There are around 900 million Hindus worldwide, but they do not follow a single set of rules and beliefs. Rather, the term Hindu refers to a collection of diverse religious groups originating in India up to 3,000 years ago. Indeed, the word Hindu is sometimes considered a geographic rather than a religious term. Hindus call their religion sanatana dharma (eternal law).

Brahman – universal and eternal
Hindus believe in a universal soul called Brahman, who is present everywhere and appears in the human spirit as atman. Brahman creates, preserves and transforms everything. Brahman is eternal but has no physical form.

In Hindu thinking, because we are all different we can communicate with Brahman in many different ways. This helps explain why the faith has so many devas and devis (gods and goddesses), who are revered as different aspects of Brahman.

Some examples include Idra (god of rain) and Surya (sun god); Sarasvati (goddess of learning) and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth). Significantly, Hindus hold goddesses in particularly high esteem, revering the Goddess Durga as their most important female idol.

Ahimsa – the principle of non-violence
At the heart of Hindu teachings lies the principle of non-violence. Known as ahimsa, this principle involves respecting the sanctity of all living things. Karma (incarnation) is another central Hindu belief. It means that the human soul goes through successive lives. The next life could be better or worse, depending on how the soul behaves during this life.

Hinduism’s other core values include respect for parents and elders; reverence for teachers and respect for guests; tolerance of all races and religions and a belief in equality. The cow is regarded as sacred and its milk sustains human life.

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With its long and complex history, diversity has become one of Hinduism’s defining qualities. Its followers accept a wide range of beliefs and philosophies. Their practices and traditions incorporate numerous linguistic and regional variations.

• Those who worship Vishnu (the preserver) and Vishnu’s important incarnations Rama, Krishna and Narasimha
• Those who worship Shiva (the destroyer)
• Those who worship the Mother Goddess, Shakti (also called Parvati, Mahalakshmi, Durga or Kali).

In 1995, India’s Supreme Court endorsed the following definition of what being a Hindu means: “Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence; recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are diverse; and the realization of the truth that the number of gods to be worshiped is large.”

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Hinduism is widely thought to be the world’s oldest religion, although its precise origins are rather unclear. It began in India around 3,000 years ago and the word Hindu comes from the name of the River Indus, which flows through northern India. The people living there developed beliefs that are very similar to modern Hinduism.

One theory suggests that the principles of modern Hinduism were brought to India by the Aryans, who settled along the banks of River Indus around 2000BCE. In recent years, however, this theory has frequently been challenged and some now believe that civilisation along the Indus died a natural death.

Around 1000 BC, the Vedic scriptures were introduced, providing Hinduism with its first loose framework.

Hinduism claims many founders, who are known as Rishis – one who has seen God. Hindu spiritual leaders around the world continue to spread the faith’s message.

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Hindu worship, or puja, involves images (murtis), prayers (mantras) and diagrams of the universe (yantras). Murtis are central to Hindu worship and they can be can be worshipped either at home or in the temple.

Worshippers repeat the names of their favourite gods and goddesses, and repeat mantras. They also offer them water, fruit, flowers and incense.

At home
Most Hindu homes have a shrine where the family make offerings and prayers. These rituals should be performed three times a day. A shrine might be a room, a small altar or simply pictures or statues of the deity.

At the temple
Hindu temples are known as mandirs. They are usually managed by lay people, and a Hindu priest – or pandit – generally takes care of religious ceremonies and services. The different parts of a mandir have a different spiritual or symbolic meaning:

• The central shrine is the heart of the worshipper
• The tower represents the flight of the spirit to heaven.

In contrast, foods that do not involve killing – such as milk, yoghurt, butter and fruits – are valued as foods that promote purity and harmony (sattva).

It is not unusual for Hindus to abstain from alcohol, and some also avoid tea and coffee.