How many reasons needed to be a Hindu | What does it take to be Hindu? | What are the rules (concepts, beliefs, practices) of Hinduism (culture, traditions)? | Reasons why Hinduism is the best | Who is the founder of Hinduism | Which is the oldest religion in the world | Brahma is the founder of Hinduism?

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Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna (Vishnu, Rama, Dattatreya, Narasimha, Kapila, Trivikrama) and Goddess Rukmini (Lakshmi, Sita, Anagha, Dharini) blessings to you and your family!

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Just before going to “How many reasons needed to be a Hindu | What does it take to be Hindu? | Rules (concepts, beliefs, practices) of Hinduism (culture, traditions)? | Reasons why Hinduism is the best | Who is the founder of Hinduism | Which is the oldest religion in the world | Brahma is the founder of Hinduism?“, let us know a brief, basic and very important information.

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) is called the ‘aadi dharma’ (a dharma which was started directly by Bhagavan Lord Sri Hari (Vishnu) and it is existing since unknown age and definitely not just since 3k or 5k years).

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) means a Dharma which can never ever become ‘anatha’ (orphan). Sanatana means, this Dharma is directly protected by Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu and not by mere humans or unknown & so called ordinary humans.

Dharma means, a duty bound right path whose duties are instructed directly by Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu. Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu has given us a list of Dharma (divine duties), which we need to perform until we are in the human form. If we don’t perform, then we can’t be called as humans.

Now, let us understand few important reasons to be a Hindu (Sanatana Dharmi):

Hinduism teaches not only tolerance but also universal acceptance. But tolerance doesn’t means that if someone is abusing us and we need to keep quiet. No, not at all. We need to give answer to the ‘adharmi’ in his own language, but we need to be in the Dharma path.

This is the right Dharma. For example, if Bhima and Arjuna would had kept quiet, then Duryodhana’s lineage would had been living even today and they would definitely had been spreading of ‘adharma’ (unrighteousness).

Thus Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna (Vishnu) knows everything and thus he cleanse this world from the ‘adharmis’ (unrighteous people). Our Shastras (Hindu Texts) doesn’t speak about fighting and killing. But to protect ourselves, to protect our family and the whole world.

Let’s move further. Hinduism shows that lovers of God do not belong to any race or caste. In fact, there is not caste system in Hinduism. All these are created by Europeans, especially by the English and definitely nowhere it is written in Hindu Shastras (Hindu divine books).

In Hinduism, it is said about ‘Chatur Varna’ (Four hierarchy). You can learn about Chartur Varna from this given link: What is Four varna Chatur varna with correct meaning in Hinduism

Hinduism shows that it is not God who punishes but our own karma. In Hindi there is a saying “Jaisi karni, waisi bharni”. This means, whatever we do, we will gain fruits as per our works. 

For example, a student who works very hard throughout the year and gets good marks. This is because he / she had studied throughout the year. Whereas a student who has given only 50%, he / she will get that much of marks as per his / her capability.

Hinduism shows that every one – man, woman, child, and the aged can be great saints and sages as per the Karmas we would had done in our earlier lives and this life. 

Hinduism shows that anyone can achieve greatness through great effort. Best way is by learning the great Shastras (Hindu divine books). Hinduism shows that God can be seen by those who are pure in heart and with the highest bhakti (divine devotion).

I can worship God by doing good Karmas / actions. Hinduism teaches that death is like changing the old and dirty cloths. As we change our clothes everyday, we will change our material body after our death. But our aatma / soul will remain same.

Hinduism prescribes marriage as a sacrament to purify the body, mind and soul. Hinduism extols giving up selfishness for the sake of others. The more we give, the more we will gain. Similarly, the more we take, the more we will need to give.

This holds good for both Dharma and Adharma. The more Dharma we will make, more Dharmic we will become and will gain fruits as per our Dharma. Similarly, more Adharma we will make, more Adharmic we will become and will gain fruits as per our Adharma.

Hinduism considers Dharma as the manifestation of the divinity already within us. Hinduism prescribes me different duties at different stages of life. Hinduism teaches me to treat my elders, Gurus etc. with utmost respect.

Hinduism teaches that I must not covet another’s possession. Hinduism teaches that to injure others is to injure my own self. The Itihasas / history and Puranas (Hindu divine history) help to develop imagination and creativity.

The Agamas instructs on how to worship God in various ways. The Upanishads instructs me on the highest truth about my real self.

The Mahabharata shows me on how to defeat adversity in life. Mahabharata has been given more importance than Vedas as per the instructions given by Bhagavan Lord (Sage) Sri Vedavyasa Ji (He is an avatar of Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu).

The Srimad Bhagavatam instructs me on how to die. The Grand Son of Arjuna, that is, Parikshit Maharaja after he gets curse from a young Rishi Shringi to die within 7 days. 

Parikshit Maharaja gets divine teachings from Sri Shuka Muni (He is an avatar of Lord Shiva) on how to die and what should we need to do at the time of death.

To know more information about this story, click this link: Who cursed King Parikshit – Takshak snake, Sage Shamik, Shringi story

The Ramayana shows me on how to live. For example, Bhagavan Lord Sri Rama shows on how to be a loyal husband, brother, son, King, etc. Bhagavan Lord Sri Rama is called ‘Purushottama’, as he is best among all.

Even Mahalakshmi Devi (Sita Devi), Brahma Deva, Sarasvati Devi, Lord Shiva etc. all follow the teachings of Bhagavan Lord Sri Rama (Vishnu / Krishna). 

The Puranas give grand truths in simple stories. The great Puranas which are written by Bhagavan Lord (Sage) Sri Vedavyasa Ji is in the form of stories, which shows us the path to be in Dharma.

To know about the names and meanings of the Puranas, click the below link: What are the uses of reading and hearing Puranas and What are the names of Puranas with meaning

Hinduism helps me to discover my own true self. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita is the best manual on self-motivation. Bhagavad Gita is the brief of all the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads etc. (including all the Hindu divine books).

The Vedas preach on fearlessness. Vedas always says that ‘Bhagavan Vishnu’ is the only God / Ishwara and all others are his ‘anuyaayi’ (followers), all others are called ‘Devatas’ (Demigods).

The doctrine of Karma shows me that I am the creator of my own destiny. It all the depends on the Karma what I do and don’t do. The more Dharma Karma I do, I will become Dharmatma (follower of Dharma).

Similarly, the more Adharma Karma I do, I will become Adharmi (Someone who is against Dharma). But this all depends on the wishes of Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu. If he wishes, we will become Dharmatma and if he wishes we will become Adharmi.

I can serve Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu by serving holy people and good devotees. Just think, if we directly serve Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu (Krishna) what are the divine fruits we will gain?

Karma can be altered through prayers and chanting of Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu’s name. Again, this also depends on Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu. One of the biggest example is of Duryodhana and Bhima.

Duryodhan in his whole life was having all types of materialistic wealth and was never ever happy and was killed by the Great Bhima. Bhima on the other hand, was never ever liking the material wealth and always following the words of Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna and thus he gained fruits as per his devotion.

(Note : Bhima is an avatar of Lord Sri Vayu Deva. During the Treta Yuga, Lord Sri Vayu Deva was born as Hanuman and served Bhagavan Lord Sri Rama.

(During the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Sri Vayu Deva was born as Bhima and served Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna and similarly in Kali Yuga, Lord Sri Vayu Deva was born as Sri Madhwacharya Ji was even today he is serving Bhagavan Lord (Sage) Sri Vedavyas Ji in Badrikashrama (Badrinath).)

Hinduism teaches that every action has its own and unique reaction. Yes, this is very much true even today. Again biggest examples are Ravana & Hanuman in Ramayan period. Similarly, Duryodhan & Bhima in Mahabharata period.

Hinduism always say, there is only Bhagavan and his name is Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu and others are his followers and they all are known as Devatas (Demigods). Hinduism shows that God incarnates on earth to show the path of righteousness (Dharma).

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्‌ ।
धर्म संस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥ Srimad Bhagavad Gita – 4/8

ಪರಿತ್ರಾಣಾಯ ಸಾಧುನಂ ವಿನಾಶಾಯ ಚ ದುಷ್ಕೃತಮ್ |
ಧರ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಥಾಪನಾರ್ಥಾಯ ಸಂಭವಾಮಿ ಯುಗೇ ಯುಗೇ || ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಭಗವದ್ಗೀತೆ – 4/8

paritrāṇāya sādhunaṁ vināśāya ca duṣkr̥tam |
dharma sansthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yugē yugē || Śrīmad bhagavadgīte – 4/8

In the above shloka (sloka / hymn), Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna says, “Whenever there is decline in the Dharma, I will take avatar on earth and will protect all the Sadhus (divine devotees) and also shall destroy all the ‘Adharmi’ (who all are against Dharma) / unrighteous people.

God promises in the Bhagavad Gita to protect Dharma against adharma. Hinduism shows that God accepts everything and anything given with love and true devotion.

In Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna says:

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति |
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: || 9 – 26 ||

ಪತ್ರಂ ಪುಷ್ಪಂ ಫಲಂ ತೋಯಂ ಯೋ ಮೇ ಭಕ್ತ್ಯಾ ಪ್ರಯಚ್ಛತಿ |
ತದಹಂ ಭಕ್ತ್ಯುಪಹೃತಮಶ್ನಾಮಿ ಪ್ರಯತಾತ್ಮನ: || 9 – 26 ||

patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ tōyaṁ yō mē bhaktyā prayacchati |
tadahaṁ bhaktyupahr̥tamaśnāmi prayatātmanah || 9 – 26 ||

Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna says, “If one offers to Me with devotion just a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even some water, I delightfully partake of that article offered with love and devotion by My devotee in pure consciousness.”

This is the greatness of our Great Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna / Vishnu / Rama / Hari.

Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna tells to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita as:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
मा कर्म फल हेतुर्भुर्माते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥ 2-47 ||

ಕರ್ಮಣ್ಯೇವಾಧಿಕಾರಸ್ತೇ ಮಾ ಫಲೇಷು ಕದಾಚನ |
ಮಾ ಕರ್ಮಫಲಹೇತುರ್ಭೂರ್ಮಾ ತೇ ಸಂಗೋ‌உಸ್ತ್ವಕರ್ಮಣಿ || 2-47 ||

karmaṇyēvādhikārastē mā phalēṣu kadācana |
mā karmaphalahēturbhūrmā tē saṅgō‌ustvakarmaṇi || 2-47 ||

Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna says to Arjuna, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty”. (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II, Verse 47)

Hinduism teaches that selfless service is the highest duty. Again above shloka holds good to this also. We just need to try and try and try… Whatever fruits we get is left to Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna. He knows best and he will give us the fruits as per our capabilities.

Hinduism shows that even sinners can be purified by God’s grace. Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna / Vishnu always gives chance to get purified. 

Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna gave chance to Duryodhana, Shishupala, Ravana, Kamsa, Jarasandha etc. etc. etc. He gave chance to all, but these demons / rakshasas never bothered and they received the fruits as per their Karmas and mainly as per the wishes of Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna / Rama / Vishnu.

Similarly, we know greats like Hanuman, Vibhishana, Sugriva, Bhima, Arjuna etc. etc. etc. – All these people always followed the path of Dharma and they received the fruits as their Karmas and again mainly as per the wishes of Bhagavan Lord Sri Krishna / Vishnu / Rama.

Hinduism teaches me to feed the weak and the hungry. Once after Yudhishthira becomes the Raja / King of Hastinapur (in fact whole world), an old man comes at the midnight and requests to donate him some money, so that he can complete one of his family ceremony.

But since it was midnight, Yudhishthira instructs that old man to come in the morning and collect as much as money he wants. But Bhima who is a great Vaishnava (an avatar of Lord Sri Vayu Deva) questions Yudhishthira that, “Are you sure that you will be alive the next morning”.

This is the make point. No one knows what would happen to us the next moment. Thus we need to complete our Dharma in time, means, we need to complete it today and now itself. 

Thus Bhima himself donates his diamond finger ring to the old man (His one finger ring was more than preciously than the whole world). This is the greatness of our Bhimasena. 

Hinduism teaches me to practice non-violence and non-injury to others. But the same time instructs us to self defense when in difficulty. Hinduism says not to harm the weak. But similarly instructs to defend when in problem, but as per the Dharma.

Hinduism asks me to look at the whole world (unlimited Universes – Multiverses) as one family. It is called as “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam”. Whole world is a single family. Give respect, so that we can get respect.

Hinduism encourages me to be humble to love God. More we love and have devotion towards Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu, we will get more auspicious things (both material and divine) in our life. 

I am free to observe fasting and vigil according to my own ability. Doing ‘Ekadashi upavasa’ (Ekadashi fasting) is very dear to Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu. Especially the ‘nirjala upavasa’ (fasting without drinking a drop of water) is most dearest to Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu.

There is a great shloka on Ekadashi fasting:

न गायत्राय पर मन्त्रं, न मातृ पर दैवं | 
न काश्य पर तीर्थं, न एकादश्य समं व्रतं ||

ನ ಗಾಯತ್ರಾಯ ಪರ ಮಂತ್ರಂ, ನ ಮಾತೃ ಪರ ದೈವಂ | 
ನ ಕಾಶ್ಯ ಪರಂ ತೀರ್ಥಂ, ನ ಎಕಾದಶ್ಯ ಸಮಂ ವ್ರತಂ ||

na gāyatrāya para mantraṁ, na mātr̥ para daivaṁ |
na kāśya paraṁ tīrthaṁ, na ekādaśya samaṁ vrataṁ ||

The above shloka’s explanation is as given here: There is no better mantra than “gayatri mantra”, there is no greater God than mother, there is no pilgrimage place than Kashi, there is no better vrata than Ekadashi.

Ekadashi is the ultimate vrata (vrat / ritual) that Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu has given to mankind. We need to make full use of it and do the Ekadashi vrata twice in a month without a miss.

Hinduism teaches that life is a series of birth and death until I attain perfection. Not only humans have life after life, but even trees, planets, mountains, insects, Universes etc. etc. etc. all have the rebirth and reincarnation.

Nothing happens without the will of God (Vishnu). Yes, this is the ultimate truth. If Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu wishes we will get all the ‘sampat’ (divine wealth), we will definitely get. If Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu wishes, one shouldn’t get, he / she will never ever get that divine wealth.

Few examples for this are:

Sudama received the divine wealth. | Ravana lost his whole kingdom and wealth. | Vibhishana became the king of Lanka and received the divine wealth. | Sugriva received the divine wealth. | Vali lost all his life and wealth. |

Kamsa lost all his life and wealth. | Pancha Pandavas received the divine wealth and became the rulers of the whole world | Duryodhana and his Kaurava brothers lost all the wealth. | etc.

God is the inner Controller. Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu is called as “antaryami”. This means, Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu is present inside and everyone and everything. Because he is inside us, we are able to do all the material and divine things.

Otherwise, just think my dear friends: Can we move our hands when we have fracture in our hand. Even a small injury to our hand or to our finger, we will not be able to move our hand properly. Since Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu is present inside us, we are able to move.

In fact, it is Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu is doing all these works. Just think, if we don’t eat for on single day, can we stand and walk fast the next morning? Now tell me, who is doing? Is it me? Or, is it Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu? Think…?

The saints and sages are living proofs of God’s (Vishnu) love and mercy. There are many great saints and sadhus who do fasting for one week, one month without having a drop of water. 

This is the greatest proof that Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu is helping us in doing all the material and divine things throughout our life.

Bhagavan Lord Sri Vishnu will never be in misery or problems. Bhagavan Lord Sri Rama shows us the path that, if we go in Dharma path, we will get fruits as per our Dharma and similarly, if we do the Adharma path, we will get fruits as per our Adharma.

Bhagavan Lord Sri Rama or Sri Krishna (Vishnu) does the drama and nothing else. This is just like an actor acting in a movie. He / she feels thirsty and drinks one full bottle of water. He / she feels very hungry and eats whole plate of food. But in that movie, he / she is just acting and nothing else.

Similarly in Ramayana or Mahabharata, Bhagavan (Vishnu) just acts as if he is in problem. But he is called “ananda”, means, he is full of happiness. There is nothing like misery or problem to Bhagavan Vishnu. It is just a drama or called as ‘Vidambhana’ in Sanskrit.

God is purest and most beautiful. Bhagavan Vishnu is called as ‘sarvaguna paripurna’. He is full of ‘gunas’ (qualities). There is nothing extra which Bhagavan Vishnu doesn’t has. He is the most purest and most beautiful.

God is my Child. Devaki Devi and Vasudeva in their earlier lives had done great austerities and thus they were able to get Bhagavan Vishnu as their child. In their first life they were born as Sutapa and Prishni. Bhagavan Vishnu was born as ‘Prishnigarbha’ to them.

In their second life they were born as Kashyapa and Aditi. Bhagavan Vishnu was born as ‘Vamana’ (dwarf) to them. In their third life they were born as Vasudeva and Devaki. Bhagavan Vishnu was born as Bhagavan Sri Krishna to them.

If one does the austerity, Bhagavan Vishnu will be born as their child. This is sure. God is my Husband. During the Mahabharata period, Bhagavan Sri Krishna marries 16,108 young girls. In that let us know the story of the 16,100 young girls.

The demon Narakasura had earlier kidnapped all these 16,100 young girls and had kept in his kingdom. Bhagavan Sri Krishna comes and kills this demon and marries all these 16,100 young girls. But why he marries so many young girls?

You will get that information from this link: How Krishna killed Narakasur & married 16,000 women story

God is my Lover. Similarly Bhagavan Sri Krishna becomes the love of Radha and many Gopikas, as per their wishes. In their earlier live they all had wished to be the lover of Bhagavan Vishnu.

Thus, Bhagavan Vishnu in the avatar as Sri Krishna fulfilled their wishes. But this doesn’t comes easily. Lots of austerity for many thousands of years has to be done to get all these wishes fulfilled. God is my Father. See above explanation about Vasudeva.

God is my Mother. See above explanation about Devaki. God is my Teacher. Bhagavan Vishnu in his different avatars acts as if he goes to a Gurukula to learn all the teachings from various Gurus.

For example during the Ramayana period, Bhagavan Rama acts as if he is a student of Maharshi Vashishtha and Maharshi Vishwamitra. Similarly during the Mahabharata period, Bhagavan Krishna acts as if he is a student of Sandeepini Rishi.

But the fact is, Bhagavan (Vishnu) shows us on how to respect the elders and Gurus. Bhagavan knows everything and he doesn’t need to learn anything from anyone. But he shows us the path on how to respect the parents, Gurus etc.

God is my Friend. Many must know the story of Sudama. Bhagavan Sri Krishna gives all the divine wealth to Sudama. 

Hinduism does not ask me to fear God but to love God. Yes, Bhagavan Vishnu is so kind, that he always safeguards his devotees. There is nothing to fear about Bhagavan Vishnu if we are a true devotee him.

But similarly, even to his enemies, he gives multiply chances to become a Dharma follower. Many of may know that Bhagavan Rama gave chance to Ravana before the Ramayana war. Bhagavan Sri Krishna gave many chances to Kamsa, Duryodhana, Shishupala, Jarasandha etc.

Hinduism teaches that Truth alone triumphs. This is 100% true. In Hinduism there is a saying, “sayameva jayate”. This means, someone who is follower the truth (Dharma) will always win.

Similarly there is another shloka: “dharmo rakshati, rakshitaha” – This means, if one follows the Dharma path, he / she will be saved by that Dharma itself. We just need to follow the Dharma as per the instructions given by Bhagavan Vishnu and nothing else.

Hinduism teaches me that Good always triumph over evil. We have seen the examples of Vibhishana winning over his brother Ravana, Prahalada winning over his father Hiranyakashipu, Pancha Pandavas winning over their cousin brothers 100 Kauravas etc.

It is always Good which wins over the evil. I can seek God through arts. Many have doubts that idol praying is incorrect and not according to Hinduism. This is purely a made-up story and nothing else. 

Since ages, we Sanatana Dharmis (Hindus) are doing pooja to idols of both Bhagavan Vishnu and other Devatas. You can refer this link for more information: Why Hindus worship Idols, correct meaning

I can find God through music. Yes, indeed through music, we can easily gain Bhagavan Vishnu. Many of us know that our Bhagavan Vishnu and other Devatas also carry one or more musical instruments with them.

For example: Bhagavan Krishna has ‘murali’ (flute). | Sarasvati Devi has Veena. | Lord Shiva has ‘damaru’ (drum). | Gandharvas are called as the divine singers. From Gandharva itself the word ‘gaana’ has come. | Etc.

I can reach God through dance. This is also another easy way. We all know Bhagavan Sri Krishna danced on the ‘Kaliya’ snake. | Lord Shiva does the ‘tandava’ dance and he is called as ‘nataraja’ etc.

Every work done perfectly and selflessly will make me perfect. There is a saying Hinduism, “na han karta, hari karta“. This means, I am not doing anything, it is all done through Bhagavan Hari / Vishnu. We need to try and try and try… that’s all. The fruits are left to him.

You can refer this also: Bhagavan Sri Krishna tells to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita as,

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
मा कर्म फल हेतुर्भुर्माते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥ 2-47 ||

ಕರ್ಮಣ್ಯೇವಾಧಿಕಾರಸ್ತೇ ಮಾ ಫಲೇಷು ಕದಾಚನ |
ಮಾ ಕರ್ಮಫಲಹೇತುರ್ಭೂರ್ಮಾ ತೇ ಸಂಗೋ‌உಸ್ತ್ವಕರ್ಮಣಿ || 2-47 ||

karmaṇyēvādhikārastē mā phalēṣu kadācana |
mā karmaphalahēturbhūrmā tē saṅgō‌ustvakarmaṇi || 2-47 ||

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says to Arjuna, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty. (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II, Verse 47)

Hinduism teaches that the soul has no gender, race, or caste. Today we may have born as male. But in next life we may be born as female. Also in another ‘yoni’, may be as an animal or an insect or a tree or something else. There is no gender, race or caste to us.

Thus as humans doing the right Dharma is the only cure for this. If we do the right Karma, we may again born as humans.

If we do better Karmas, we will definitely get the higher planets like:

1. Satya loka – This is the place of Brahma, where each person’s atman is released from the inevitability of rebirth. | 2. Tapa loka – Ayohnija devadasis live here. | 3. Jana loka – The sons of the god Brahma live here. |

4. Mahar loka – Enlightened beings such as Markandeya live here. | 5. Svar loka – This is the area between the Sun and the Polar Star, the Heaven of the god Indra. It is a Heaven and Paradise, where all the 330 million Hindu Demigods live. |

6. Bhuvar loka (or Pitru loka) – It is the space between Earth and the Sun. Semi-divine beings live here. |

7. Bhur loka – This is the Earth. We the Hindus teach that it is one of billions of inhabited worlds in the universe. This shows the Hindu belief in the multiverses. This is the middle lokas of all the lokas.

Similarly if we do Adharma, we may get some other life in our next life, may be an animal or a tree or an insect or we may get to go to lower planets like:

8. Atala loka – Atala is ruled by Bala, who is a son of Maya. Maya possesses mystical powers. | 9. Vitala loka – Vitala is ruled by the god Hara-Bhava, who is a form of Shiva. | 10. Sutala loka – Sutala is the kingdom of the demon king Bali. |

11. Talatala loka – Talatala is the realm of Maya. Shiva is also here under the protection of Maya. | 12. Mahatala loka – Mahatala is where many nagas (serpents) live. | 

13. Rasatala loka – Rasatala is the home of the demons Danavas and Daityas. | 14. Patala loka (or Naga-loka) – This is the lowest realm. It is the region of the nagas, ruled by Vasuki a King serpent.

Hinduism teaches that every woman is the embodiment of the power of God. In Hinduism, woman are known as ‘shakti’. That means, she is the form of Durga Devi. But this all depends are the capabilities of each and every woman.

Hinduism teaches that God is the inner guide in every one. As said earlier, Bhagavan Vishnu is known as ‘antaryami’ and he is present inside everyone and everything. 

Hinduism teaches that every knowledge, whether sacred or secular have come from God. Whatever Bhagavan Vishnu has given is the correct knowledge. 

Bhagavan Vishnu has given as the Vedas in the ‘Hayagriya’ avatar. In the Lord (Sage) Sri Vevavyasa Ji avatar, he has given as Puranas, etc. Similarly in different avatars, Bhagavan Vishnu has given as unlimited knowledge.

It is left to us to gain these knowledge or to cry whole of our life.

Hinduism shows that no knowledge is gained without respect to the teacher (Guru). Guru is one of the most prominent personality in Hinduism. Even Bhagavan Vishnu in his different avatars has shown us that respecting Guru is one of the most important aspect in Sanatana Dharma.

In his Bhagavan Rama avatar, he had Gurus like Vashistha Maharshi, Vishwamitra Maharshi. In the Bhagavan Krishna avatar, he had Guru like Sandeepini Rishi. 

In Hinduism, God is not only outside but also within me. As said earlier, Bhagavan Vishnu is called as ‘antaryami’. He is not only present outside of me, but also present inside of me too.

Hinduism shows that my first God is my mother. As soon as a baby opens his / her eyes, he / she sees his / her mother. That baby make ‘kshirapaana’ (breast milk) of her mother.

That’s why we have a saying in Sanskrit, “maatru devo bhava”. Mother is the God to her child. This means, Bhagavan Vishnu who is sitting inside as ‘antaryami’ of the mother, helps the baby to complete all the tasks from the birth itself.

Hinduism allows me to feel the presence of God even in material things. There is no such thing where Bhagavan Vishnu is not present. Yes, off course this is true. Bhagavan Krishna is present in both Bhima and Duryodhana.

Bhagavan Rama is present in both Ravana and Vibhishana. As per our Dharma, Bhagavan Vishnu blesses us to find our own path. If one is Dharmatma, he will be a Dharmi in his / her life. Similarly, if one is an Adharmi, he / she will an Adharmi in his life.

This is saying is so true: “Jaise karni, waise bharni” (Hindi) | “Maadid unnu maharaaya” (Kannada) | As you sow so shall you reap (English). |

Hinduism allows me to find the Truth for myself. Yes, it is always that it is me who needs to find the Dharma path. It is ‘me’ who need to do my own Karmas. No one else will be able to do ‘my’ Karmas.

If our thinking is in the Dharma (truth), we will get the Dharma duties, similarly, if we think in the Adharma (untrue), we will get the Adharma duties. Great example is Bhima (Dharma) and Duryodhana (Adharma).

Hinduism asserts that I am responsible for my life. Absolutely yes! It is me who needs to concentrate when a teacher is teaching in a class. If I listen properly to my teacher, I can understand the lesson and can easily score good marks.

Similarly, if I am not listening to my teacher and thinking of food, enjoyment, pub, bar, etc., I will get marks as per my capability and nothing else. Hinduism provides various disciplines for my body and mind. There are different disciplines Hinduism teaches to mankind.

One good example is Yogasana (Yoga). This helps humans to improve both physical and mental health. Hinduism gives me hope that I can always reform myself and attain perfection. Bhagavan Vishnu always gives us the chance to improve over our Adharma works.

If we understand ourselves and correct ourselves, it is well and good. Similarly, if we don’t then Bhagavan Vishnu won’t listen to us and will definitely not help us when we need him most. Again biggest example is of Duryodhana and Bhima. It is left to us to chose the right path or not!

Hinduism gives assurance that no sinner is eternally condemned. Yes, Bhagavan Vishnu gives us the chance in each and every life. Example is of the Jaya and Vijaya.

Both Jaya and Vijaya were the gatekeepers of Bhagavan Vishnu in Vaikuntha. Because of the curse from the Sanata Kumaras, they had taken births on earth for 3 times. First as Hiranyakashipu & Hinranyaksha. Second as Ravana & Kumbhakarna. Thirdly as Shishupala & Dantavakra.

If we change from Adharma to Dharma, we will be definitely saved. But most important is that we should surrender unto to Bhagavan Vishnu. This is the most important and critical path.

Hinduism teaches me to respect all religions. We need to respect all the religions of the world. But in the meantime, we should grow in our own Dharma. If we don’t develop and understand the Dharma, then it is of no use.

Hinduism never forces anything on anyone. Hinduism allows us to do whatever we want. But we should also note that, we will have to pay for it also.

Again the above saying holds good here: “jaise karni, waise bharni”

Hinduism gives me absolute freedom to worship God in any name and form I like. Yes, he can worshipped in any form like Rama, Krishna, Vishnu, Hari, Narayana, Varaha, Narasimha, etc.

Not only that, Bhagavan Vishnu can also be worshipped as the ‘antaryami’ (see above for this meaning) of the Devatas and Gurus too. 

The highest gain is to attain self-control. If we are in control means, we are in the right path. “niyantranam” (Self control) is one of the way to attain Bhagavan Vishnu. It may be in Indriyas (Sense Organs) control, or even in the other ways too.

There are totally 10 Indriyas (Sensory Organs). There names are as given below: 

Five pancha jnaneEndriyas: srothra (ear), thvak (skin), chaksu (eye), jihva (tongue), aakrAna (nose). Five pancha karmendriyas: vAk (mouth), pAni (hand), pAdha (legs), pAyu (anus), upastha (genital).

To conquer is to renounce. If we have ‘moha’ (loving or bothering too much), it is very difficult to grow in life and it will be difficult for the human to attain the moksha.

Biggest example is of Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana. Dhritarashtra had moha of his son Duryodhan. Dhritarashtra was not just blind physically, but he was blind mentally too. Dhritarashtra never tried to teach lessons to his son Duryodhana.

Loving is very important, but if that love becomes moha, then it is very difficult both materially and in the divine way too. Hinduism shows that human beings are the greatest of all beings. This is an absolute truth lesson.

Only as humans we can learn, teach etc. Just think, if we are a dog, can we learn anything like Bhagavad Gita etc.? No right?

We need to be thankful to Bhagavan Vishnu that he has given us the human life. We need to do the ‘sadhana’ (achieve divine goals) in this life itself and start that ‘sadhana’ today and now itself.

Hinduism teaches to serve all life forms, small or big as our own self. For this we can refer to the ‘Gajendra Moksha’ story. When ‘Gajendra’ (an elephant) was in danger, Bhagavan Vishnu immediately comes and saves the Gajendra’s life from the clutches of the ‘graha’ (crocodile).

The chanting of Vedic mantras creates a positive vibration internally and externally. This is one of the biggest gifts Bhagavan Vishnu has given to human race. Just chanting the Sanskrit shloka can cure many a diseases. On of the best example of the ‘Sri Vishnu sahasranama’.

Refer this link for more information: What are the uses of reading Vishnu Sahasranam

Yogasanas help me to gain full control of my body. Yoga helps to keep the body and mind healthy. Regularly practicing Yogasana will help to gain control both physically and mentally. Meditation calms the mind and gives inner peace. Doing meditation on regular basis, will help us enormously.

Refer below link to know about the “maun vrat” meditation: What is the meaning of Maun Vrat, uses, significance

Hinduism teaches that I am the Soul and not the body. I am the “aatma” and not the body.

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita:

वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि।
तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णा न्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही ।।2.22।।

ವಾಸಾಂಸಿ ಜೀರ್ಣಾನಿ ಯಥಾ ವಿಹಾಯ ನವಾನಿ ಗೃಹ್ಣಾತಿ ನರೋ‌உಪರಾಣಿ |
ತಥಾ ಶರೀರಾಣಿ ವಿಹಾಯ ಜೀರ್ಣಾನ್ಯನ್ಯಾನಿ ಸಂಯಾತಿ ನವಾನಿ ದೇಹೀ || 22 ||

vāsānsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya navāni gr̥hṇāti narō‌uparāṇi |
tathā śarīrāṇi vihāya jīrṇān’yan’yāni sanyāti navāni dēhī || 22 ||

As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, similarly, the souls accepts new materialistic bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.

Ancient Hindu temples give me a sense of awe and pride of my ancestors. My dear friends, just have a look at the ancient Hindu temples. All those temples will calm our body and soul. We should be highly proud to be born in Sanatana Dharma.

Hinduism teaches me to honour the learned and the wise. We should always honour our Guru, elders etc. If we don’t, then even Bhagavan Vishnu will not help us.

“dharmo rakshati, rakshitaha” – If we are serving and are as per the path of Dharma, even Dharma (Bhagavan Vishnu) will help us.

Hinduism promotes healthy and simple eating. Hindu Sanatana Dharma is so great and superior, that it knows everything which is involved in healthy eating.

There are mainly three types of people on earth, that is, Different types of Jivas / people are: Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika. 

For Satvika jivas, Lord Sri Brahma Deva or Lord Sri Vayu Deva is the niyamaka (controlling) Devata. | For Rajasika Jivas Puranjana is the niyamaka Devata. | For Tamasika Jivas Kali of Kaliyuga (read as Kali and not as Kaali) is the niyamaka Devata.

Now, let us know the different types of food as per these three Gunas:

Tamasika : Tamasika foods are those that have a sedative effect on the mind and body. In general, they are considered detrimental. According to yoga, these foods are to be avoided as they can cause mental dullness and physical numbness.

Examples: Meat of an animal, fish, the fertilized egg, onion, garlic, scallion, leek, chive, mushroom, alcoholic beverages, durian, blue cheese, eggplant, opium, and any food which has been kept overnight before consumption.

Rajasika : Rajasika foods are those that have a stimulating effect on the mind and body. They are considered to be neither beneficial nor harmful. These foods lead to aggressiveness and irritability, and are often obtained in a way that harms another organism.

Examples: Caffeinated drinks (such as coffee, tea (both black and green), cola drinks, and energy drinks), brown or black chocolate, paan, ginkgo biloba, overly spicy food, salty food, and the unfertilized egg.

Satvika : Satvika foods are those that lead to clarity of mind and physical health. These foods are to be consumed on a regular basis. 

Satvika foods are generally those which can be obtained without harming either another organism or one’s self. Only Satvika foods are acceptable as offerings to the Hindu gods.

Examples: Water, cereal grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, unpasteurized and unhomogenized fresh milk and all fresh milk derivatives (mostly ghee, but also butter, cream, fresh or cottage cheese (paneer), and yogurt (lassi)), and raw honey.

Hindu festivals offer joyful activities for all with vegetarian diet. Hindu festivals are always a joyful moment with lots of enjoyment and also with lots of devotion.

More information you can get by clicking this link: What are the names of Hindu festivals, dates with details

Hinduism encourages thinking and rationalizing. Hinduism always allows people to discuss about the Hindu Shastras (divine books). But at the same time, one should remember to avoid abusing each other and with regard to Shastras.

Reading the stories of Hindu Rishis and devotees help me to shape my personality. Hindu divine books has a long list of great stories about our great Rishis, people etc.

For few examples, you can visit this link: What are the names of Saptarishis, details, correct information

Hinduism guides me to celebrate the different phases of life. Hinduism is really an amazing Dharma. It allows people to celebrate each and every phase of our lives. I have written these phases step by step.

You can visit this below link for more information: What are the different Shodash samskar, 16 Samskar in Hinduism

Hinduism admits that in Kaliyuga, best way to reach Bhagavan Vishnu is by chanting his different names. Please visit this below link to know about this: What are the uses of chanting Sri Hari, Sri Krishna, Vishnu names

Hinduism gives me freedom to love God in any way that is suitable to me. We can pray Bhagavan Vishnu by reading divine books, we can pray Bhagavan Vishnu by chanting his different name, we can pray by doing daily pooja, we can sing & pray him, we can dance & pray him, etc.

Hinduism is the mother of all religions. No one knows the real and exact age of Hindu Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism).

I have written a separate post on this, you can refer this link: When was Hinduism Sanatan Dharm started

Hinduism sees unity in diversity. Hinduism since ages has accepted people from various religions and regions. This is the greatness of Hindu Sanatana Dharma. Hinduism helps me to see the impermanence of the body. Our body is not permanent. We will get a new body in every incarnation.

Hinduism teaches that life is a series of birth and death until I attain perfection. Not only humans have life after life, but even trees, planets, mountains, insects, Universes etc. etc. etc. all have the rebirth and reincarnation. (See above for more information).

I am a Hindu because it tells me that the purpose of life is to realize God. Only in Hinduism, we speak about Moksha / Mukti. Moksha / Mukti means not dyeing. But it means going and permanently staying in Vaikuntha along with Bhagavavan Lord Sri Vishnu.

Continue reading about Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) :Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) importane, significance, facts, etc.

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