HINDUISM One Religion, Many Gods

One of the world's oldest religions and with a following of about 1.2 billion people, Hinduism is deeper than a religion - it is a way of life.

- Khushi Makasare

Colourful festivals and mouth-watering desserts are only at the surface of Hinduism. There is a unique diversity and individualism that hovers over this faith. But can we really define Hinduism as a religion?

Hinduism is not categorised as an organised religion - it has no systemic approach nor a simplified set of rules that its followers abide by. Thus, the multiple interpretations of Hinduism make it almost impossible to arrive at a sweeping definition of the religion. With a myriad of ideas on spirituality and beliefs, Hinduism has no all-encompassing governing body, prophet, or single holy book.

To understand Hinduism completely, one needs to understand its core values and beliefs. Exploring the Hindu banyan and its many sects is a deeper dive into its diversity. The history and evolution of Hinduism over time have solidified its role in society, making it the third-largest religion in the world - after Christianity and Islam.

DENOMINATIONS

There are four major traditions that are practised by Hindus - Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. While there are many denominations, they are all linked and overlap in areas such as shared rituals, pilgrimage, and cosmology.

Vaishnavism is a stream of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu, one of the supreme deities. In this tradition, Vishnu creates, protects, and transforms the universe. In Shaivism, Shiva (also known as Rudra) is worshipped as the supreme being. Most followers of Shaivism, called Shaivites and Saivas, accept an ascetic life and the belief that Shiva lives within the human soul.

Shaktism believes that the metaphysical reality is a woman, and Shakti (better known as Mahadevi) is the supreme god. The denomination worships several other goddesses such as Durga and Kali. The last tradition, Smartism, equally worships five deities Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Ganesh, and Shakti.