St. George Syrian Orthodox Church, Cheppaud.

Hinduism

The underlying tenets of Hinduism cannot be easily defined. There is no unique philosophy that forms the basis of the faith of the majority of India's population. Hinduism is perhaps the only religious tradition that is so diversified in its theoretical premises and practical expressions as to be called a "museum of religions". This religion cannot be traced to a specific under nor does it have a "holy book" as a basic scriptural guide. The Rig Veda, Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita can all be described as the sacred text of the Hindus.

Unlike most other religions, Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity. One may worship Shiva or Vishnu or Rama or Krishna or some other gods and goddesses or one may believe in the 'Supreme Spirit' or the 'Indestructible Soul' within each individual and still be called a good Hindu. This gives an indication of the kind of contrasts this religion is marked by. At one end of the scale, it is an exploration of the 'Ultimate Reality'; at the other end there are cults that worship spirits, trees and animals

(Mother Nature)

The Story of the 'Dashavataara'

(The Ten Incarnations of Vishnu)
(Dasha = Ten; Avataar =Incarnation)

Vishnu (Vishr = to pervade) One who pervades, protects and preserves the entire universe, both animateand inanimate. Whenever evil is on the rising, Vishnu descends on earth to destroy that evil. . There are, by popular Hindu belief, a classical number of ten incarnations or the Dashavatara. Vishnu is believed to have four hands: the first holds a Shankha - conch shell indicating spread of the divine sound "Om"; one holds a Chakra - a discus weapon and symbol of the wheel of time, Sudarshana; one holds a mace, Kaumodaki, indicating power; one holds a Padma - lotus. On his head he wears the King's crown, for he is belived to be the King of the devas or Gods. His wife is Lakshmi and His vahana (vehicle) is Garuda ( the eagle).

Self Realization (Link)

Chakra (Link)

Tantra (Link)