Hindu Denominations Explained
UsefulCharts・18 minutes read
Hinduism encompasses diverse beliefs, gods, scriptures, and denominations, with Vaishnavism being the largest, followed by Shiism and Shaktism, contributing to the rich tapestry of this complex religion practiced by 1.1 billion followers worldwide. Hinduism's evolution from various influences culminated in a synthesis from 500 BCE to 500 CE, shaping modern Hinduism with a cyclical view of development and a blend of religious ideas and customs.
Insights
- Hinduism encompasses a variety of beliefs, ranging from monotheism to pantheism to atheism, with some followers viewing all gods as manifestations of a single deity, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, each with distinct roles and consorts.
- The development of Hinduism is marked by a cyclical traditional view and a secular academic perspective suggesting a gradual evolution from diverse influences, culminating in the synthesis period from 500 BCE to 500 CE that shaped modern Hinduism, with Vaishnavism, Shiism, Shaktism, and Smartism emerging as major denominations worshipping different deities.
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Recent questions
What are the main Hindu gods?
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
What are the major Hindu scriptures?
Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas
What are the denominations in Hinduism?
Vaishnavism, Shiism, Shaktism, Smartism
What is the significance of Ganesh in Hinduism?
Son of Shiva and Parvati
Where is Hinduism predominantly practiced?
South Asia
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Summary
00:00
"Hindu Denominations and Main Deities Explained"
- Matt Baker introduces Hindu denominations, clarifying the term "denomination" in non-Christian contexts.
- Hinduism is a cluster of religions, not a single religion, categorized as a dharmic religion along with Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
- Hindu beliefs vary from monotheism to pantheism to atheism, with some seeing all gods as aspects of one God.
- Main Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with Brahma as the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer.
- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva have female consorts, with Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati respectively.
- Ganesh, with an elephant head, is the son of Shiva and Parvati, while Surya and Chandra are the gods of the Sun and Moon.
- Hindu scriptures include the Vedas (Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda) and the Upanishads, divided into Shruti and Smriti.
- Smriti includes the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas, vast collections of stories and encyclopedic information.
- Hinduism's development is viewed traditionally as cyclical, with a secular academic perspective suggesting a slow evolution from various influences.
- The Hindu synthesis, from 500 BCE to 500 CE, led to the formation of modern Hinduism, incorporating diverse religious ideas and customs.
17:55
"Hindu Denominations and Global Influence"
- Vaishnavism is the largest Hindu denomination, with 70% of Hindus worshipping Vishnu as the Supreme deity, including his avatars like Rama and Krishna.
- Shiism, the second largest denomination, followed by 25% of Hindus, worships Shiva as the Supreme deity, with Shiva being associated with the god Rudra from the Rigveda and often represented by a lingum in temples.
- Shaktism worships the female goddess Shakti as the Supreme deity, with various forms like Parvati, Durga, and Kali, while Smartism worships five gods equally: Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, and Surya.
- Hinduism, the world's third largest religion with 1.1 billion followers, is mostly practiced in South Asia, with exceptions like the Neo-Hindu movements in Western countries founded by controversial figures like Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
