Understanding Hinduism
A clear, factual guide to the beliefs, scriptures, deities, festivals and history of Hinduism, written in plain English for students, teachers, the curious and Hindus exploring their own heritage.
Start here
- What is Hinduism?An introduction to the world's third-largest religion: its origins, core ideas, scriptures, deities and the many ways it is practised today.
- Key Beliefs of Hinduism at a GlanceA short overview of the main beliefs shared by most Hindus, from Brahman and the self to karma, rebirth, dharma and the paths to liberation.
- Where Did Hinduism Come From?How Hinduism developed over thousands of years from the Indus Valley Civilisation, Vedic religion and local traditions, and what scholars and Hindus say about its origins.
- Sanatana Dharma: the Eternal WayWhat the name Sanatana Dharma means, where the words “Hindu” and “Hinduism” come from, and why many Hindus prefer the traditional name for their religion.
Explore by topic
- IntroductionStart here: what Hinduism is, where it came from and what Hindus believe.5 articles
- BeliefsCore concepts such as Brahman, Atman, dharma, karma, samsara and moksha.13 articles
- DeitiesThe gods and goddesses of Hinduism, their stories, symbols and worship.16 articles
- ScripturesThe Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, epics and Puranas.10 articles
- PhilosophyThe six classical schools and the great traditions of Vedanta.8 articles
- TraditionsVaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, Smartism and the bhakti movements.6 articles
- FestivalsDiwali, Holi, Navaratri and the other great festivals of the Hindu year.13 articles
- Worship & PracticePuja, temples, mantras, yoga, pilgrimage and the rites of passage.13 articles
- HistoryFrom the Indus Valley and the Vedic age to Hinduism in the modern world.8 articles
- Teachers & SaintsThe philosophers, poets and reformers who shaped Hindu thought.9 articles
- Symbols & GlossaryOm, the tilak, the lotus and an A–Z of Hindu terms.7 articles