Hinduism: the World’s Third Largest Religion - Hinduism can trace its origins way, way back to 2,500 B.C. At that time, Aryans entered what is now India and imposed new religious beliefs upon the people who lived there. Over time, those beliefs evolved into what is now referred to as Hinduism.

Hinduism’s long history can be easily traced in phases. The initial phase, the Vedic era, was followed by the Brahmans Era. The Brahmans were High Holy Priests who conducted sacrifices as a way keep a natural balance between the Gods and the Cosmos. Hundreds of years later, the Karma Era took hold. During this time, it was believed that the individual would reap the result of his good or bad behavior.

Clearly, good “Karma,” as it is thought about today, would bring about good results. In the middle Ages, Hinduism continues to evolve and the faithful became deeply devoted. In fact, their fervor was often overwhelming. This period is known as the Tantra Era. Over time, the Hindu religion continued to evolve and change. In its 4,500 year history, there have been – and there still are – seemingly countless Gods. In the current manifestation, there are, in fact, three primary Gods: Shiva, the God of Death and Time; Vishnu, the Protector of Humanity; and Brahma, the Creator of the Universe.

While these Deities are the three main faces of God, there are hundreds more Gods who are less well known and far less important. However, all current Gods are thought to be manifestations (or faces) of a single, Universal Deity.

Importantly, Hinduism differs from Christianity and other monotheistic religions in a number of ways. Consider all of the following: Hinduism does not have a single founder; Hinduism does not have a specific theological system. Hinduism does not accept the concept of a single deity. Hinduism does not have a single holy text. Hinduism does not have a single system of morality. Hinduism does not have a central religious authority. Hinduism does not endorse – or believe in – the concept of a prophet.

So … what does Hinduism have going for it? To begin, it is the world’s third largest religion. 837 million people in India and in Nepal consider themselves devoted and devout Hindus. That makes this religion responsible for 13& of the world’s population.

And while Hinduism is often thought by non-believers to be something other than a religion, the fact that so many people are devout followers attests to its true value as a religion or as a moral belief system that provides help and comfort to people when it is needed.

Interestingly and importantly, Hinduism continues to evolve, just as it has since its origins more than 4,500 years ago. And while it doesn’t celebrate the existence of a single deity, it remains one of the world’s oldest and most important religions with nearly one billion devoted followers living almost entirely on the Asian sub-continent.