The Religion of the Hindus - A Review

The oldest of the four living religions is Hinduism. It predates the Aryan invasion of India and archeological findings revealed that a highly developed culture was in existence between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. Hinduism has grown gradually during the various stages of civilization. Sources: The sources of Hindu religion are the Srutis, Smritis and Darshanas. Basic features: The basic features of Hindu religion are (i) strong belief in the existence of Gods, and Goddesses, (ii) cult of image worships tinged with offerings of prayers, chanting of mantras and distribution of prasads. Hindus believe God to be formless, but we actually do not pray to the stone rather pray to the person figured in it, the psychological presence, the cosmic power, (iii) belief in the theory of karma, rebirth and the immortality of soul. Hinduism believes that the death is not the end of life because the soul migrates from one body to another. The doctrine of karma is nothing but causal law operating in the moral sphere, (iv) attainment of liberation-The destiny of man is the attainment of liberation (Moksha). Man wants to free himself from shackles of births and death. It is the attainment of spiritual status which is beyond space -time limit