In the history of mankind, many cultures have come and gone but Hinduism has withstood many challenges posed by the time and has spread all over the world. The secret of this success of Hinduism lies in the fact in its practical approach towards human life, belief in eternal truths, and modifications made without changing the basic beliefs.
Despite being the world’s third largest and the oldest religion, lots of people are unaware of the facts about Hinduism. There are also a number of misconceptions about Hinduism, which need to be explained. Therefore, in this article I would list down some interesting and less known facts about Hinduism.
- Hinduism is not the real word for the religion. The real name for Hinduism is SANATANA DHARMA, which means “eternal dharma or eternal truth.”
- In Hindu cosmology, it is believed that the universe is created and destroyed in a cycle of every 4.32 billion years. Quite interestingly, this period is quite close to the current scientific age of the earth.
- The Sanskrit word OM is actually believed to be the manifestation of consciousness in sound form.
- The largest Hindu temple in the world is surprisingly not in India but is in Angkor, Cambodia.
- Hinduism worships over 33 million Gods or Demigods.
- In Sanatana Dharma, men and women are treated as equal halves. Women are also treated as goddesses.
- Turmeric and Tulsi (Holy basil) which are extensively used across the world in Hindu temples are proven to be the best antibiotics and anti-oxidants, making Hinduism very medicinally pro from centuries.
- Hindu temples are not just architectural marvels, they are energy centers and hold great significance which was proven. The usage of metals and construction patterns are proven to transmit positive energy.
- Because of the usefulness of rivers, they are highly revered in Hinduism. People call them as mother.
- Parents, teachers, environment, animals and the whole Eco system are also considered as God in Hinduism. Making it a religion with Eco-friendly and Eco balance deep rooted.
- Hinduism actually believes in one God but in many forms. The people choose which form they want to follow.
- It is one of the few religions that do not consider the pursuit of wealth a sin. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth (both material and spiritual, is testament to the fact.
- 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism and it is considered auspicious. This is why malaas and garlands have 108 beads. 108 is actually the ratio of the sun and the moon’s distance from the Earth.
- The word KARMA is derived from the Hindu concept of ‘good and bad deeds’. Karma is the universal principle of cause and effect. Our actions, good and bad, come back to us in the future, helping us to learn the lessons of life and become and better person.
- Reincarnation is a phenomenon in which the immortal soul is continuously born and reborn in one of the 8.4 million forms of life to achieve moksha. Moksha is the final liberation.
- Yoga, pranayama, astrology, numerology, palmistry and Vastu which now are widely famous in the west are all part of Hindu culture and lifestyle.
