1. …THE WORLD’S THIRD
LARGEST RELIGION…
…A FAITH THAT EVOLVED
OUT OF INDIA…
…CONSIDERED THE OLDEST
ORGANIZED RELIGION ON
THE PLANET…

2. Hinduism

3. This background shows the symbol
Of Hinduism. It is the written form
Of the most sacred Hindu sound,
“aum”. Aum represents God and
Refers to everything – past, present,
And future.
Hindus say or sing this sacred song aloud
At the beginning of each day, and
Before and after prayers.

4. Origins:
Hinduism began over 5000 years ago.
It has no
historical founder
– it evolved out of many different practices of the Ancient Indian people.

5. GOD
Is everywhere
Brahma
Shiva
Vishnu

6. Brahma:
Creates life
(created the
World)
Aka. Creator

7. Shiva: makes room for new life. Can be compassionate
but also destructive.
Aka. Destroyer

8. Vishnu:
Keeps things
alive.
Aka. Sustainer

9. Hindus believe in many other
gods, which are all part of
BRAHAM – “the ultimate reality –
goodness, truth, and mercy.”

10. Popular gods and goddesses indude:
Agni – the god of fire and guardian of homes
Devi – the mother goddess
Ganesh – the god of success
Krishna – the god of love and divine joy
Parvati – the goddess of love
Sarasvati – the goddess of truth and wisdom
Sri-lakshmi – the goddess of money and beauty

11. Artha
Kama
THE 4 GOALS
Dharma
Moksha

12. Kama is about enjoying life
Artha is about working hard and being successful.
Dharma is about treating others with respect,
including animals (that’s why many Hindus are
vegetarians).
Moksha is about being with God –
it is reached only once the other 3
goals have been achieved.

13. Sacred Literature and Stories
4 Books:
Hindus believe they
Called the “Vedas”
are revelations from
gods.
Longer than the Bible

14. Worship In every aspect of life, since God is in everything.
At shrines –
in the home
or in temples.
Through prayer,
singing, and offerings to
their favorite gods.

15. Moral Code: Young children have their heads
shaved as a symbol of spiritual
purification.
Buy candy, fruit, and flowers to offer
to the gods through prayer at the
temple.
Value friendships.
Do good without expecting anything
in return.

16. Today, most Hindus live in Asia,
But there are also Hindus in
Africa, Europe, and North America.

17. Rivers are considered sacred places
to many Hindus. In India, thousands
of Hindus visit the holy river Ganges
on pilgrimages each year…

19. One of the Hindu festivals is Divali –
it is a festival of lights.