HinduismDiscusses the history, beliefs, and traditions of Hinduism, dispelling misconceptions and providing understanding of the interconnection of religion and politics in India, the problems facing Hindu communities around the world and American movements in Hinduism. |
Contents
Preface | 6 |
Introduction The Modern Hindu World | 8 |
The Roots of Hinduism | 18 |
The Late Vedic Period and the Upanishadic Period | 28 |
The Gods and Religious Devotion | 46 |
Political and Social Change | 76 |
The Hindu Temple Icons and Worship | 92 |
Social Duty and Rites of Passage | 110 |
Innovations and Modern Hinduism | 128 |
Fact File and Bibliography | 138 |
| 139 | |
Glossary | 140 |
| 142 | |
About the Author and Series Editors | 144 |
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Common terms and phrases
addition Agni Aryans ascetic became become believed bhakti birth blessed body born Brahmins British called caste celebrated centers century ceremony complete considered continued created culture death deity demon developed devotion dharma divine duty early earth epics existence festival fire followers forest four gain Gandhi Gita goddess gods hand head Hindu Hindu temple Hinduism holy human hymns idea important India individual Indus Valley karma king knowledge known Krishna later live major mandira meaning movement Muslim nature offerings one’s origin performed period popular practice present priests puja puranas Rama Reality religion religious represent returned rites rituals river rule sacred scriptures Shiva Sita social society soul spiritual stages stories student symbol teacher teachings temple texts thought throughout tion traditions Ultimate universe Upanishadic various Vedas Vedic Vishnu worship young