Hinduism Glossary

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Indus River

Question 2

A path of self discipline which helps Hindus achieve moksha

Answer 2

Yoga

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Ganesh

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Atman

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Ahimsa

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Om

Question 7

The Vedas, Upanishads and Epics

Answer 7

Hindu Scriptures

Question 8

Hindu place of worship, also known as a mandir

Answer 8

Temple

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Ganges

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Mahatma Ghandi

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Dalit

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Lotus

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Cremation

Question 14

Religious duty in Hinduism, religious teaching in Buddhism

Answer 14

Dharma

Question 15

Hindus believe this is eliminated when a baby’s head is shaved. Law of cause and effect

Answer 15

Karma

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Dalit

Question 17

A bright flower grown in muddy water, a symbol of purity and goodness.

Answer 17

Lotus

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Moksha

Question 19

Famous ancient religious symbol, it’s original meaning is of good fortune, wellbeing.

Answer 19

Swastika

Question 20

One who descends, refers to the appearance or incarnation of a deity on Earth

Answer 20

Avatar

Question 21

Worship of prayer, referring to the variety of practises in a Hindu home

Answer 21

Puja

Question 22

Reincarnation, the cycle of birth death and rebirth

Answer 22

Samsara

Question 23

A Festival of Lights that commemorates the Hindu New Year

Answer 23

Diwali

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Holi

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Varanasi

Question 26

This deity carries a flute and wears a peacock feather. Often depicted with a cow girl, mythology suggests he flirted with a cow girl.

Answer 26

Krishna

Question 27

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

Answer 27

Twice-born

Question 28

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

Answer 28

Jati

Question 29

Original creator

Answer 29

Brahma

Question 30

Lord of the Dance, or destroyer and recreator

Answer 30

Shiva

Question 31

Protector and sustainer of the world

Answer 31

Vishnu