Hinduism
Photo: Marcin Białek, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hinduism is the world's third most prolific religion after Christianity and Islam. With a history spanning many thousands of years, it is the dominant religion in South Asia and has been very influential in Southeast Asia, sharing its origin with Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
Hinduism has been spread to many countries by South Asian emigrants. While the faith has traditionally been less proselytic than many other religions, modern movements such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON; Hare Krishnas) have helped spark increased interest in Hinduism in Western countries since the 1960s.
Due to their superb architecture and cultural value, many Hindu temples have been designated as s.
Also many Hindu phenomena have been classed under UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages.
UnderstandWho really knows? Who can here proclaim it? Whence, whence this creation sprang? Gods came later, after the creation of this universe. Who then knows whence it has arisen?
TalkSanskrit is the original language of the Vedas, Hinduism's principal religious texts, as well as well-known Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
DestinationsBecause of the vastness, complexity and diversity of the religion, there are hundreds, if not thousands of Hindu holy sites in the world, mostly in South Asia.
SeeAll forms of visual art are intertwined with Hindu cultural traditions; Hindu motifs can be seen in diverse art forms including embroidery, ceramics and jewellery.
DoThere are many different Hindu festivals, some celebrated only in particular regions or only by devotees of a particular Hindu deity.
LearnTravellers interested in the intellectual side of Hinduism will find a vast tradition of philosophy, mythology, and spiritual literature.
BuyShops around temples and pilgrimage centres typically sell items used in Hindu worship, and browsing them can be an interesting cultural experience.
EatTemple food is one of the most distinctive aspects of Hindu culinary culture, and tasting it can be a highlight of a spiritual journey.
DrinkMany Hindu communities emphasise purity and moderation, so non‑alcoholic drinks are widely enjoyed and often tied to ritual or seasonal customs.
Stay safeMost Hindu pilgrimage sites and temple towns are safe and welcoming, but they can be crowded, especially during festivals.
RespectVisitors to Hindu temples are required to take their shoes off before entering. Do not touch or climb onto the statues without permission.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Hinduism" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Marcin Białek, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons