Worship, rituals
The use of symbols, images and temples helps remind devotees of the
existence of God.
At all Hindu temples, rituals and recitation from Hindu scriptures
by specially trained priests are an important part of worship. The
purpose of external ritualistic worship prayers (repeating the
names of their favourite gods and goddesses and chanting mantras)
and offerings (of water, fruit, flowers ) is to keep the mind pure
and focused on God.
At most Hindu homes, there is a shrine where family members
worship.
Undertaking a pilgrimage is an important aspect of Hinduism.
Popular pilgrimage places are rivers, temples, mountains and sacred
sites in India where gods and goddesses are believed to have
appeared. The river Ganges is the holiest river for Hindus and the
city of Varanasi situated at the banks of the Ganges is one of the
most important pilgrimage centres.
Cycle of life
When a Hindu dies, it is customary to wear white at the funeral.
The body remains at the home until it is taken to the place of
cremation. Cremation is considered obligatory for all Hindus except
for their children, who are buried. After cremation, the ashes are
immersed in a river or in the sea.
Hindus believe that when the physical body dies, the immortal soul
is reincarnated. What it is reincarnated into (destiny) is
dependent on how the previous life was lived (karma, the
accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds). The cycle of birth,
death, and rebirth continues until the ultimate goal of life
(Nirvana) is reached (after many reincarnations) when the soul
loses individual consciousness and becomes one with Brahman.
This union with Brahman can be achieved by four paths or spiritual
disciplines. Each path is called a Yoga (the Sanskrit term for
union) and Hindus are free to take up any of the four or combine
all at once.
Bhakti Yoga leads to union with Brahman by loving him, chanting
his name, meditating on his form and performing ritualistic
worship.
Karma Yoga leads to union with Brahman through selfless
action.
Gyana Yoga leads to union with Brahman through knowledge.
Raja Yoga leads to union with Brahman through meditation and
renunciation.
Birth, marriage
Every important event of a Hindus life has to be sanctified
through certain religious rites or sacraments. A rite at the birth
of a baby is performed for its longevity, good health and good
intellect. Marriage, considered cardinal among the sacraments, is
sacred and a lifelong commitment which should never be broken
through separation. Divorces are thus very rare among Hindus.