1. HINDUISM Pages 130-135

2. HINDUISM Hinduism: The largest religion in India today. Hindus believe in many gods or polytheism. Brahman created the universe and all things in it. From him come the other gods. The three main Hindu gods are: Brahma: The creator Siva: The destroyer Vishnu: The preserver

3. HINDU GODS: BRAHMA Brahma: Creator of the universe He is the least worshiped god in Hinduism today. He is seen with four heads that represent the four Vedas. He also has four arms and a beard. He is married to Saraswati the goddess of knowledge.

4. HINDU GODS: VISHNU Vishnu: Preserver and protector of the universe. His job is to restore the balance of good and evil. He is seen with a human body with blue colored skin and four arms. His hands always have four objects in them which are the four things he is responsible for: Conch: ‘Ommm’ sound represents the sound of creation Lotus flower: existence Mace (club): mental and physical strength Chakra: mind

5. HINDU GODS: VISHNU

6. HINDU GODS: SHIVA Shiva: the destroyer Hindu’s don’t see his job as a bad thing. He restores balance. Shiva has a third eye that represents wisdom and insight. He is often seen in the yoga position or dancing. He is depicted with a blue face and throat.

7. HINDU GODS: SHIVA He wears a cobra necklace that represents his power. Some say the cobra represents reincarnation as well. Shiva’s wife is called Parvati. She is the goddess of love and devotion. Shiva has two sons Ganesh and Karhkeya Ganesh has the head of an elephant.

8. HINDUISM & WORSHIP Hindu people worship at a temple or at home At the center of worship are statues of the god that the temple is built for. People bring offerings of flowers, body oils, food or incense. People usually only go to temples on religious holidays.

9. HINDUISM TODAY It is the third largest religion in the world. Approximately 900 million people follow the beliefs and customs of Hinduism. (nhsf.org) Hindus believe in reincarnation or the idea that souls are re-born many times. Karma is the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul. Hindu’s believe that a person with bad karma will be re-born into a lower caste.

10. HINDUISM Most people have a ‘puja room’ or a room with a shrine to the god they worship.