India and Hinduism

Vedas:The Vedas are considered the earliest records of Indo-Aryan civilization, and the most sacred books of India. They are the original scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of life. Mahabharata: The oldest preserved parts of the text were thought to be made at around 400 BCE, though the origins of the epic probably fall between the 8th and 9th centuries B.C.E. The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It contains philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the four "goals of life".

The Ganges River

Since the beginning of recorded history it is known that rivers such as the the Ganges are considered to sacred for many religous groups. Despite it's crucial importance to the Hindus and many others, it is a rather small river only measuring 1,560 miles. For the Hindus, the river is the ultimate symbol for purity and therefore, has the power of purification. The people of the Ganges worship it by drinking the water, bathing in it, praying to it, and by celebrating religous festivals on the it's sacred banks.

Origins of Sanskrit

The Foundations of Hinduism

The Vedas & Mahabharata

By: Colby Mitchell

Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and the Indian sub-continent. It is also called Dev Vani which means the language of gods. Sanskrit is based off of picto-language much like the ancient Egyptians had used. The earliest form of Sanskrit language was Vedic Sanskrit that came approximately around 1500-200 B.C. This was the period when knowledge was shared orally so we do not know the full history of the language. During the 1800’s a similarity between Sanskrit, Latin and Greek was found, which sparked the interest in researching and studying the language.

Ganesha is the highly worshipped god of success in the Hindu religion.

Ganesha

Lakshimi

Lakshimi isthe godessof love, wealth, and prosperity.

The Ghats

The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs almost parallel to the western coast of Indian peninsula.

Magh Mela

The Magh Mela Festival involves a mass of rituals by the Hindus near the city of Allahabad in the north-central state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It dates to way back into ancient times as a day to wash away your sins in the sacred river.