Hinduism

Question 1

Indus River

Answer 1

The geographic region on the border of Pakistan and India where the earliest Hindu communities first flourished

Question 2

Yoga

Answer 2

A path of self-discipline which helps Hindus achieve moksha

Question 3

Ganesh

Answer 3

The God whom all Hindus first pray to, because of his ability to remove obstacles. Very recognisable son of Parvati and Shiva

Question 4

Atman

Answer 4

The personal soul, or ‘real self’ - a part of God that is in all living beings

Question 5

Ahimsa

Answer 5

Not killing, non-violence; a reverence and respect for all life

Question 6

Aum

Answer 6

The most sacred sound and symbol in Hinduism representing God and creation

Question 7

Hindu Scriptures

Answer 7

The Vedas, Upanishads and Epics

Question 8

Temple

Answer 8

Hindu place of worship, also known as a mandir

Question 9

Ganges river

Answer 9

The most famous of all the sacred rivers in India, said to flow from the head wear of Shiva

Question 10

Mahatma Ghandi

Answer 10

The most famous Hindu, who advocated non-violent resistance, and fought for laws to be changed for recognising the human rights of untouchables

Question 11

Dalit

Answer 11

‘The oppressed’; a name adopted by Hindus who are outside the caste system, also known as untouchables

Question 12

Lotus

Answer 12

A bright flower growing in muddy water - a symbol of purity and goodness

Question 13

Cremation

Answer 13

Custom of burning a dead body, particularly at a ghat in Varanasi (Benares)

Question 14

Dharma

Answer 14

Religious duty in Hinduism. Religious teaching in Buddhism

Question 15

Moksha

Answer 15

Release from the cycle of rebirth - the ultimate state of Hindu reality

Question 16

Swastika

Answer 16

Famous, ancient religious symbol. Its original meaning is of good fortune, wellbeing

Question 17

Avatar

Answer 17

‘One who descends’: refers to the appearance or incarnation of a deity on earth

Question 18

Puja

Answer 18

Worship or prayer, referring to variety of practices in a Hindu home or mandir

Question 19

Samsara

Answer 19

Reincarnation - the cycle of birth, death and rebirth

Question 20

Divali

Answer 20

A Festival of Lights that commemorates the Hindu New Year

Question 21

Holi

Answer 21

A playful Hindu festival, celebrating Krishna. In one story, Krishna’s favourite milkmaid, Radha, threw coloured dye over Krishna

Question 22

Benaro

Answer 22

The most sacred of all Hindu pilgrimage sites, with 1 million visitors each year. If you die there, said to achieve moksha

Question 23

Krishna

Answer 23

This deity carries a flute and wears a peacock feather, often depicted with a cowgirl - mythology suggests he flirted with a cowgirl

Question 24

Twiceborn

Answer 24

The experience for Hindu boys when they are initiated into their caste

Question 25

Jati

Answer 25

A sub-group within a caste made up of many families who have a similar occupation

Question 26

Karma

Answer 26

Hindus believe this is eliminated when a baby' she'd is shaved. Law of cause and effect