| Hindu refers to the religious mainstream which | | | | God is called Ishvara, Bhagavan or Parameshwara. |
| evolved and spread across a large territory and is | | | | The Hindu scriptures also refer to celestial entities |
| marked by significant ethnic and cultural diversity, | | | | known as Devas, also Hindu epics relate several |
| resulting in an enormous variety of traditions within | | | | episodes of the descent of God to earth in physical |
| the religion from, small cults to massive movements | | | | form to restore Dharma in society, such an |
| of millions of followers. Prominent beliefs in Hindu | | | | incarnation is called an avatar, the most prominent of |
| include Dharma (personal duty/ethics), Samsara (the | | | | whom are Vishnu, Rama and Krishna. |
| cycle of birth, death and rebirth), Karma (action and | | | | Hindu practices involve seeking awareness of God |
| subsequent reaction), Moksha/Nirvana (liberation from | | | | and blessings from Devas. To help think of divinity in |
| samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices). | | | | the midst of everyday life, Hindus can engage in puja |
| Most Hindus believe that the soul, the atman is | | | | (worship) either at home or the temple. However, |
| eternal; non-dualist schools teach that the goal of life | | | | visiting a temple is not obligatory and many visit |
| is to realise that the atman is identical to the | | | | temples only during religious festivals. At home, |
| Brahman, the supreme spirit, do this and you will | | | | Hindus often create a shrine with icons dedicated to |
| achieve Moksha. Dualistic schools believe Brahman is a | | | | their primary and subordinate deities. While engaging |
| Supreme Being and they worship him as Vishnu, | | | | in puja, the penitent may chant mantras that help to |
| Brahman, Shiva or Shakti depending on the sect. | | | | focus the mind to express devotion. |
| When God is viewed as the supreme personal being, | | | | |