Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, with a maximum number of followers in Nepal. The history of Hinduism dates back more than 5000 years. The words Hindu and Hinduism are now frequently used. The name came from the people who settled on the river banks of Sindhu. Some scholars believe that the term Hinduism originated in the third millennium before Christ when the immigrants of the pre-Aryan Aryan civilization settled in the Indus Valley. As a result of the conquest of the pre-Aryans, the Aryans from Persia and Anatolia settled in the Indus Valley and Gangetic Plains of the sub-continent in the second millennium. Knowing a few Hindu beliefs would help you understand the local people and culture on your trip to Nepal.
Hindus believe in the following:
Vedas:
The Vedas are the ancient books of wisdom and knowledge. There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
God and Goddess:
A heavenly or celestial being, male and female, also called devas and Devis, inhabits the heavens above the human realm; the human realm is bound to samsara and subject to birth and death.
Ritual:
Practicing ritual ceremonies and rites in Hinduism is very common from birth to death; believing spiritual connection with their ancestors brings harmony and long life in the family.
Reincarnation:
Hindus believe in rebirth or reincarnation; the soul returns to the earth in a new bodily form. Individual karma or actions in the previous life determine whether one is born in a higher or lower human realm in the present world.
Caste system:
The caste system plays a vital role in Hinduism, with Brahmin being the sacred caste and the topmost in the hierarchy. Brahmin as Priests, Kshatriyas as Warriors, Vaishyas as traders, and Sudras as Lower castes and untouchables.
Four Ashrams:
Hindus believe in the four Ashrams or the four stages of life. The first is Brahmacharya( period of celibacy or student life}. The second is Garhastya (period of married life). The third is Vanaprastha (period of retirement and living a sequestered life), and the fourth is Sannyasa (period of renunciation).
Philosophical belief:
Such as the principle of identity of the individual with Brahma (the creator), the only reality in the context of the unreality of life and the word which is called illusion or Maya
Guru:
Guru means the spiritual teacher and spiritual guide, and he is highly respected in society. Hindus consider the guru dignified, second only to divinity in etiquette.
Hospitality for the Guest:
Atithi Deva Bhava means Guest is God; it is considered a great virtue by the Hindus to serve the Guest,
OM:
A spiritual, symbolic, and powerful holy Mantra in the Hindu religion, it refers to Atman (the soul) and Brahman (the ultimate reality).
