Of all the religions in the world, Hinduism is considered to be the oldest religion in the world. There are many proofs and artifacts that were found around the world which proves that Hinduism existed a long time before many of the civilizations came into being.
Idols of Hindu gods, manuscripts, and stone carvings dating back to several centuries ago have been proof of the fact that Hinduism and Hindu holy books have been in the world much before any other religion. Hinduism was believed to have originated somewhere around Pakistan and Afghanistan which was the area where the Indus Valley Civilization came into being.
The major settlement in that area at that time were the Indo-Aryans who later expanded into India and mixed with the locals in India and became to be known as Hindus. Although this theory is not confounded, most people hint at this being the very start of the origin of Hindus.
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Hinduism and Its Influence
The effects of Hinduism can be found in every nook and cranny of the world due to its widespread reach and influence. Idols have been excavated all throughout the Southeast Asian continent and have been proof of the fact that Hinduism was one of the most prominent religions in a period of time all across the Asian continent.
The fact that Hindu holy books such as Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Ramayana have been found in transcripts in different forms and in different ways all around the Asian Continent is proof that Hinduism was once the most predominantly followed religion in the eastern part of the world.
Buddhism originated a few centuries after and many eastern countries followed the path of Buddhism once it came into being. Although Buddhism shares many beliefs and faith with Hinduism, it can be conferred that the religions are closely intertwined and share many similar principles and morals. Indian idols and influences can be found in many Buddhist monasteries and temples across the Eastern and Southeast countries.
Hindu Belief System
Hinduism and its principles lie in many different books that dictate the laws and rules of living in a society and the ways of Hindus in the world. Books such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita, and many such holy books help Hindus in understanding the olden ways of living and how the religion and its practices can be followed on a day to day basis in one’s own lives.
It is believed that The Vedas dictate many rules of the society, the rules for mankind, etc. The Bhagavad Gita helps in understanding the relationship between man and God himself and how a man can help himself by following the right path and making the right decision for himself and his fellow human beings.
The Mahabharata and the Ramayana talk in detail about the victory of evil over good and the importance of faith, righteousness, and perseverance in life that always wins over the bad and the evil in due course.
The Upanishads are a part of Vedas but have been added in the very end. The Upanishads are very relevant for the modern Hindus as it talks mainly about the ways of life, the importance of Sanatana Hindu Dharma, Meditation, ethics, and principles of Hindu Philosophy and it’s a translation in life.Â
These books in Hindu Religion help devoted followers in understanding and practicing Hinduism in the modern world.