Nepali Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture, Nepali
Culture,
Religion
of Nepal
Hinduism
The
word Hinduism was introduced in the 19th
century to define the aggregate beliefs of the
Arya, immigrants who left Central Asia in 1500
BC, and animist religions of native populations
in India.
Basic concepts. Cosmic law rules
the good order of the world, be aware and respect
cosmic law. Lead the life of a good Hindu, observe
rules, perform all rites, accept the caste of
birth. Caste system supplies code of conduct
and rites done. Encompasses all parts of life;
rites but also who to take drink from, associate
with, marry, etc.
Principles of Hinduism.
Dharma religious law and moral code by which
people can earn enlightenment. Karma
is the life balance of action and reaction;
individuals responsible for decisions and consequences.
Leading good Hindu life will bring rebirth
into a better life. Samsara is cycle of reincarnations
determined by karma. Moksha is liberation from
samsara; individual unites with universal timelessness,
ultimate serenity, nirvana. Path to moksha is
good Hindu life.
Each deity has different names,
as well as different symbols, attributes, tasks
and powers according to what god it represents.
Each deity has a vehicle, an animal usually
which serves master. Primary Hindu gods are
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Brahma is the creator of
the universe. Attributes are the rosary, the
receptacle of holy water, the ladle and the
book. Mount is a goose or swan. Brahma usually
represented with four heads, allows him to watch
over world. Very few statues of Brahma since
creation is done.
Saraswati is Brahma's consort
and is goddess of knowledge, learning and music.
She is often portrayed with four arms, plying
the veena (seven stringed musical instrument)
with two hands as well as holding a rosary and
a book. Sits on a lotus riding a peacock or
a swan. Often a crescent moon on forehead. Worshipped
by Buddhists as a form of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva
of wisdom.
Vishnu is the preserver
of life and the world. Attributes are the conchshell,
the disc, the lotus and the mace. Mount is
Garuda, a mythical half-man and half-bird.
He often appears in some of the following forms:
Narayan, which means "he
who guides development in all fields" or
universal knowledge.
Buddha, nineth reincarnation
of Vishnu.
Rama, warrior who rescued
wife Sita who had been taken by Ravan, demon-king
of Ceylon.
Krishna, personification
of manhood who bewitched 'gopis' (milkmaids
and shepherdesses) with whom he frolicked. Forms
of Rama and Krishna more popular in India.
Shiva, the destroyer and
regenerator. Attributes are the trident, the
tambourine, the tiger skin, the club, and the
lingam. Mount is Nandi the bull.
Pashupati, master and protector
of animals, especially of cattle, who is the
friend of life.
Bhairav, the form of Shiva
eager to destroy everything, including evil.
Usually a black statue, with necklace of human
skulls.
Hanuman, the monkey god.
Symbolizes faithfulness and willingness to help.
Associated with successful military undertakings
and assisted Rama in fight against demon-king
Ravan who kept Ram's wife Sita imprisoned for
12 years.
Ganesh, (Ganapati) one
of the most popular gods in Nepal. Infallible,
charitable and has power to decide fate of any
human enterprise. Universal power. Shiva and
Parvati's son. Shiva was away, Parvati bore
a son while he was gone. Ordered son not to
let anyone in. Shiva came home, young guardsman
barred him from entering so he chopped off the
guard's head with sword. Parvati terrorized,
Shiva promised to bring him back to life by
beheading the first living creature he found
in the forest. Saw elephant first, so cut off
its head, rushed back and put it on Ganesh's
head. Ganesh always dressed in red, four
arms and body covered with layers of sandalwood
paste. Only one tusk, mount is a shrew, sometimes
mistaken for rat or mouse. Consequently all
three are sacred.
Parvati, Shiva's consort.
In benevolent forms, Devi, Uma, Shakti or Annapurna
as the "dispenser of abundance." As
wreaking havoc, forms of Kali, Durga or Bhagavati.
