A | B |
Hinduism | a family of religious traditions practice by millions |
caste system | a division of social classes in India based on ancient Hindu teachings |
Brahma | the supreme essence or God in Hinduism |
Shiva | one of the most important gods of Hinduism, god of good and evil |
Vishnu | one of the most important gods of Hinduism, giver of life |
samsara | the Hindu belief in a cycle of life, death and rebirth |
reincarnation | the Hindu belief in rebirth after death |
karma | a person's actions affect what happens to them |
moksha | belief in freedom from samsara |
Mandir | Hindu temple or place of worship |
puja | prayer rituals performed by Hindu priests in the temples |
Vedas | the oldest of the Hindu scriptures |
Dravidians | Original people of India |
Varna | also known as the caste system |
Jati | caste |
Brahmin | priest, made from the mouth of Purusha |
Kshatriya | warriors, made from Purusha's arms |
Shudra | unskilled workers, made from the feet of Purusha |
Pariahs | untouchables, does not come from Purusha's body |
Bhagavad Gita | the most famous and popular Hindu scriptures |
Rig Veda | a large collection of Hindu hymns |
Aryan | invaders of ancient India |
dharma | duty to behave according to strict religious and social codes |