Facts on Hinduism

meaning of name Hinduism, from the Persian hindu (Sanskrit sindhu), literally "river." Means "of the Indus Valley" or simply "Indian." Hindus call their religion sanatama dharma,"eternal religion" or "eternal truth." date founded Earliest forms date to 1500 BC or earlier place founded India founder none adherents 900 million size rank third largest in the world main location India, also United Kingdom and United States major sects Saivism, Vaisnavism, Saktism sacred texts Vedas, Upanishads, Sutras, Bhagavad Gita original language Sanskrit spiritual leader guru or sage place of worship temple or home shrine theism pantheism with polytheistic elements (see Is Hinduism Polytheistic?) ultimate reality Brahman human nature in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but able to escape purpose of life to attain liberation (moksa) from the cycle of reincarnation how to live order life according to the dharma afterlife if karma unresolved, soul is born into a new body; if karma resolved, attain moksa (liberation) major holidays Mahashivarati (mid-February) Holi (Spring) Ramnavami (late March) Dusserah (early November) Diwali (mid-November)