Short brief about Hinduism

Hinduism is the world's third most popular religion, with around 750 million followers.The religion of Hinduism originated in Northern India, near the river Indus, about 4000 Years ago and is the world's oldest existing religion. Hinduism has no founder, it developed out of Brahmanism. Hinduism is the oldest religion; it may date to prehistoric times.

Aum is the main symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is said to be the name most suited for God.The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea. Hinduism has neither founder, single teacher nor any prophets. Hinduism is not a single religion. Hinduism is the practices of a variety of different religious groups which come out of India.

For many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do, than what you believe. Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right. Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman.

 
Hindus believe in reincarnation - a belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in one body after another. The soul is sometimes born in a human body, sometimes in an animal body and sometimes in a plant body etc.. Hindus believe that all forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. Samsara means going through the cycle of repeated births and deaths (reincarnation). Hindus believe that existence of this cycle is governed by
Karma.

Sri Omkareshwar Mamaleshwar Temples

Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu Om symbol. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "OM-maker-lord") and one to Amareshwar (whose name means "immortal lord" or "lord of the immortals").Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred river Narmada. This is one of the most sacred of rivers in India . On the banks of river Narmada, there is a huge island on which the fourth of the JyotirLinga “Omkaram Amaleshwar” is situated. This island and the river are shaped like “OM” and that is how it derives its name. It is a natural phenomenon. The devotees who go round the temple consider themselves blessed because they are doing a Parikrama or Circumambulation of Omkara itself and Darshan of the holy JyotirLinga. The Narmada banks and the island are extremely beautiful. The beauty of Nature here is seen to be believed. The whole atmosphere echoes with the the sound of “Om Namah Shivaya”. It is here that Lord Sankara has taken the forms of “Omkareshwara” and “Amaleshwara”, as JyotirLinga.In the ancient times the Demons defeated the gods or divines. Indra was worried. The Danavas or Demons have wrecked havoc in all the three worlds, i.e., Trilokas. In order to empower the Devas once again, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He came out of the nether world or Patala. Lord Shankar came out in the form of Linga on the banks of river Narmada. The gods or Devas have worshipped the Linga which made them powerful once again. This time they were able to destroy the demons and re-acquiesced their empire in Heavens.Brahma and Vishnu also lived in the same place as Omkar Amaleshwar. That is why on the banks of Narmada Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri and Rudrapuri are built which are known as Tripuri Kshetra. The Amareshwar JyotiraLinga is situated in Rudrapuri.

Somnath Temple (Gujarat) India

Situated a little away from Veraval in the state of Gujarat, the Somnath temple has a rich historical past that dates back centuries. According to legend, the temple was built of gold by the Moon God (Somraj) himself and was subsequently replaced with a silver structure by Ravana, a wooden masterpiece by Krishna and the one made out of stone by Bhima. Also known as Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan and Pattan Somnath, the temple is especially revered as one of the twelve holy jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, spread across the country. The legendary fame of the place is believed to have been spread across the distant corners of the land and a huge bell plate was struck with a golden hammer signaling the commencement of prayers, a glorious ceremony which was attended by people coming here from all over the world.

Shree Krishna Janmastami festival of Hindus

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated in different ways in various parts of the country in India. While a few of these form an integral part of the celebrations, others are particular to a few regions. A common practice, observed around all regions of the country is the tradition of fasting. The devotees of Lord Krishna observe a fast for the entire day and eat only after midnight, after the time of the lord's birth. The day is marked by chanting of hymns and holy mantras in the households and temples. There is a festive atmosphere across the city and various processions can be seen which depict scenes from the birth and life of Lord Krishna. The chanting of mantras is done along with the showering of flowers and other things considered auspicious, on the idol of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was extremely fond of milk and milk products. To appease the lord, people prepare various milk products such as kheer and sweets and distribute these as prasad to the devotees.

Maha Shivaratri Festival of Hindus

Maha Shivaratri or Shivaratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Maagh or Phalguna as per the Hindu calendar. It is a most important occasion for Hindus, particularly the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati. The devotees fast and observe a night long vigil as well as offer fruits and flowers to the lord. The festival of Shivaratri has special significance in Hinduism, especially for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival which falls on the 14th night of the month of Phalgun as per Hindu calendar is especially dear to Lord Shiva, a fact which was declared by the lord himself when asked so by his consort Parvati. The festival of Shivaratri also holds special significance for women who fast all day to appease Goddess Parvati and bless them with a happy and contented married life.

Holy River Ganges (India)

The Ganges River is the greatest waterway in India, it is one of the longest rivers in the world. The Ganges river flows through Bangladesh, but the greater part of it flows through India. The river begins high in the Himalayas as a pair of head streams. It begins in an ice cave in the mountains about 10,300 feet above sea level. The river flows across the northern corner of India. The Ganges flows across India and Bangladesh until it empties out into the Bay of Bengal. The great river provides water to many places, and many places rely on it.The Ganges River has always been known as a religious icon in the world. The River is known as a spiritual center because the people of India rely on the river for most life functions in the area. The uses in India for the river are nearly endless; the main functions of the river are Agricultural use, Industry, as an energy source, transportation, Drinking, bathing, and baptisms. Along the river there are also many industries such as textiles, paper, leather, and many more who use the water for power, cleaning, etc. Power, which is used by industries, is also used by the common population.

Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhanda ) India

Badrinath is one of the holy towns of the Hindus located at  Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. It is the most important of all the four dhams in India. The town of Badrinath lies between Nar and Naryana mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak, 301 km north of Rishikesh. The town is located at an elevation of 3,133mts above sea level on the left bank of Alakananda River.The main attraction of Badrinath is the Badrinath temple also known as the Badrinarayan temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines of Vaishnavities. The present temple is conical in shape built two centuries ago by the Garhwal kings. 15 idols are present in the temple complex, each built in black stone. Lord Vishnu is represented here in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nar and Narayan. According to legend, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankaracharya which was renovated several times after its establishment. Badrinath is also one of the Panch Badris. The other four badris are Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Bridha Badri or the 'Old Badri' and Adi Badri.