catholic & Orthodox
• Priest - Protestant
• Priest - Anglican Communion
• Priest - Quaker
• Priest - Dress

Read more here: » Priest: Encyclopedia - Priest

History of Christianity Jesus of Nazareth The Apostles Ecumenical councils Great Schism The Crusades Reformation The Trinity God the Father Christ the Son The Holy Spirit The Bible Old Testament New Testament Apocrypha The Gospels Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount Christian theology Salvation · Grace Christian worship Christian Church Catholicism Orthodox Christianity Protestantism Christian denominations Chr ...

Including:

• Salvation - Christian views of salvation
• Salvation - Catholicism
• Salvation - Protestantism
• Salvation - Evangelical Christians
• Salvation - Eastern Christianity
• Salvation - New Testament passages
• Salvation - Other passages
• Salvation - Islam
• Salvation - Hinduism
• Salvation - Buddhism
• Salvation - Pagan

Read more here: » Salvation: Encyclopedia - Salvation

History of Christianity Jesus of Nazareth The Apostles Ecumenical councils Great Schism The Crusades Reformation The Trinity God the Father Christ the Son The Holy Spirit The Bible Old Testament New Testament Apocrypha The Gospels Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount Christian theology Salvation · Grace Christian worship Christian Church Catholicism Orthodox Christianity Protestantism Christian denominations C ...

Including:

• Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit in the Bible
• Holy Spirit - Christian views on the Holy Spirit
• Holy Spirit - Pentecostalism
• Holy Spirit - Catholic Church
• Holy Spirit - Orthodoxy
• Holy Spirit - Dispensationalism
• Holy Spirit - Branch Davidian
• Holy Spirit - Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost
• Holy Spirit - Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
• Holy Spirit - The powers of the Holy Spirit
• Holy Spirit - Depiction in art
• Holy Spirit - Non-Trinitarian Christian views
• Holy Spirit - Rastafarian view of the Holy Spirit
• Holy Spirit - Other views
• Holy Spirit - Judaism
• Holy Spirit - Islam
• Holy Spirit - Mandaeanism
• Holy Spirit - Hinduism
• Holy Spirit - Comparisons in fiction

Read more here: » Holy Spirit: Encyclopedia - Holy Spirit

A religious denomination, (also simply denomination) is a large, long-established subgroup within a religion that has existed for many years. The term is frequently used to describe the different Christian churches (Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and the many varieties of Protestantism); it is also used to describe the four organised branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist), and (less often, though it would not be inappropriate) ...

Read more here: » Religious denomination: Encyclopedia - Religious denomination

Avidyamaya and Vidyamaya are concepts created by the Hindu sage Ramakrishna based on his realizations. Ramakrishna implied that all things, good and bad, were maya (illusion). According to him, both love and hate, materialism and spirituality, egotism and generosity exist only due to our limited perception of Reality. However, he divided them in illusions that further bind us (avidyamaya) and illusions that ...

Read more here: » Avidyamaya and Vidyamaya: Encyclopedia - Avidyamaya and Vidyamaya