Hinduism and animals Hinduism and animals by admin There are some Hindu temples in India where you would find monkeys, dogs, rats, and/or other animals inside the temple. Cow is the highest revered animal for Hindus. Aside from cows, dogs, monkeys, elephants and other animals are integral part of Hindu mythology and are associated with different Hindu deities. Most of the animals are given protection in Hinduism except a few. An important fact about Hinduism is that it has given high importance to the animals including domestic as well as wild. Bhagvadgita says that the same soul exists in the animals as well as human beings. We all are children of the same God. God never differentiates between an animal and a human being. We are equal for Him. Animals form an integral part of Hindu customs. Lots of Hindu customs are designed in such a way that they would protect animals. Zoolatry (Religious worship of animals): Bail Pola (bullock festival) is widely celebrated in Maharashtra and other parts of India in which bullocks are worshipped and allowed to rest for the whole day. On the eve of Nag Panchami, snakes are worshipped throughout the India. Snakes are not killed on this day.

Snakes are closely associated with Lord Shiva. In a temple of Lord Shiva in Marleshwar in Maharashtra, there are hundreds of snakes lying on the road to the temple but there has been no incidence of snake bite for hundreds of years. On the eve of Vasu Baras in Diwali, cows are worshipped. Cow is the most sacred animal for Hindus. Killing of a cow is considered as a great sin and Hindus are prohibited from eating beef. If a Hindu kills a cat, he has to go to Kashi and donate a small cat made up of gold. Therefore, killing a cat is prohibited in Hinduism. Animals as carriers of different deities: Many wild and domestic animals are associated with different Hindu deities. Each deity has been assigned an animal as a carrier, which that deity uses for transportation from one place to another. Deity Carrier Durga Tiger or Lion Deities in animal form: Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular Hindu deities. Lord Ganesha has head of an elephant and the body of a human being. Lord Hanumana is also known as Monkey God. Lord Hanumana helped Lord Rama to fight against King Ravana.

Narsimha is considered as fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and has a head of a Lion and body of a man. In Varah Avatar of Lord Vishnu, he has a head of a wild boar and torso of a man. There are many deities who have been depicted in half animal and half human form and have been worshipped by Hindus. This automatically creates affection for that animal resulting in care of the animals. Vegetarianism: Though animal sacrifice is a common practice in Hinduism, Hinduism strongly advocates vegetarianism. Non-vegetarian food is considered as Tamasi and is believed to affect our body and thought process. Hindus do not eat meat on some days like Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Plus, other days like Ganesh Chaturthi, Ekadashi, and on the eve of the festivals eating non-vegetarian food is prohibited. Eating non-veg food is considered as a bad Karma. Animal sacrifice in Hinduism: Animal sacrifice to a deity is a common practice in Hinduism. It has been there before Indus Valley Civilization. The animals allowed for sacrifice are cocks, He-goats, bisons. Other animals are not generally used for sacrifice.

It is believed that in ancient times, cows were also used for sacrifice on special occasions but it is a controversial subject. Demons in animal form: In Hindu mythology, there are a handful of stories about the demons depicted as half-beast and half-human. The story of Mahishasur (half-bison and half-human) is very famous in this regard. This entry was posted in Hindu Philosophy by admin . Bookmark the permalink . 5 thoughts on “Hinduism and animals” Dirgha Raj Prasai on ‘Beef’ is Poisonous and Animosity for Human Life By Dirgha Raj Prasai Currently, Nepal is sagging under the crisis. Foreigners are fueling the party leaders with the power of money against Nepal�s sovereign norms, identity and dignified tradition. Each and every sector of this nation is in a state of disorder. In the holy land such as Nepal cow is slaughtered openly. The cows are being slaughtered and its meat eaten to instill fear among the Hindus. Some months ago many cows were slaughtered in Nepalgunj and its meat sold in the market as Sukuti (a traditional meat dish).

All Nepali patriots, Nepali Army and security organs need to be more alert in saving Nepal from attacks over Hindu and Buddhist dignity. A known Limbu brother Balkrishna Mabuhang, who comes from Eastern region, had invited me to an indigenous interaction program a few months ago. Among the orators a couple of them were Christian and Muslim. Many were Tamangs, Sherpas and other ethnic groups. The gathering consisted of those people who demanded the right to eat beef. I presented my opinion based on historic logic. It is a crime to kill cow and eat its meat, and in terms of health it is not considered to be healthy, I made my stance clear. Everyone�s attention was diverted towards me after I spoke. The programme ended after much debate and discussion. The attack on such a national and sensitive subject by a indigenous nationalist group has rendered me sad. I sent this article to Balkrishna Limbu. I did not find his response appropriate. In terms of religion and ethnicity some are Christians and some Muslims in Nepal. Some have converted into Christianity. It is my appeal to all who follow their respective religion not to break with the established norms and values of this common garden.

Let us not carry on suicidal works by attacking Hindu and Buddhist aspirations. Cow is holy and venerable animal for Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu and Buddhist scriptures view cow in form of a mother in all over the world especially-Nepal and India. Since the Vedic period cow body has been resided by the spirits of various Gods and Goddess. There is mention in many Vedic books � ‘Gao Biswasya Matera’ or Cow is the mother in the world for human being. It is a belief that people who look upon cow with devotion and worship attain blessings and enlightenment. Such conclusions were given precedence in Shrimadbhagawat Mahapurnana, and Gopalas started worshipping cow. In Krishna�s characterization his affection towards cow has also been presented. Krishna has gained victory over King Indra Maharaj when they had confronted each other during the worship of Govardan Hill. In Ramayan King Dilip serves cow in order to bring happiness and peace in his country, and wishing encouragement and intellect for his children. There is a story relating to how the cow had wanted to test Dilip�s devotion. The cow is said to have turned into a lion and attacked another cow.

Then the King intervened and pleaded with the lion- ‘Eat me not the cow.’ The cow seeing the King�s show of devotion is filled with joy, and decides to show him her real form of Goddess. Cow has been declared Nepal�s national animal for it has the supreme qualities of animals. I want to bring out the topic of Kamdhenu (mysterious God gifted) ‘Cow’. Parshuram Rishi�s father Jamdagni Rishi had the Kamdhenu cow. A King named Sahastraarjun had been hunting all day (time past) then in the evening time he went to the Rishi�s cottage as a guest, and he received sumptuous and enough food. He wondered at how such a poor Rishi could provide so much food. The King inquired and found out that it was due to Kamdhenu cow. The King forcibly took away the cow against the Rishi�s consent which was later reclaimed by Rishi�s son Parashuram, whom having broken off his meditative trance fought against the King for the cow. This is mentioned in many scriptures.

It is mentioned in the scripture of Himwatkhanda Nepal that milk used to flow perpetually from the cow onto the Jyotir Lingya in Pashupatinath. Many cows are bred in Nepal�s Gaushala and Mrigasthali. Yogi Narharinath is a great devotee of cow. In 2002 the Yogi used to have a calf staying guard in his cottage. The calf never left his site when the Yogi fell ill. After the death of the Yogi the calf cried effusively. This incident is known to this author in capacity of an eye witness. Later the calf used to visit the spot where the Yogi took Samadhi (burial meditation) once a day and encircle it. This proves that the cow is conscious and has adequate power. Hindus worship cow as Goddess Laxmi. Every year cow is worshipped during the Hindu festival of Tihar. The day of worship is known as Gai Tihare Aunsi-almost 25/26 Oct. Cow is worshipped in every household. Cow�s urine and gung is needed during any auspicious occasion.

It is Hindu tradition to slather the floor with cow�s dung to make it pure. The cow�s dung can also kill germs; so its use is good for health as well. The house that breeds a cow has a different d�cor. The excreta of other animals as buffalo, horse, rhino produces germs while the cow�s excreta kills them. All animals do not have the same nature. Cow�s excreta can also be used as a replacement for wood. The cow�s milk, curd, ghee, urine, dung are the five elixir-like products which are known collectively as Panchaamrit A cow�s milk is highly nutritious that its advantages are hard to explain. Those who keep cows benefit economically in numerous ways by selling its milk and running a dairy. Milk cleanses our body and keeps it healthy as well as increases our intellectual power. There is no need to explain the advantages of the products of a cow. It is written in the Artha Veda that cows� extinction from earth would result in Sun�s increase in temperature that would ultimately destroy the planet. This shows that the earth and cow have a significant relation.

This Vedic expression can be understood in a simple meaning that the relation between the two is conditional and dependent. Those who drink and use cow’s milk, will be brainy and intellectual and being nutritive, the buffalo’s milk will be dull and blunt. The cow�s urine (Gauut) and dung can turn soil fertile and help crops to grow. The grasses that sprout from the soil, straw, stalk, and other grains can be used as fodder for cow which retains the traditional balance. A cow�s significance is huge. We need to open the discussion, which is highly necessary, if we should consume cow�s meat or not. During the Vedic period the Risihis� had observed a ritual sacrifice of the cow which brought all curses of diseases as leprosy, Dusadhya, Rajyayachma and Ohjayachma different kinds of diseases that led the Rishis to their death. So the ritual was not observed. To consume the cow�s meat can be compared to consuming slow poison. The killing of cow and its sacrifice was banned. To eat cow�s meat is in reality like consuming poison.

Those who are used to eating beef have low immunity resistance, and they easily fall prey to the diseases, which ultimately claim their lives; so all sectors ought to be alert to this danger. In Saudi Arab to take a picture of Lord Shiva is banned, it is prohibited. In similar manner if beef is allowed to enter the holy land of Nepal for the consumption by tourists the government ought to impose strict regulation against it. It is the subject of the sensitivity of this land. However, it is said that the cow from the Himwatkhanda region and that from western countries some differ considerably. There are logics that claim the consumption of cow meat in western nation is less dangerous than what it would be in this region. The environment and the geographical environment create such difference between the east and western regions. British grass cannot be used for religious rites of Hindus. If the grass sprouting in any other places than Himwatkhanda cannot be used for Hindu rituals then there must be some difference in terms of cow too–as some logics have pointed out. In western nation it is said that consuming cow meat does not bring diseases, but drinking urine brings great illness. But in Himwatkhanda it is the reverse.

Drinking cow urine cures diseases whereas consuming its meat brings leprosy and death in decay. Once there were news that people in Britain went mad and became ill after consuming cow meat. They had even stopped consuming cow meat. In many places there were prohibitory orders against eating beef. So such facts should not be suppressed. If a person suffering from arthritis consumes sheep�s meat, and if a person with pressure consumes the meat of a castrated goat then they suffer from unnecessary thoughts. If a person eats beef that person suffers from bad breath. There must have been an ulcer inside the stomach. To eat goat’s meat for the blood- pressure patients and to eat the sheep’s meat for the rheumatism patients will harmful. So, the beef is also becoming the causes of the obesity and increases cholesterol level which is very dangerous for heart. Sometimes it also spread diseases like e-coli and b-coli. In Himwatkhanda consumption of cow�s meat is taken as a curse. To eat cow�s meat is not advantageous for people in this region. There are evidences showing that people are unable to digest the meat and that it saps the immunity power of diseases in human body.

One of the examples is that the Tamang people have been eating the meat of dead cow. An experience shows that majority of Tamang people who had consumed meat of a dead cow have suffered from leprosy. This is not written with any malicious intention directed against any particular group. Anyone can judge it within the periphery of investigation. No one should deny truth and fact. Some advocates of indigenous rights are threatening to launch rebellion because they were not allowed to eat cow meat. Many believe that this is not a rebellious voice for right, but a business. Under the direction of Christians, these people say that the cow was made the national animal of the nation in Brahmin people�s interest. But, it is not truth. The Buddhist and Hindu scriptures explicitly calls consumption of cow meat as a form of crime. Many cows are being killed, which is instilling terror among the Hindus at the direction of Christian missionaries. Those seeking the right to eat beef are also demanding the right to become ill. We have to understand the history since the Vedic period behind our tradition in worshipping cow. How has cow�s significance been increasing? A cow�s urine and dung can be used as precaution against diseases.

But, the fertilizer of horses, elephants, buffalos create diseases. Then, why shouldn�t we accept this empirical fact? In Britain there are reports of various diseases resulting with the consumption of the beef. May be they have carried out a study on the Hindu avoidance of cow meat. New experiments are drawing facts supporting the claim that cow meat does more harm than benefit to the health. Comparatively immunity power among people eating beef is found to be less than that of those who do not eat it. Westerners eat beef. Hindu and Buddhist people do not eat cow meat and consider eating it a sin. If the Westerners suffer from leprosy, small pox, measles they will not have the immunity to resist and eventually succumb to the disease. However, if the diseases are seen in Hindus and Buddhists a simple treatment with necessary tablet will cure them. This shows that those who do not consume beef have immunity power to resist. We must not forget that eating the cow (as a mother’s) meat is bad for health. The Hindu and Buddhist people worship cow as mother on basis of experiments and facts. They will continue to worship cow. In view of such importance of cow Nepal observes cow as its national animal.

Thus, we must all acknowledge truths and facts, and serve the cow like a mother. said: Hi, Rithika animal sacrifice is not a superstition. It is a part of dark magic. Bhagvadgita and some other scriptures do not allow animal sacrifice. Actually, Hinduism is not only Gita or Vedas but it is a mixture of traditions which existed before them in India. At that time, people used to offer God what they thought was valuable. Animals were very valuable for them. Hence, they used to offer animals as a sacrifice. Actually, they themselves eat most of the part and offer only some part to God. Hence, it is like eating mutton on a weekend only. Holy Cow | Hinduism's Sacred Animal | Nature | PBS Explore more from this episode More It’s becoming a routine ritual on the crowded, colorful streets of Delhi, India: A small team of men surrounds a wandering cow, attempting to coax it on to a waiting truck for a trip to a suburban reserve. But the cow catchers need to be careful: To India’s millions of Hindus, the cow is a holy animal that cannot be harmed.

The tender treatment is just one example of our complicated relationship with cows — a historic partnership detailed by NATURE’s Holy Cow. From a source of meat and milk to a provider of labor and religious inspiration, cows often play a central role in modern life. Few people, however, revere the cow like the world’s 900 million adherents of Hinduism. Since the faith first evolved near Asia’s Indus River more than 3,000 years ago, respect for animal life has been a central theme in Hindu life. While many scholars say early Hindus ate beef, most ultimately came to see the cow as a sacred animal to be esteemed, not eaten. “If someone were to ask me what the most important outward manifestation of Hinduism was, I would suggest that it was the idea of cow protection,” Mahatma Gandhi, India’s legendary nonviolent leader, once wrote. Although Hindus follow no single set of rules, reverence for cows can be found throughout the religion’s major texts. Some trace the cow’s sacred status back to Lord Krishna, one of the faith’s most important figures.

He is said to have appeared 5,000 years ago as a cowherd, and is often described as bala-gopala, “the child who protects the cows.” Another of Krishna’s holy names, Govinda, means “one who brings satisfaction to the cows.” Other scriptures identify the cow as the “mother” of all civilization, its milk nurturing the population. Today, in heavily Hindu nations like India and Nepal, milk continues to hold a central place in religious rituals. And in honor of their exalted status, cows often roam free. Indeed, in some places, it is considered good luck to give one a snack, a bit of bread, or fruit before breakfast. On the other hand, a citizen can be sent to jail for killing or injuring a cow. The divine bull, Nandhi, guards Hindu temples. But as cities have grown more crowded, cow-friendly policies have posed problems. Delhi’s 13 million residents, for instance, share the streets with an estimated 40,000 cows — leading to some complaints. One is that the grazing cows spread trash as they rip open garbage bags in search of tasty morsels. Another is that they dangerously snarl traffic.

“What is the greatest traffic hazard in Delhi today? Cows,” Bibek Debroy, a columnist for India’s Financial Express, wrote in a pointed 2003 essay. “As our national animal, the tiger may be close to extinction. But the cow is very much around and many soon become our new national animal.” To solve the problem, Debroy offered one tongue-in-cheek solution. “Let them have reflectors and, if not license plates, at least identity cards. Only genuine Delhi cows should be eligible for social security and other benefits.” City officials, meanwhile, have adopted a different approach: the cow catchers. Under pressure to reduce cow populations, Delhi has hired nearly 100 of the urban cowboys, who are charged with catching and shipping cows outside the city limits, sometimes to special reserves where the animals are cared for. But the work isn’t easy. And it can be downright dangerous. The cows often sport sharp horns, and life on the street has made them savvy and sometimes ornery. Some can recognize the sound of the transport trucks and perform a kind of bovine ballet to avoid the catchers. Still, city leaders say they won’t give up until the vast majority of the cows have been moved.

Skeptics note that some of the animals return to their home turfs within days of being moved. Meanwhile, some of India’s Hindu politicians are relying on cows to bolster their support. They have proposed new cow-protection ordinances, and vowed to ban butchers from Indian stores. Critics say such proposals go too far, and would violate India’s commitment to religious tolerance — and the nation’s constitution. But if cows could vote, they’d surely be in favor. More from Holy Cow (6) Hinduism – Travel guide at Wikivoyage Ahilya Ghat, Varanasi Origins and deities[ edit ] Hinduism is an extremely diverse religious and spiritual tradition. It has no founder, governing body or single holy book, although the Vedas are regarded by most Hindus to be the holiest and most authoritative religious texts. It is often referred to as not just a religion but a way of life. The beginnings of Hinduism are at least as old as the Vedas, the earliest of which are estimated to date from approximately 1700 BCE, with traces of the religion found in the earlier Indus Valley Civilisation, beginning from 3300 BCE.

Many scholars now believe that the Vedic mythology of Hinduism shares a common origin with many mythologies of pre-Christian (Proto-Indo-European) Europe, including the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Slavs and Germanic tribes. The Vedas and other texts, including the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, are in the ancient and sacred language of Sanskrit. Hinduism is a richly iconic religion, celebrating many Gods and Goddesses in the form of statues and paintings, and with music, dance and poetry. Hindus believe in a cycle of birth, death and rebirth, corresponding to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer. Hindu gods are believed to be able to come to the mortal world in the form of avatars - incarnations in human or animal form who can also shape-shift. The most famous examples are Rama and Krishna, two much-beloved avatars of Vishnu. The belief in avatars has also allowed Hindus to adopt elements of other religions, for example by accepting Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu.

Many Hindu Gods have consorts, with Saraswati as the consort of Brahma, Lakshmi as the consort of Vishnu, and Parvati as the consort of Shiva. These consort Goddesses also can come down to Earth as avatars, frequently as the wives of their respective husbands' avatars. Other deities that are venerated include Indra, the king of the gods, Agni, the god of fire and Ganesha, the elephant-faced god and son of Shiva. There is also a Hindu belief in the Brahman — the divine oneness — and therefore, some Hindus believe that all the Gods and Goddesses are manifestations of an overall oneness, and are monotheists. Castes[ edit ] Hindus, especially in India, have traditionally believed in a caste system, which are essentially rather rigidly-defined social classes. The four main castes are the Brahmins, the highest caste which consisted of the priests, the Kshatriyas, which consisted of the kings, warriors and other members of the nobility, the Vaishyas, which consisted of the peasants and craftsmen, and the Shudras at the bottom, which consisted of the servants of the three higher castes.

There are also a substantial number of people outside the caste structure, literally outcastes or "Untouchables", who were so low on the social order that they were shunned by people with a caste. One's station in life at birth is traditionally considered to be a product of karma, the actions and consequences of what a living thing did in a previous life. One's caste was hereditary and considered to be the karmic result of reward or punishment for actions in a previous life, and intermarriage between people of different castes was strictly forbidden. Some advances have been made including affirmative action, but while casteism is outlawed by the Indian government, like many other long-standing traditions, caste-based practices continue. Geographic scope of Hinduism[ edit ] Hinduism started in the Indian Subcontinent and spread to much of Southeast Asia during the reigns of the great Maurya, Gupta and Chola empires. It was prevalent in many powerful Southeast Asian empires and kingdoms for centuries, where it gave birth to some of the most beautiful and impressive temple complexes in the World.

Nowadays, most of the population in formerly Hindu parts of Southeast Asia adheres to Islam, Buddhism or Christianity, though the Indonesian island of Bali remains majority-Hindu. However, vestiges of Hinduism continue to survive in the folk tales and arts of the region and in the syncretic beliefs of many Southeast Asians including large numbers of Javanese people who practice a mixed Animist/Hindu-Buddhist/Muslim belief system called Kejawen. Starting in the 19th century, there was a great exodus of Hindus from British India to other British colonies such as Malaya , Guyana , Trinidad , Fiji , Kenya and Uganda , mostly to work as indentured servants or unskilled laborers. In the 20th and 21st centuries, many Hindus have immigrated from India, East Africa and the West Indies to the United Kingdom , the United States , Australia , Canada and other Western countries, and a very large number have travelled to Dubai , Abu Dhabi , Kuwait and other Arab Gulf States to work.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as the Hare Krishnas, were founded in New York City in 1966 and have proselytized around the world, getting converts to their brand of Hinduism. Holy places and beings[ edit ] An image of Hanuman, the monkey God, in a temple in Haridwar Many bodies of water are holy to Hindus, but above all, the great Ganges River of India, known in many northern Indian languages as Ganga and itself considered a Goddess. Ablutions in the river, being cremated there, or simply being close to it are considered holy. Hills and mountains are often considered holy. For example, in Bali , Gunung Agung , the tall volcano, is regarded as the holiest place on the island. The holiness of cows to Hindus is well-known around the world. Cows have the run of many streets throughout India, and most Hindus would never kill a cow for food but instead use the cow's milk and make dairy products with it, including yogurt, paneer (fresh cheese curd) and a variety of desserts.

In Nepal, although the meat of domestic cows is not eaten, the meat of water buffaloes is part of Nepalese cuisine. Monkeys are often considered holy and identified with the monkey God, Hanuman, one of the heroes of the classic Ramayana epic. So do not be surprised if lots of monkeys are running free and looking to steal your sandwich when you visit a temple that honours Hanuman. Elephants are also revered animals for Hindus. The Swastika and other symbols[ edit ] For thousands of years Hindu people have used the Swastika as a symbol of peace that represents the Brahman (divine oneness) long before the Nazis twisted it into a symbol of evil. It is a very sacred symbol and is not meant to offend but instead to signify the universal connection of the entire Universe and all life in all its aspects, and especially energy. The Swastika is shared by Buddhists and Jains as a religious symbol. The most other prominent symbol in Hinduism is the sacred sound Om (also spelt as Aum). Om refers to the oneness of the Atman (soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality and entirety of the universe).

You will commonly hear the word chanted as part of mantras in temples and yoga schools. Types of religious sites[ edit ] There are many types of Hindu religious sites including: Temple: A structure designed to bring humans and Gods together. Temples in South Indian style typically include one or more gopuram, which are ornate and often colorful towers. South Indian empires had great influence in Southeast Asia in ancient times, so the construction of gopuram spread there as well. Ashram: A spiritual hermitage or monastery Goshala (also spelt Gaushala): A sanctuary and place of shelter for cows, a holy animal in the religion Ghat: A series of steps leading down to a holy body of water (river or lake) Cities and other destinations[ edit ] The three icons representing the three aspects of the Mother Goddess in the Vaishno Devi temple shrine. Lanterns at Diwali Paints on sale for Holi There are many different Hindu festivals, some celebrated only in particular regions or only by devotees of a particular Hindu deity.

In some predominantly Hindu areas the main festivals of other religions, such as Christmas or Eid al-Fitr, are also public holidays and are at least respected if not celebrated. Bonalu is a Telugu/Hindu festival celebrated for a Mother Goddess in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana . It falls in the month of Ashada Masam, in July/August. Participants in the Bonalu festival bear the deity on their head. Some trancing women dance while drummers give them the rhythm in a carnival-like atmosphere. Chhath Puja, dedicated to Sun God Surya, is unique to Muzaffarpur ( Bihar ), Jamshedpur ( Jharkhand ), and in some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal ( Kathmandu , Janakpur , Malangawa ). Diwali is the most important festival in Hinduism, and celebrated by Hindus the world over in late October or early November each year, at the dark of the moon in the Hindu month of Kartika; both the Sikh and Jain religions also have major festivals on the same day. The festival lasts five days in most parts of India. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.

The main deity involved is Lakshmi, Goddess of Prosperity. Many lanterns are lit, both in homes and around temples. Many people buy new clothes for the occasion. During the night in the big cities, fireworks will go off in every street and last for hours. There are many fine photo opportunities for travellers. Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated at the full moon before the spring equinox. The eve of Holi typically has bonfires, music and dancing. On the day itself, people paint each other with bright colours; dry powdered paints, buckets of liquid and water pistols are all used. Often plain white cotton garments are worn, to avoid messing up better clothes. It can get rather raucous, though some respect is shown; for example the Buddhist monks at Bodhgaya can walk through a crowd without being painted. Tourists, however, are not exempt — in fact, some of the crowd may particularly enjoy painting visitors. Tourists should dress with this in mind. Maha Shivaratri, meaning "the great night of Shiva", is celebrated annually in honor of the god Shiva and his wife, the goddess Parvati.

It falls in the month of Maagh corresponding with January/February in the Gregorian calendar. Best places to attend Mahashivrati are Junagadh ( Gujarat ), Mandi ( Himachal Pradesh ), Ujjain ( Madhya Pradesh ), and Srikalahasti ( Andhra Pradesh ). Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival falling on the same date in the Gregorian calendar every year: 14 January. It's celebrated almost everywhere in India and Nepal . Makar Sankranti is known as Maghi in Punjab , Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu , Uttarayana in Gujarat and Rajasthan , and Lohri in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh . Navrati, meaning "nine nights" is a major festival in honor of the deity Durga, the wife of Shiva, held four times a year all over India. Traditional Garba dances are performed during the festival in Gujarat main cities Thaipusam or Kavadi is a festival in honor of Murugan, the Tamil God of War. Kavadi, literally means "sacrifice at every step" in Tamil is a dance performed by the devotees during the the festival.

You can witness Thaipusam at Palani where thousands of devotees flock to attend kavadi. Outside of Tamil Nadu , Thaipusam celebrations take place in Mauritius ; Batu Caves , a few km away from Kuala Lumpur ; and Singapore . Thimithi, the Tamil fire walking festival celebrated just before Diwali, in which male devotees walk on burning coals. Also celebrated by the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia and Singapore. India[ edit ] Bharata Natyam (classical Indian dance) and various forms of classical Indian music are very commonly dedicated to a Hindu God or Goddess. For example, many kriti have lyrics of praise to a deity, and these are known to Hindu audiences even if the melodies are performed at a concert only by instrumentalists.

The ancient Javanese temple complex of Prambanan Traditional forms of Hindu and Hindu-derived religious performance include: Kecak, a Balinese dance, usually by a group of men, who also do a loud rhythmic chant of "cha-ke-chak," which reenacts a battle from the classic Hindu epic, the Ramayana Legong, a classic Balinese dance that is traditionally performed by girls at ceremonies at Hindu temples Wayang Kulit, the shadow play based on stories from the Ramayana. There are different styles within Indonesia, notably including Central Javanese and Balinese, and related shadow play genres exist in other Southeast Asian countries — including Malaysia , where the state of Kelantan used to be the wellspring of another style of Hindu-derived Wayang Kulit and a traditional operatic style called Mak Yong, which included tales from the other major Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, but these are increasingly hard to find. In Central Java, Yogyakarta and Solo are best-known for Wayang Kulit.

Wayang Orang, the traditional drama of Solo, Central Java that is performed live on stage by actor/dancers, with the accompaniment of a gamelan (classical Javanese orchestra) and based on stories from the Mahabharata Respect[ edit ] Visitors to Hindu temples are required to take their shoes off before entering. Do not touch or climb onto the statues without permission. It is a safe option to dress conservatively when visiting, though the suitable dress standards will vary from region to region. Generally, the dress standards of South India are more liberal than those of North India . Men and women should avoid very explicit public displays of affection. There are a few temples where men and women are required to sit in separate areas. Many orthodox Hindu temples forbid entry by people of low castes and women during their menstrual period, and some forbid entry by non-Hindus. Talk[ edit ] Sanskrit is the original language of the Vedas, which is regarded by most Hindus as the holiest of all religious texts, as well as well-known Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

It is no longer spoken natively by any significant sector of the Indian population, though it continues to be widely used as a liturgical language in many temples. In addition to using the holy language, Sanskrit, Hindu temples tend to use the local language of the region when conducting their services. There are English signs at most popular Hindu temples around the world. Outside South Asia, the languages used in the temple are often based on the ethnic makeup of the community who go to the temple. For example in Western countries, Hindi may be spoken in North Indian-style temples while Tamil may be spoken in South Indian-style temples. Eat[ edit ] The cow is considered to be a holy animal in Hinduism, meaning that killing a cow is regarded as sacrilegious. Accordingly, Hindus are forbidden from eating beef, though this rule is interpreted somewhat loosely by Nepalese Hindus, who eat the meat of water buffaloes (but not domestic cows). Hindus from certain groups and regions including most orthodox Brahmins are vegetarian. Vegetarianism in a Hindu context generally means not consuming meats and eggs but allows for the consumption of dairy.

In fact, the high consumption and reliance on milk and dairy products is one of the reasons why Hindus hold the cow in great esteem. Some Hindu temples serve delicious vegetarian food at a low price. The holy food served at temples is called Prasad/Prashad and varies according to the festival and season. There are usually signature dishes for each major festival. There are often special "fasting" dishes served, which omit a particular food group. The type of fasting food again depends on the festival and reason for the fast. A bhang shop in Jaisalmer , Rajasthan Bhang, a drink made from the cannabis plant, milk, spices and sugar is fervently consumed in Northern India and Nepal during the Holi festival (February-March). Devotees often chant holy prayers before drinking the beverage and entering into a dreamlike, spiritual state. Note that Bhang is illegal in any country or jurisdiction where cannabis is prohibited, as marijuana is an integral ingredient of the recipe. Learn[ edit ] Many ashrams, temples and other Hindu organizations teach yoga and meditation. Many foreigners including the Beatles have visited India to study these, but there are also many places that offer such classes outside of Hindu-majority areas.

The word Om, used by millions of people as a mantra (sound) to aid in meditation, is an ancient Sanskrit word that has many meanings, including that of the divine oneness of all. The beginnings of yoga date back to at least the 5th century BCE, and while the knowledge and practice of yoga has spread far beyond the Hindu community, its original context was Hindu. Stay safe[ edit ] There are many animals considered holy in Hinduism, including cows, monkeys and elephants. Often these animals are allowed to roam around freely around temples. Other animals such as stray dogs — and in rural areas, goats — are also frequently spotted. While fascinating, it is best not to feed or grab the attention of the animals. Watch out for monkeys and bulls in particular. They can attack you when you least expect it. Incense and ceremonies involving fire are a common feature of Hindu rituals. The smoke and smell will be uncomfortable for some and can pose a risk to people with respiratory issues such as asthma. The Role of Animals in Hinduism The Role of Animals in Hinduism After reading A Passage to India by E.M. Forster, I became intrigued by the frequent and powerful references to animals in India. I learned that their role is crucial.

In the novel, animals are impetuses for growth, conduits of unity and love, and symbols of Indian culture. Through the diversity of the animals featured in this novel- hyenas, wasps, elephants- we begin to comprehend the immense diversity of India itself. The Hindu religion worships many animal deities. One of these deities is a short, stout man with a one-tusked elephant head named Ganesh. Ganesh is a popular Hindu god, and the story of his birth is a common folktale. The goddess Parvati created Ganesh so that he could guard the door against surprise visits from her husband, Shiva, while Parvati bathed. When Ganesh would not allow Shiva to enter the room, in his anger, Shiva cut off Ganesh's head. Happily, Parvati's messengers retrieved a new elephant head for him (Klostermain 78). Ganesh is believed to be a remover of obstacles. Before beginning any task, be it daunting or quotidian, Ganesh smoothes the path for his worshipers. He is also an excellent scribe.

He wrote the Indian epic Mahabharata while the sage Vyasa dictated it to him. Ganesh is believed to have made this work more eloquent and clear so that Vyasa's words were understandable and powerful (Ions 128). Elephants play a large role in other aspects of Indian life beyond religion. Author Heinrich Zimmer says of elephants in India, "In Hindu miniatures and present-day popular drawings [elephants are] a constantly recurring motif" (Zimmer 103). In A Passage to India, elephants are a symbol of India itself. Mrs. Moore, an English traveler in India, and her young companion Adela Quested, see elephants so often in India that they think they are clichï¿½ and not representative of the "real" India. The characters visit a local sightseeing spot, the Marabar Caves, and enjoy an elephant ride that proves to be a majestic, spiritual experience. Forster writes, "As the elephant moved towards the hills, a new quality occurred, a spiritual silence which invaded more senses than the ear" (Forster 155).

A statue of Ganesh, an elephant Hindu Deity The majestic quality of this experience can be traced back to ancient India when owning elephants was a royal habit. Often, Kings kept elephants to use in war. Elephants were assigned to royal stables to be mounts or kept for purposes of magic (Zimmer 105). In an interview with Coralynn Davis, Assistant Professor of Women's Studies at Bucknell and an expert on Maithil paintings, I learned that elephants are a powerful symbol in the Maithil culture. In the state of Bihar in India, where the Maithil people live, women paint pictures of pregnant elephants for good luck and fertility in marriage (Davis). Like the elephant, and many other animals in India, the bird can represent a number of different ideas and concepts. In the interview with Davis, I learned about the symbolic importance of parrots in the Maithil culture: "Some animals are considered good luck in different ways. For instance, parrots are a sign of fertility, so when people get married women make paintings that often include depictions of parrots, in the hopes that this will contribute to the bride and groom's having a life with many children" (Personal Interview, Davis).

In the Maithil culture birds represent conjugal happiness, and in ancient India, birds were associated with heaven and infinity. While other animals like the snake were tied to earth, the bird represented spiritual freedom and disentanglement from earthly concerns (Davis). In A Passage to India, two characters notice a bird during a pivotal moment of their relationship. As Ronny Heaslop and Adela Quested are deciding not to get engaged, they spot a small green bird that they cannot identify. " 'Do you know what the name of that green bird up above us is?' she asked, putting her shoulder rather nearer to his. 'Bee-eater' 'Oh no, Ronny, it has red bars on its wings 'Parrot,' he hazardedï¿½ But nothing in India is identifiable, the mere asking of a question causes it to disappear or to merge in something else" (Forster 91). As Englishmen in India, Ronny and Adela are unable to identify or understand the bird. They suggest referring to a bird book, but both know the identity of the bird will not be revealed. Their befuddlement as to the identity of the bird represents their misunderstanding of Indian culture.

To an Indian, the bird could represent a number of different meanings, but to the English people, it is a mystery. One of the most beautiful and powerful images in A Passage to India that illustrates the importance of animals is the recurring reference to a wasp in connection with the character Mrs. Moore, one of the few English characters willing to experience and understand India. One night, as she hangs up her cloak, she notices a wasp on the peg on the wall. "Perhaps [the wasp] mistook the peg for a branch-no Indian animal has any sense of an interior. Bats, rats, birds, insects will as soon nest inside a house as out; it is to them a normal growth of the eternal jungle 'Pretty dear,' said Mrs. Moore to the wasp" (Forster 34). As a visitor intent on seeing the "real" India, Mrs. Moore honors all animals she encounters. Revering all animals is a major Hindu belief. Her acceptance of animal life, even insects, is an extension of her receptiveness to Indian culture. To be open to Indian culture is to be open to the beauty of animals, and Mrs. Moore is willing to understand both..

The wasp imagery is later revisited in the novel when Professor Godbole, the sole Hindu character, has a vision of Mrs. Moore and the wasp. Godbole subconsciously understands Mrs. Moore's acceptance and interest in Indian culture, and lovingly conjures up her image. " 'One old Englishwoman and one little, little waspï¿½ It does not seem much still it is more than I am myself,' says Godbole." (Forster, 326). In an explosion of goodwill, Godbole loves Mrs. Moore and the wasp more than he loves himself. In this passage written outside of the novel, Forster gives us clues as to why Godbole loves both the wasp and Mrs. Moore without previously having had close connections to them. Forster comments on the Maharajah of Dewas Senior's words: "He believes that we- men, birds, everything- are part of God, and that men have developed more than birds because they have come nearer to realizing this." Godbole loves the wasp and Mrs.

Moore equally because his Hindu faith impels him to believe that the insect and the human are part of one unified God: "His senses grew thinner, he remembered a wasp seen he forgot where, perhaps on a stone. He loved the wasp equally, he impelled it likewise, he was imitating God" (Forster 321). In Godbole's spiritual fervor, he plays the role of God by loving all forms of life equally. By loving both the wasp and the woman, Godbole is taking his Hindu beliefs and putting them into action (Ganguly 201). Although I had studied the Hindu belief in the sacredness of animals, it wasn't until I read an art book that I began to understand the role animals play in individuals' lives. I studied a collection of paintings by Indian women accompanied by short first-person passages about their lives and their art. Nearly every one of the brightly-colored and intricately designed paintings includes animal figures. This elephant statue illustrates the prevalence of animals in Indian art. Fish, elephants, peacocks, goats, camels and horses are vibrantly featured in scenes of everyday Indian life. One woman cites the traditional and ceremonial importance of animals as a reason they influence her art.

"I like to paint elephants, camels and horses-what you used to see when there was a wedding. Lots of people from the groom's side would ride on top of these animals on their way to the bride's house." One artist combines human and animal features into one figure, thus suggesting the Hindu belief in the unity of animals and humans. "I like to use bold colors. My animals have human faces, and they are often smiling" (Master Artists of Janakpur). The women express the importance animals hold in their lives through their reverent words and ravishing art. Coralynn Davis also emphasized the importance of animals in the lives of Maithil women. "For instance, cows are sometimes seen as an animal incarnation of the goddess Laksmi. Once a year there is a big celebration for this goddess, and at that time women paint cows on the wall of their homes as a way of enticing the goddess to come and bless their homes" (Davis). The Hindu belief of the sacredness of animals is a dominant and beautiful aspect of Indian culture. Hinduism has many animal deities, modeled after the animals Indians see in life everyday. For the female artists, saturating their art and their words with animal images is as natural as breathing.

A Passage to India captures the prevalence of animals in India, and the holiness Hindus associate with them. In a key scene of the novel, Adela Quested and Ronny Heaslop are enjoying a car ride after deciding not to marry. Suddenly, the driver hits an unidentified animal. In the commotion of the minor accident, the two young people accidentally touch hands, and feel a thrilling wave of exhilaration. They search for the mystery animal with a spirit of excitement. After this electrifying adventure, the two decide to marry. Forster depicts how an animal indirectly brings the two lovers together. The intervention of nature and animal life impels the characters to make choices that shape their lives. For the characters, like many Hindus, animals are an important force in life. Understanding the role that animals play in all aspects of Indian and Hindu life allowed me to understand the universal essence of the Indian spirit. Indian culture is extremely faithful and spiritual and respects and cherishes life in all its forms. Bibliography Davis, Coralynn. Personal Interview. 30 Sept 2001. Ganguly, Adwaita P. India: Mystic, Complex, and Real- An Interpretation of E. M.

Forsterï¿½s A Passage to India. Delhi: Motlia Banarsidass, 1990. Ions, Veronica. Indian Mythology. London: Paul Hamlyn, 1967. Klostermain, Klaus K. A Consise Enclyclopedia of Hinduism. London: One World, 1998. Master Artists of Janakpur. Janakpurdham, Nepal: Janakpur Womenï¿½s Development Center, 1998. Zimmer, Heinrich. Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civlization. Washington, D.C.: Pantheon Books, 1963. Sacred Objects In Hinduism - Boldsky.com Sacred Objects In Hinduism Updated: Friday, June 7, 2013, 17:59 [IST] Subscribe to Boldsky Hinduism is a sacred religion. In Hinduism, many things are considered holy. Hindus do not just worship idols of Gods and Goddesses, but also consider few objects as sacred. From small basil plant to the vermilion powder, these small sacred objects have a spiritual significance.

Fire, wind, sun and soil are considered holy in Hinduism. Rituals that might look strange to other people are respected and considered sacred in Hinduism. For example offering prayer to the river Ganga every morning and evening is a ritual practiced by Hindu saints (pandits). Even devotees offer flowers, light a diya (earthen lamp) and worship to Maa Ganga regularly. Similarly, worshiping trees and plants like Peepal tree and basil plant is considered good in Hinduism. Devotees who worship Lord Vishnu also offer prayer to banana tree. Such objects are sacred in Hinduism and people have faith in it. Even animals like cow is considered very holy in Hinduism. Metals like gold, silver, copper, iron and brass are also considered holy in Hinduism. Take a look at the most holy objects in Hinduism. Sacred objects in Hinduism: Banana tree Devotees worship the banana tree every Thursday by offering turmeric, jaggery and chana dal. You can find this holy Hindu tree in many gardens. Vermilion It is the sacred object that is applied by married women. In Hinduism, a married woman's forehead especially center-parting is never left plain.

It is always red with bright vermilion. Vermilion is also offered to Maa Kali, Durga and Lakshmi. Bindi Many gods and goddess idols are decorated with small bindis. This sringar item is mostly used on goddesses and Bal Krishna (Gopala) idols. Rangoli You can find decorative rangoli in many house entrances. It is considered holy as the bright colours brings positivity and brightness in the lives of people. Gold The precious metal is one of the sacred objects in Hinduism. It is considered as the symbol of wealth. People offer gold to gods and find it as a ritual that should be practiced. Silver Offering silver coins and jewellery is a tradition in India. In most of the temples you can find silver coins that are offered to idols. Even during Dhanteras, people buy sacred metals like gold and silver as it is considered lucky. Brass Most of the Puja items like the kalash are available in brass as it is considered holy. Even idols, yantras and accessories are made of brass. Tulsi Basil tree is a sacred plant in Hinduism. Married women worship tulsi plants to have a happy married life.

Betel nut In pujas and hawans, betel nut is offered by Hindus. It is considered holy and pure. Betel nut is also offered to Lord Ganesha. Betel leaves

Question: What animal is generally considered to be the holiest animal in Hinduism?
Answer: Cow