Hinduism had its beginnings some 5,000 years ago among the Dravidian inhabitants of the Indian peninsula. Their religion was polytheistic and superstitious. They had images of their gods, but no temples. This is known as the pre-Vedic period.

Vedic Period
Aryans from central Asia, who worshiped the powers of nature, invaded northern India (1500 B.C.) and pushed their way south, imposing their Vedic religion on the local people. Gradually the invaders absorbed the Dravidian gods into their religion, and by 600 B.C. they had developed an elaborate system of sacrifices, leading to the formation of a priesthood (the Brahmans).

Upanishadic Period
The Upanishads were sacred books that reinterpreted the Vedic religion and combined all the gods into a single principle, the absolute universal soul, called Brahman.

The Hindu concept of salvation began to emphasize an escape from life and was centered in doctrines of karma and samsara. The law of karma is a law of cause and effect. A person can build good or evil karma depending on their deeds. The doctrine of samsara teaches that all life goes through an endless succession of rebirths. Every living thing is on the wheel of life, and each new birth depends on the karma built up in its past lives. Salvation is escape from the wheel by uniting with the universal soul and reaching nirvana, a state of passionless peace.

Salvation may be acquired by listening to the sages, reading scriptures, practicing meditation, and realizing the Atman-Brahman identity. Yoga is one form of meditation involving control over the body, breathing, and the thoughts. The main goal of yoga meditation is union with the absolute. Salvation may also be achieved through ceremonies, sacrifices, pilgrimages, and other good deeds.

Reform Movements
Two of the most prominent reform movements were Buddhism and Jainism. Another movement led to a triad of more personal Hindu gods that were used to represent the impersonal and absolute Brahma: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

One sect of Hinduism (the Vaishnavites) worships the god Vishnu and his 10 incarnations: a fish, an amphibian, a boar, a man-lion, a dwarf, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalkin. Kalkin has not yet come.

The Shaivite sect worships the god Shiva and his wife, who is variously represented as Durga, Kali, Sati, Parvati, and Devi. Some of these representations, especially Kali, are quite sinister, bloodthirsty, and immoral. One cult from this group follows temple prostitution.

Hindu Worldview
Hinduism views the world as a training ground for the soul. A person has many lives to work out their salvation. There are innumerable galaxies and other worlds like our own, and the moral law of karma pervades all. There is no recognition of sin and moral guilt. Sin is an illusion. Therefore there is no need for forgiveness. In an ultimate sense humanity is God.

Popular Hinduism
Popular Hinduism emphasizes the observance of the caste system. The four original castes were: the Brahmans (priests); the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers); the Vaisyas (farmers, artisans); and the Sudras (laborers and servants). Below these are the outcasts or untouchables.

Another element of popular Hinduism is worship of the images of many gods. There are several levels of gods and goddesses ranging from the supreme triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva down to a host of village gods and demons. Visits to temples, shrines, and holy pilgrimages are a part of popular Hinduism. Numerous festivals throughout the year celebrate the deeds of the various gods and goddesses with feasting, processions, and ceremonies.

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J. Robert Donald is the director of the Southern Asia Division’s Islamic Study Center in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India.