Hinduism

Origin

Hinduism has no single founder and no single beginning. Its roots lie in the Indus Valley culture and in the Vedas, which arose in India over 3,000 years ago.

Beliefs and practice

Hinduism knows many gods (for example Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess Devi) and forms of one divine principle. Karma, rebirth and the goal of liberation (moksha) are important. Sacred texts include the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.

Spread

Hinduism spread early to Southeast Asia. The temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the island of Bali bear witness to this. Today it is strongest in India and Nepal.

Today

About 1.2 billion people are Hindus, around 95% of them in India. After Christianity and Islam it is the third-largest religion.

Good to know

• The word “Hindu” comes from the river Indus.
• The Ganges is regarded as a holy river.
• Millions of people celebrate the festival of lights, Diwali.