The Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic (CRL) Commission has suggested resolutions for Pastor Bobby Perumal, who was caught on video calling Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity, a demon and casting various aspersions about Hinduism practices, during a sermon at the Queensburgh Congregational Church, Durban in December last year.

The video of his rhetoric was shared widely and spurred many Hindu organisations to submit complaints to both the South African Human Rights Commission and CRL Commission.

It has since been reported that the CRL Commission recently responded by proposing that Perumal acknowledge the pain he has caused in a written and video statement; attend educational and awareness programmes conducted by Hindu organisations to establish an understanding of the religions beliefs and practices; receive cultural sensitivity training to become more respectful and appreciative of different religions and cultures in society; participate in inter-faith discourses to nurture an understanding and harmony among various religious communities; and collaborate with religious leaders from a myriad of faiths to advance mutual respect and co-operation.

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Perumal made the suggested apology this week, acknowledging that his utterances caused religious outrage.

I sincerely apologise to the Indian community for referring to Lord Shiva as a demon, Perumal said.

I also sincerely apologise to the Indian community for labelling Hinduism practices as devil worship.

He also apologised for insulting yoga and wrongly associating it with Hinduism. He said he is very sorry and greatly remorseful and promised to never repeat such remarks.

Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said he was satisfied with the apology and remained hopeful that Perumal will comply with all the other resolutions too.

Trikamjee said he is more concerned about how Perumals comments speak to a greater issue of increased hate speech directed toward Hindus and Hinduism.

He said, This particular case is evidence that the Hindu community has had enough when it comes to comments that are tantamount to hate speech.

Ranjiv Nirghin, president of the Midlands Hindu Society, said that the society and its affiliates appreciated the steps taken by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha to ensure that Perumal was held accountable for his insensitive and offensive remarks.

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We have noticed that such uninformed remarks are usually made from a position of ignorance about other faiths, Nirghin said.

As Hindus we believe in Vasudeva Kutumbakam, which means that the entire world is one family, and we always end our prayers with Aum Shanti, which means let there be peace.

Prega Padayachee, president of the Sri Soobramoniar and Marriamen Temples, however, said he was not satisfied with the public apology issued by Perumal as it did not feel genuine.

However, I do think the other resolutions that involve him gaining an education in our religion and religious practices would be productive, as Hinduism is a complex religion that requires enlightenment to appreciate, Padayachee said.

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Pastor apologises for hurting religious sentiments of Hindus - The Witness

Upon the recent consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, built atop the ruins of a Mughal mosque, Hindu activists are now seeking to restore the site of the Gyanvapi mosque to Hindu worship. A court has recently granted Hindu petitioners the right to worship in the sealed basement of the mosque, which could be a precursor to the conversion of the entire site into a temple.

One of the most important questions surrounding the Gyanvapi mosques origin is whether Aurangzeb was motivated by religious bigotry, oras is now fashionable to argueby political reasons. Because of the high stakes involved, this is not merely an academic question. For if the emperors actions were guided by politics rather than religious fervour, then any attempt to build a Hindu temple on its site seems unfair because a political reason could be justified in a way that a religious one could not.

Did Aurangzeb destroy Hindu temples primarily for political reasons?

A classical example of this argument can be found in Truschkes book, Aurangzeb: The Life and Legacy of Indias Most Controversial King. In it, she writes: of the tens of thousands of Hindu and Jain temples located within Mughal domains, most, although not all, still stood at the end of Aurangzebs reign, adding that political events incited Aurangzeb. Historians Catherine B Asher and Cynthia Talbot write in India Before Europe that, for example, thetemple in Mathurawas destroyed in reaction to some serious riots in Mathura.

There are several problems with this argument, however. One issue is that it ascribes to Aurangzeb motives that are not even his own,self-professed ones. While there may well have been a political subtext intended to demonstrate the dominance of the Mughal polity and the politys religion, Aurangzeb himself is reported in a contemporary text, the Maasir-i-Alamgiri, to have ordered the demolition of the temple in Varanasi due to his eagerness to establish Islam and because the misbelievers used to teach their false books there. This conforms to the well-known image of Aurangzeb as overly pious to the point of bigotry, a person who did not share the high regard of his ancestor, the Emperor Akbar, for Hinduism and other religions of India.

Therefore, it is quite possible that Aurangzeb used local rebellions and disturbances as a justification to not only make a political point, but a religious one, by tearing down and appropriating some of the holiest sites in Hinduism. After all, the message that was sent by doing so was much stronger than demolishing thousands of small, rural shrines that were not in any way prominent.

Aurganzebs actions would have been legitimate within the context of the Hanafi madhhab or tradition of Islamic law, dominant in both the Mughal and Ottoman empires. As the Ottoman Empire expanded into the Christian Balkans, many large churches were converted into mosques. The Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II, converted the premier Byzantine Church, the Hagia Sophia, into a mosque in 1453 CE, an action which Hanafi doctrine permitted after a conquest. However, the Hanafi doctrine also protects property rights after a peaceful surrender.

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Regardless of whether the conquest in Varanasi occurred during the Mughal Empires initial expansion or Aurganzebs suppression of various local rebellions, the demolition of the Vishwanath temple was intended as both an act of religious triumphalism and a demonstration of political supremacy in an era where these were not different things. In both the Mughal and Ottoman empires, conquered Hindus and Christians continued to practise their religions and maintain their temples and churches. But the appropriation of important sacred spots was a symbol of the new dominant religious and political order of the conquerors and a message to the conquered about their subordinate place in the public sphere.

Aurangzeb ruled the Mughal Empire for almost 50 years. One cannot remain in power that long without having an understanding of realpolitik and a survival instinct. In an empire so large, much of it loosely held by local subordinates and Hindu Rajputs, Aurangzeb could hardly have destroyed every temple, or prevented the construction of new ones, nor could have tried to when he needed the Rajputs for his administration and campaigns in the Deccan.

Hindu scriptures have different lists about which sites are particularly holy to Hindus, but there is general agreement that these include the sapta puri, or seven cities of Mathura, Ayodhya, Dwarka, Haridwar, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Varanasi. Other sources also speak of twelve jyotirlingas, or sites holy to Shiva, including Varanasi. Aurangzeb built mosques on top of temples at many of these sites, including Somnath, Mathura, and Varanasi. If his motives were purely political, it hardly seems reasonable to destroy some of the most sacred Hindu sitesinstead of less important local sitesover riots or rural rebellions. That these sites were very important to Hindus is evidenced by the fact that newer Hindu temples have since been constructed adjacent to the now-appropriated sites in Mathura and Varanasi.

The very fact that the temples that were targeted included the ones at places like Mathura and Varanasi point to a motive that transcends mere politics and suggests an element of religious fervour. Of course, Aurangzebs bigotry was tempered by realpolitik, but that does not negate the bigotry behind his actions. As a powerful ruler, he was able to both temper and express this in different circumstances.

Akhilesh Pillalamarri is an international affairs analyst, journalist, and lawyer. He tweets at @AkhiPill. Views are personal.

(Edited by Prashant)

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Did Aurangzeb destroy Hindu temples primarily for political reasons? What his choices reveal - ThePrint

Lunar Eclipse 2024: This months first major astronomical event, the lunar eclipse will take place around March 25. The day coincides with Holi, also known as the festival of colours. It is also one of the biggest Hindu festivals which celebrates the eternal love of deities Radha and Krishna and signifies the triumph of good over evil.

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The eclipse or 'grahana' as called in Sanskrit texts, is considered an important celestial phenomenon in Hinduism. The day is closely associated with Vedic texts in Hinduism, with significance in both astrology and astronomy.

In Hinduism, it is generally believed thatgrahana (or eclipse) is a bad omen. Many Hindus undertake certain activities like fasting before, during and after the onset of an eclipse.

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Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming lunar eclipse and whether it will affect the Holi celebrations in India:

First things first, the lunar eclipse expected to occur on March 25 will be a Penumbral lunar eclipse. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, but the three celestial bodies do not align perfectly. Instead, the Moon moves through the outer part of Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra.

During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon dims slightly as it enters the Earth's penumbral shadow, but the effect is often subtle and can be difficult to observe with the naked eye.

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Unlike partial or total lunar eclipses where the Moon passes through the Earth's umbral shadow, penumbral eclipses typically result in only a faint shading or darkening of the Moon's surface.

Because the penumbral shadow is less dense than the umbral shadow, penumbral lunar eclipses are considered less dramatic and noticeable compared to partial or total lunar eclipses.

As per Hindu tradition, the sutak period is observed as the time when the lunar eclipse happens and all kinds of auspicious activities are prohibited during this period.

The eclipse will be on the same day as Holi, but the penumbral lunar eclipse will not be visible in India.

Therefore, there will be no sutak period during that time. This means there will be no hindrance in the celebrations of the Holi festival in India.

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However, before a solar eclipse, it is common for individuals of the Hindu faith to fast for up to six hours. Meals are often prepared only after the eclipse has passed, following guidelines outlined in the Kurma Purana regarding meal consumption during the event.

Pregnant women are believed to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of an eclipse and are expected to observe stricter religious prohibitions to prevent birth defects in their children.

The penumbral eclipse will begin at 12:53 am EDT (0453 GMT), the maximum stage of the eclipse will occur a couple of hours later at 3:12 am EDT (0712 GMT) and the penumbral eclipse will end at 5:32 am EDT (0932 GMT). However, it will not be visible in India.

The lunar eclipse will only be visible in parts of Ireland, Belgium, Spain, England, South Norway, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Germany, the United States, Japan, Switzerland, Netherlands and France.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lunar eclipse to coincide with Holi this year. Will it affect auspicious festivities? All you need to know - WION

Mahashivratri is a significant festival in Hinduism, celebrated all over India in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's divine... Read More Mahashivratri is a significant festival in Hinduism, celebrated all over India in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's divine wedding. It symbolizes the union of masculine and feminine energies, victory of light over darkness, and activates the chakras for spiritual growth. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the trimurti, who is regarded as lord of transformation and destruction. Read Less Mahashivratri, often referred as Great Night of Shiva, is a significant festival in Hinduism, celebrated all over India, especially by Bhakts of Shaivism, usually falls on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, which in March 8 in 2024. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the trimurti, who is regarded as lord of transformation and destruction. Why is it celebrated?

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Astrological Significance of Mahashivratri - The Times of India

Armenian Genocide Memorial at Yerevan. Image courtesy 23artashes/Wikimedia Commons

In the words of British writer Annie Besant, Hinduism is the soil into which Indias roots are stuck, and torn out of that, she will inevitably wither as a tree torn out from its place. And if Hindus do not maintain Hinduism, who shall save it? If Indias own children do not cling to her faith, who shall guard it? India alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.

Hindus and Armenians share several striking similarities. Both cultures bear the weight of ancient civilizations, enduring centuries of history on their resilient shoulders. Each has confronted existential threats from expansionist empires harbouring genocidal intentions yet has managed to persevere against the odds. Both boast revolutionary heroes, such as the Chapekar brothers and Soghomon Tehlirian, who bravely sought retribution against the oppressors of their people.

Moreover, both communities have suffered territorial losses, witnessing the creation of new nations on lands once integral to their civilisations. They have also experienced the unsettling reality of historical enemies aligning against them. In addition, both Hindus and Armenians have found themselves confronting Western indifference and ignorance, bordering on Hinduphobia and Armeniophobia, respectively, in the contemporary world.

Those who harbour animosity towards our existence exhibit striking parallels amongst themselves. Their intolerance is palpable, mirroring a worldview wherein the dominance of their community is deemed inevitable. They display a resolute unresponsiveness to peace proposals, often resorting to warmongering tactics. Furthermore, they demonstrate a preposterous tendency to distort history, selectively discarding facts that do not align with their narratives.

Strength of acceptance: Hinduisms legacy of tolerance

In ancient times, long before Christianity had made its way to Europe, the apostles of Jesus Christ journeyed to distant lands, including Armenia and India, to preach the gospel. Among them, Bartholomew and Thaddeus introduced Christianity to Armenia, while the Apostle Thomas brought the teachings of Christ to India. Notably, within the global spiritual movement of Ananda, founded on the principles of Swami Paramhansa Yogananda, a revered Hindu Yogi, Jesus Christ holds a central place of honour. His portrait adorns the Altar of Ananda, and devotees pay daily homage through prayers. In his renowned work, Autobiography of a Yogi, Swami Yogananda writes in Chapter 33 about the Mahavatar, a prominent Hindu Yogi also known as Babaji, affirming, The Mahavatar is in constant communion with Christ. According to Ananda, Christ appeared to the revered yoga master, Babaji, entreating him to dispatch a messenger to the Western world to disseminate the teachings of original Christianity.

By nature, Hindus have long exhibited a remarkable tolerance, if not outright acceptance, of diversity, owing to the inherent variety within their own faith. This inclusivity has made it relatively easy for them to embrace Armenians within their communities. Over time, Armenian settlements flourished in various Indian cities, such as Agra, Lahore, Gwalior, Delhi, Narwar, Surat, Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, and beyond. However, the Turkic rulers of India, like Jehangir, did not share the same tolerant outlook as the Hindu populace they governed. According to Mesrovb Jacob Seths account in his book History of Armenians in India, there is documentation of Jehangirs endeavour to coerce two Armenian Christian children into converting to Islam. Despite facing pressure, the two brothers, Zul-Qarnain and Iskanderus, remained steadfast in their resistance to conversion. Even after being forcibly circumcised in 1606 on Jehangirs orders, at ages fourteen and eleven, respectively, they adamantly refused all attempts to sway them from their Christian faith.

Struggle against prejudice: Targeting Hindus and Armenians

Across the annals of history, Hindus and Armenians have faced orchestrated hate campaigns by their adversaries. The dilapidated Armenian churches in Eastern Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as the ruined Hindu temples in Pakistan, serve as stark reminders of the animosity directed towards us, now entrenched within their foreign policy agendas. Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Pakistani pseudo-intellectuals have perpetuated historical negationism, fabricating narratives devoid of credible evidence, to sever the ties between Armenians and Hindus with their ancestral lands.

The rebranding of well-documented Armenian churches as Caucasian Albanian and the appropriation of Udi Christian heritage in Azerbaijan are alarming developments. According to a report by the Cornell-led Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW), decades of high-resolution satellite imagery document the systematic destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan since the late 1990s. Likewise, a report commissioned by Dr. Shoaib Suddle and presented to Pakistans Supreme Court underscores the deplorable condition of temples and Hindu places of worship in Pakistan, as detailed in a Dawn report.

Shedding light on dark pasts: Hindu and Armenian genocide

Despite the staggering loss of at least 664,000 and potentially up to 1.2 million Armenians during the genocide orchestrated by the Ottoman Turks, Turkish intellectuals faced vehement criticism when they issued an online apology for the Armenian Genocide in 2008. Their act was met with fierce opposition from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.

In India, the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus took place and has been recognised by the US-based non-profit International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF). It has recognised the 19891991 atrocities against Kashmiri Hindus as an act of genocide. As per the United Nations Refugee Agency, approximately 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) are reported to have left the region due to constant persecution from the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other militant groups, like Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM). Hizbul Mujahideen is designated as a terrorist organisation by multiple countries, including India, the United States, and the European Union.

Regional alliances and anti-India sentiments: Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistans unified stand

Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan have demonstrated a unified stance against Armenia while concurrently displaying anti-India sentiments on the global stage. Erdogan, who refuses to recognise the Armenian Genocide and aligns with the genocidal ambitions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, underscored in the Pakistani parliament, as per reports from the Turkish news outlet Daily Sabah, that Today, the issue of Kashmir is as pertinent to us as it is to you (Pakistanis) and there is no disparity between Gallipoli and Kashmir. Erdogan has openly endorsed and actively supported Pakistan, which, reciprocally, lends support to Islamist terrorist factions in Kashmir. These groups perpetrate violence not only against Hindus but also Muslims, epitomizing the intolerant worldview espoused by Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan.

According to a report from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Pakistani education curricula propagate animosity towards Hindus, with a focus on historic revisionism aimed at exalting Islamic civilization and disparaging the contributions of religious minority communities. Similarly, Azerbaijan, like its ally Pakistan, fosters hostility towards its adversary, Armenia. As reported by Faustin Vincent in Le Monde, Azerbaijan recently reissued maps of Nagorno-Karabakh with streets named after Enver Pasha, a Turkish leader associated with the 1915 Armenian genocide. Despite Bakus assertions to the international community about respecting the rights of Armenians in the region, his actions speak otherwise. Azerbaijan has consistently sought to undermine Armenian heritage and exacerbate tensions through inflammatory rhetoric targeting Armenians.

Navigating the diplomatic landscape

In the complex arena of international relations, mastering the art of diplomacy is paramount for fostering successful diplomatic relations. Effective diplomatic engagement requires a delicate balance of strategy, communication, and negotiation. The art of international engagement requires finesse, foresight, and diplomacy. By adhering to these strategies, nations can cultivate robust diplomatic relations that contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity. It is now imperative for both Hindus and Armenians to awaken the West from its state of indifference and compel it to acknowledge the genocides perpetrated against their respective communities. The governments of India and Armenia must take the lead in this endeavour by formally recognising the genocides committed against Armenians and Hindus, respectively. Subsequently, they should engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage other nations to follow suit.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need for India, Armenia, and Greece to explore the possibility of forming a security alliance to address the escalating threats in their respective regions. These nations possess significant geostrategic advantages: India holds a prominent position in the Indo-Pacific region; Armenia is strategically located in the South Caucasus, serving as a potential gateway to Europe via Georgia; and Greece occupies a key position in the Eastern Mediterranean. By collaborating closely, these countries can effectively counteract the destabilising actions of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. While advocating for peace in our regions and globally, we remain steadfast in safeguarding our national interests. Strengthening the bond between Hindus and Armenians is essential for promoting peace and stability in our regions and beyond. Hence, the importance of mastering the art of diplomacy in navigating the complexities of the global stage and fostering successful diplomatic relations is the need of the hour.

Arunansh B Goswami is Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Sumit Kaushik is a PhD candidate, OP Jindal Global University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Bharat and Armenia: A tale of resilience and diplomatic imperatives - Firstpost

Mahashivratri, the great night of Shiva, which is to be celebrated on March 8 this year holds deep value and significance in Hinduism. This auspicious night dedicated to Lord Shiva holds immense significance in the hearts of millions. While the world may slumber peacefully every day, it is believed that one must not sleep on the night of the great night. There are compelling reasons why one should not sleep on Maha Shivratri. Night of Divine Union The festival symbolizes the sacred union of Shiva and Shakti the male and female principles of the universe. This union is not just a symbolic marriage but also represents the merging of the soul with the divine. Devotees stay awake to meditate and immerse themselves in the thought of Shiva, seeking to experience this divine union. Tandava Maha Shivratri is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performs Tandava, the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees stay awake to witness this cosmic dance, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the universe. By staying awake, one aligns themselves with the celestial energies and partakes in this cosmic union. Scientific Perspective From a scientific viewpoint, staying awake and maintaining a vertical posture aligns with the body's energy flow. It is said that for the energy or 'Vata' to move freely, the main channels, or 'Nadis,' must be perpendicular to the ground. This is achievable only when one is sitting or standing, not while lying down. Hence, staying awake and vertical on Maha Shivratri is recommended.

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The spiritual significance of staying awake on Maha Shivratri - The Times of India

Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, a heartwarming event unfolded at Mahadevgarh temple in Khandwa town, where one Rukhsana, a resident of Bangarda, made a life-changing decision. She embraced the Sanatan Hindu religion and entered nuptial knot with Sunil from Pipalkota, a choice that was filled with love and devotion.

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of traditions, with the couple taking seven sacred rounds around the holy fire, symbolizing their lifelong commitment to each other.

Rukhsana, who got new identity after embracing the Sanatan says she is now Rakhi. She expressed her deep reverence for Lord Shiva and her eagerness to learn about the life of Lord Shri Ram by reading Ramcharit Manas.

The union of Rukhsana and Sunil, witnessed by Lord Bholenath himself, symbolizes the harmonious blending of different faiths and the power of love to transcend boundaries. Ashok Paliwal, the chief of Mahadevgarh, shared his thoughts saying, "Today, Rukhsana of Bangarda has made Rakhi with Sunil of Pipalkota. They have come here willingly and got married according to Hindu customs. Rukhsana's adoption of Hinduism and their marriage marks a joyous celebration of unity and love."

The newlyweds expressed their happiness and gratitude for the support and blessings they received from their families and the community. Their story stands as a testament to the timeless values of love, acceptance, and understanding, inspiring many to embrace unity amidst diversity.

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MP: Muslim Woman Rukhsana Converts To Hinduism, Marries Sunil In Traditional Ceremony On Mahashivratri (WATCH) - Free Press Journal

Thus, even by Buddhas words, there was a Sanatana Dharma existing since ancient times in India, and this was his assertion made 2500 years ago. It is, therefore, startling to see the Marxists dismiss all this summarily and insist that Hinduism is a creation of the last two centuries by foreigners at that. All Marxist scholars love this formulation, irrespective of their subject. Incidentally, a Marxist professor of any field of knowledge is also considered an authority on history and Hinduism.

Romila Thapar has repeatedly uttered several deprecations about Hindu culture, philosophy and tradition without quoting any source or giving references. For instance, she claims that Vedic thought was not uniquely and in genesis Indian. In the same breath, she also says that the culture represented in the Vedic literature was largely indigenous.

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Romilayana: How Romila Thapar Lied her Way to Historical Eminence - The Dharma Dispatch

In a remarkable event that unfolded after more than three decades, devotees gathered in massive numbers at Vyasa ji ka Tehkhana beneath the Knowledge Seat (Gyanvapi) in Varanasi, following the auspicious Mangala Aarti at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on March 8. The sacred darshan at Vyasaji ka Tehkhana, renowned as the seat of Sage Vyasa, was made accessible after an extensive wait, witnessing an overwhelming attendance of thousands of devotees.

The rare darshan at Vyasa ji ka Tehkhana, located beneath the Knowledge Seat, was last open to devotees three decades ago. The gate leading to Vyasaji Ka Tehkhana is situated along the exit path from the temple, providing an opportunity for devotees to witness the divine idols as they exit.

Devotees gathered to witness the divine murti and seek blessings, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.

The journey inside the Vyasaji ka Tehkhana included a circumambulation of the sacred premises, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

While thousands revelled in the spiritual fervour of Maha Shivaratri, special attention was given to the dilapidated state of Vyasaji ka Tehkhana. Notably, the occasion attracted a multitude of devotees associated with the ongoing legal battle related to the Gyanvapi case, including the female litigants of the Shringar Gauri case, lawyers, and supporters.

Speaking to the media, female devotees expressed their primary motive of seeking Baba Vishwanaths blessings on Mahashivratri. They emphasized their hope for the early liberation of Adi Vishweshwar, who is currently confined in Vyasa Ji Tahkhane, awaiting the courts decision.

Mahashivratri, a significant festival celebrating the divine union of Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees seeking blessings at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Following the Mangala Aarti, devotees thronged in large numbers to witness the ceremonial Jalabhishek of Kashi Vishwanath. According to temple authorities, by 9 a.m., a staggering 388,006 devotees had already received darshan.

As the day unfolded with prayers, rituals, and divine interventions, the atmosphere in Varanasi remained charged with devotion and faith, marking Maha Shivaratri as an unforgettable day for the devotees and the city alike.

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Gyanvapi: Hiatus of three decades ends; thousands of Hindus throng Viyas ji ka Tehkhana to worship on Maha Shivratri - Organiser

Despite being born in a practicing Hindu family, and despite being brought up in the tradition of idols, temples, and sacrifices, and despite living in the land of Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, I never understood Hinduism. It was too complex and diverse.

Hinduism is an ancient polytheistic, pantheistic, henotheistic, and animistic religion, which is mystically syncretized with peculiar beliefs and practices. That sentence alone is confusing!

In recent years, Hinduism has enthralled many Westerners. Some adopt Hinduism as a philosophy or find its mysticism and yoga alluring, while others devoutly follow its religious practices. Because of this, I believe Christians in the West need to know more about this religion and its core concepts. Here are nine things you should know about Hinduism (you can also read Joe Carters list for more).

Mainstream Hinduism understands god as one, yet it asserts this god can manifest itself in multiple names and forms. A supreme god, popularly known as Brahman, is believed to be the infinite abstract principle, not a personthe absolute reality, the source of consciousness, and the pure existence and knowledge. Brahman doesnt exist per se but is existence itself. This god is an assembly of superlative attributes rather than a being. Its an impersonal essence and force. This essence or force isnt all knowing. Instead, its knowledge itself that is Brahman.

Hinduism is claimed to be the most ancient religion in the world. However, it has no founder, no single sacred scripture, and no unified creed or confession. Hindus revere many authoritative scriptures, such as Vedas, Vedanta, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana, and Ramayana. These scriptures claims are confusing and self-contradictory in many places. They have an elaborate creation narrative of mankind and the cosmos, as well as narratives of how gods and goddesses came into being. These scriptures are read primarily by Hindu scholars and priests, not by laypeople or everyday adherents.

Hinduism is seen by some to be a fatalistic religion. Its sacred scriptures claim the doctrines of karma and reincarnation are inseparably interwoven. Karma is the law of cause and effect that determines a persons unalterable fate, and that fate is perpetuated in reincarnation. Hindu scholars argue that either Brahman operates this process or natural laws of causation are accountable for its effects. Hinduism teaches that karma isnt only the fate of humans. Deities and devils also experience this fatalistic process as predetermined by Brahman.

Karma is the law of cause and effect that determines a persons unalterable fate, and that fate is perpetuated in reincarnation.

Hindus believe in a hierarchy of gods. Superior deities have the power and privilege to form a vassal god and to grant a right of worship to them as well. Ganesh, an elephant god, is a popular example. Hes said to have been created by his mother, Parvati, from dirt rubbed off while bathing. His father, Shiva, chopped off Ganeshs head because he provoked Shiva to wage war against him. Shiva did this without realizing Ganesh was his recently created son. Eventually, Shiva provided Ganesh an elephant head and simultaneously granted him the gift of divinity.

The Hindu scriptures have many polished narratives of gods taking various human and animal forms in order to restore cosmic order. These forms are called avatars. The most popular one is likely Vishnus avatar of Krishna (who murdered his own evil uncle). Krishna declared this in Bhagavad Gita, chapter 4:78:

Whenever there is decay in righteousness, O Bharata,And there is exaltation of unrighteousness, then I Myself come forth;For the protection of the good, for the destruction of evil-doers,For the sake of firmly establishing righteousness,I am born from age to age.

Altogether, Vishnu is said to have taken 10 incarnations. Through those avatars he claims to have restored the cosmic order of righteousness by destroying the unrighteous. Interestingly, some Hindus have deified Buddha by recognizing him as Vishnus final avatar.

Hindu scriptures claim that all living being possess an atman (spirit), and killing them, knowingly or unknowingly, is a sin. This includes not just humans but birds, beasts, reptiles, mosquitos, lice, worms, and flies. In addition, the monistic school of Hinduism argues that every spiritfrom tiny living and non-living things to enormous living and non-living things in the universeincorporates into Brahman (Monism). Since atman and Brahman are identified with one another, killing anything implies the killing of Brahman itself.

Mainstream Hindus claim that all religions of the world lead to the supreme, impersonal god. This concept is often depicted in a dazzling circle surrounded by the symbols of all religions, and in its epicenter dwells the glorious spirit out of which emanates light to all the world religions. Additionally, some Hindus claim that god sends mahatma (a great spirit) in every age to lead the world into the righteous path that ultimately leads to Brahman. Jesus Christ is viewed as one of the greatest lights along with Buddha, Moses, Muhammad, Guru Nanak, and Confucius.

For Hindus, tirtha (pilgrimage) is a holy ritual that pleases the gods. Hindus make pilgrimage to sacred temples, such as Banaras Kashi, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, which mostly venerate Vishnu and Shiva. As in many other religions, Hindus also make pilgrimage to sacred burial shrines where they worship and pray to their dead gods and gurus (religious teachers). These acts produce good karma and are regarded as a dharma (religious act) that might merit reward in the next reincarnation.

Its written in Hindu scriptures that the soul is immortal. However, the soul takes a new body in every reincarnation because of the cycle of birth and death (samsara). According to Hindu belief, it takes 84,000 incarnations for a person to cycle through all living beings (i.e., insects, animals, fish, birds, etc.) and eventually obtain another reincarnation. Salvation (moksya) is the completion of and removal from this cursed process. The person is then assimilated into the infinite ocean of Brahmans divinity, uniting with it eternally. At this point, only the spirit is liberated, because it leaves the body forever, a concept similar to Gnosticism. Earthly life is believed to be an illusion or shadow (maya), and its reality is a spiritual life in heaven, a concept similar to Platonism.

Strict spiritual practices are the only way to attain this blissful deliverance, because god is only satisfied by the perfect karma, obedient life, and worship (sadhana). Solely based on this perfection, Brahman grants salvation. Salvation by faith alone in God through grace apart from karma is unimaginable in Hinduism.

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9 More Things You Should Know About Hinduism - The Gospel Coalition