Hindu Religious Believes

Hindus view three cosmic activities of the Supreme Being, which are, creation, preservation, and dissolution and recreation. They associate these three cosmic tasks to the three deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Lord Brahma is the creator and represents the creative part of the Supreme Being. Lord Vishnu runs and maintains the universe and thus represents the eternal principle of preservation. Lord Shiva is the destroyer and recreator. These three gods put together form the Hindu Trinity ( Trimurthy). Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are not without connection. They are the same power (the Supreme Being), but have three different aspects. The Supreme Being is called Brahma. Vishnu, Bramha or Shiva when perform the three different cosmic tasks of creation, preservation, and dissolution/recreation. The following are the most important gods for Hinduism.

Lord Ganesh:

This Hindu deity is in a human form but has the head of an elephant. He represents the power of the Supreme Being who removes obstacles and ensures success in human work. Hindus worship Ganesha before beginning any activity. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the first son of Shiva and Parvati. The portrayal of Lord Ganesha as a blend of human and animal parts symbolizes the ideals of perfection as formed by Hindu sages. This form of Ganesha also symbolizes philosophical concepts of profound spiritual significance.

Lord Shiva:

He represents that aspect of the Supreme Being (Brahman of the Upanishads) that dissolves and creates the cyclic process of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the universe. His cosmic activity is destruction and recreation, thus the words destroyer and destruction have been associated with Lord Shiva. A good balance between the opposing forces of good and evil sustains creation. When balance of this is disturbed then sustenance of life becomes impossible. Lord Shiva then dissolves the universe so that a new creation of the next order can be formed so that the unliberated souls get another opportunity to liberate themselves from bondage from the physical world. Thus, Lord Shiva protects the souls from pain. He protects people from forces such as lust, greed, and anger. He is the granter of boons, and bestows grace.

Lord Brahma:

He is that aspect of the Supreme Reality that brings forth creation. Hindus call him as the creator of the universe. His consort is Saraswati, who is the Goddess of learning and knowledge. Goddess Saraswati helps Lord Brahma by providing him with knowledge that is necessary for the process of creation.

Lord Vishnu:
He represents the aspect of perseverance and sustenance of the Supreme Reality. A human body with four arms generally symbolizes Vishnu. The four arms of his indicate his omnipresence and omnipotence. His two front arms show his activity in the physical world and his two back arms signify his activity in the spiritual world. The right side of his body is the sign of creative activities of the mind and the intellect. The left side signifies the activities of the heart, that is, love, kindness, and compassion.

Goddess Durga:

She represents the power of the Supreme Being who preserves moral order. The Sanskrit word Durga actually means a fort or a place that is protected and thus difficult to reach. Durga, is also known as the Divine Mother, who protects humans from evil by destroying evil forces. Durga also has many other names, like Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. She has eighteen arms, in each she carries weapons to destroy evil.

Lakshmi:
She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The word ''Lakshmi'' is formed from a Sanskrit word called Laksme, which means "goal." She therefore, signifies the goal of life (worldly or spiritual prosperity). Lakshmi is a female form with four arms and four hands. She wears a red saree with a golden lining and is seen standing on a lotus. She has golden coins and lotuses in her hands.

Saraswati:

She is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. Sanskrit word "sara" means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswati means "the essence of the self". According to Hindu mythology she is the divine consort of Lord Brahma. who is the Creator of the universe. Knowledge is necessary for creation. Goddess Saraswati is generally depicted with four arms. She wears a white sari and is seated on a white lotus. She holds a book and a rosary in two of her hands. Her other two hands are engaged in playing Veena. She has a swan as her vehicle. There is a peacock by her side.

Indian Food
Indian food has a wide range of varied cuisines that are absolutely lip smacking. There are so many types of food in India that it becomes difficult to choose from the diverse range of traditional food in India. Just like the amalgamation of cultures, we have an amalgamation of food styles too. Some are authentic, some are inspired and some are discovered accidentally! Though there is no scarcity of food, the range that India offers is so gigantic that you may not able to decide what to eat in India. Read on further for details on the Indian food that is prepared with generous doses of love. The Malaysian indian food is ruled by rice and preparations made from rice. It is light and easily digested. A main ingredient used in most dishes is grated coconut or coconut oil, which adds to the essence of the food and creates an aroma which is enough to send you scurrying to the nearest food joint. A typical south Indian meal would consist of rice served with piping hot sambhar (vegetable gravy with pulses), rasam (soup like preparation), curd and pickles along with atleast two different varieties of vegetables prepared in two different styles. A light crisp item called "pappadam" for occasional crunching in between is also served. South Indian food is less greasy and oily as compared to north Indian cuisine as most items are steamed or shallow fried. Other very popular south Indian preparations are dosa (fermented rice pancakes), idli (steamed rice cakes), Vada (fried doughnut like items that are not sweet), to mention a few. South Indians are known to use generous amounts of home made spices that make the food really tasty. Most non-vegetarian dishes have fish as the main ingredient and other forms of sea food.

Examples of Indian Food

It was in the 19th century that Indian labourers migrated to Malaysia to work in rubber estates and on railways, bringing with them cooks from the land of overwhelming curries and rich onions. Here in Malaysia, both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine have been adapted to produce sensational curries, delicious bread and creative desserts. Coriander, turmeric, cumin and curry feature heavily in Indian dishes along with rich ingredients such as ghee, yoghurt and chilli. The best way to describe Indian food is elaborate, fragrant and hot. Indian food typically utilises three main elements, Masala or fragrant spices, Dhal, lentil soup in a pasty texture and chutney. Bread is oven-baked into circular, flat shapes while meats are usually cooked in curries or fried in bright batter. Today, Indian food is commonly enjoyed by all Malaysians in restaurants and more popularly, Mamak stalls, which are bare-back al fresco restaurants on sidewalks and street corners. Indians, like Malays, usually eat with their hands but forks and spoons are becoming commonplace. Hindus (the main religion of Indians) do not eat beef. Some great dishes to try:

Roti Canai

A favourite for breakfast, Roti Canai is the ultimate in simplicity and taste. It is basically a kind of pancake made by combining wheat flour, oil, ghee, or butter, rolled up into a ball and then swung into the air until it takes a flat, oval shape. It is then fried on a hot iron plate and served with dhal, chicken or fish curry. There are many variations on the same theme that include putting in eggs to make it Roti Telur, sardines to make it Roti Sardin, bananas to make it Roti Pisang and so on.

Tandoori Chicken

Whole spring chickens or chicken quarters are marinated in a deep red batter with yoghurt and spices and then skewered on a metal stick. They poles of chicken are gingerly placed in a steaming hot circular oven from the top. Covered for a time and then lifted out, the result is a delicious red chicken that is wonderful to the tongue. Tandoori chicken goes well with a spicy mint sauce and plain or unleavened Naan bread

Mutton Kurma

Mutton Kurma or mutton curry is a delightful dish of lamb or mutton cooked in a medley of spices - coriander, aniseed, peppercorns, turmeric, cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, nutmegs and cardamoms. Cumin is its main ingredient, giving the curry a rich yellow complexion. The taste is simply a delightful blend of spiciness thats not too overpowering with an explosive zing in the middle.

Indian dance

Prakriti Ora, one of the sixty four mati-akhora or basic Sattriya exercises. These are:

Dances performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals were called Agama Nartanam. Natya Shastra classifies this type of dance form as margi, or the soul-liberating dance, unlike the desi (purely entertaining) forms. Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music were called Carnatakam. This was an intellectual art form. * Darbari Aattam form

For lack of any better equivalents in the European culture, the British colonial authorities called any performing art forms found in India as "Indian dance". Even though the art of Natya includes nritta, or dance proper, Natya has never been limited to dancing and includes singing, abhinaya (mime acting). These features are common to all the Indian classical styles. In the margi form Nritta is composed of karanas, while the desi nritta consists mainly of adavus. The term "classical" (Sanscr. "Shastriya") was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-based performing art styles. A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the mudra or hand gestures by the artists as a short-hand sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion. Many classical dances include facial expressions as an integral part of the dance form. [edit] Dance forms Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight Indian dance styles, while the Encyclopdia Britannica mentions six recognized schools[1] and other sources state there are eight dance forms.[2][3]

INDIAN CLOTHINGS
Indinan clothing is famous because it is colorful and also graceful. Outfits for women are designed to be graceful. While men's clothes are for the warm climate and comfort. Certain trends in clothing prevail even to date throughout the country.

WOMEN'S CLOTHING:
The traditional Indian clothing for women is the Sari, which can be worn in many different ways. A choli is worn over a sari, which is a blouse that ends just below the bust. The Salwar Kameej is one of the most popular costumes. The Salwar Kameez too has had many designs. One of the other traditional dresses is the Lehangas.

The sari:

The Sari is still so popular even after centuries because it has a sense of luxury and sexuality to it. Even though it is a single length of material, the sari is a very versatile garment. It is a rectangular piece of cloth, which is sometimes five and usually six yards in length. The style, color and texture of this cloth vary. But the most traditional ones are the handloom or hand woven saris. Now a -days it is made from cotton, silk or one of the several man-made materials.

MEN'S TRADITIONAL CLOTHING:

The traditional attire of men includes: Sherwani, Lungi, Dhoti and Kurta Pajama.

The sherwani:
It is a coat like garment, worn by men, which is tight and close to the body. It is usually knee-length or longer and opens in front with the help of buttons. Below this men wear a garment, which is baggy and wide at the top but tight around the legs and ankles. It is considered as a very elegant dress for men and mostly worn only during ceremonies.

The lungi:

The lungi had originated in the south and is still common there. Today men and women wear it in the same fashion. It is simply a long length of material worn around the thighs like a sarong.

The dhoti:

A dhoti is a longer version of a lungi. It has an additional length of material to be pulled up between the legs.

Indian music
Hindu music is also called as sangeet. Music is believed to have mythological roots and is associated with the heavenly singers, called the Gandharvas. The first person to practice this art form was Narada. The oldest texts associated with music are the Sama Veda, which consists of melodies, which are recited, in the form of hymns during ritual sacrifice. Music is considered as a means of moral or spiritual connection rather than mere entertainment. There are three key elements in the music discipline The guru - coming in parampara where the disciple becomes the successor Vinaya - humility, this is one of the key ingredients expected from a disciple Sadhana -practice of what is being taught regularly Hindu music is based on two main things called Raga, the melodic scale Tala, the rhythm Both Raga and Tala chosen carefully invokes the right mood (rasa). In discussing the aesthetics of dance and music, Bharata Muni coined the concept of nava-rasa, (nine principle "moods" or "tastes.)" During the Bhakhi movement, emphasis was on spiritual emotion, so worship was integrated into music. It was considered not only adoration but a means towards a higher consciousness. Tansen is also another important person remembered because he was believed to perform miracles through his singing. Common instruments used for Hindu music includes drums, such as the tables mridangas, the manjira and the harmonium. Classical instruments include, tabla, include the flute, vina, sitar, sarangi, santoor, and shenai The music of India is considered monodic. Its tone is divided into 22 segments called srutis. The basic scales in Hindu music are sa-grama. Other scales are derived from the basic srutis by the sharping or flatting of some of the tones. Melody is based on the system of ragas, and is used as the basis for improvisation.There are many ragas, and there are sets of rules for improvisation in that raga. Each raga is attributed with certain ethical and emotional properties, and is also associated with a certain season and a certain time of day. Ragas are also associated with magical powers. For example if a raga associated with darkness is sung in the middle of the day then it can even bring darkness upon the earth. In the performance of the ragas, lots of importance is attached to the gamakas, (ornaments) of music. Music is based on very complex rhythmic patterns, called talas, which are combined in the most innovative ways. The oldest instrument is the Drum and there are several types in it. The most important instrument is the Veena. A similar instrument is the sitar, the most commonly used instrument in India. In addition, various types of bagpipe, lute, fiddle, oboe, trumpet, flute, cymbal, and gong have been known.

Indian Festivals
Every year a lot of festivals are celebrated in India. Different rituals mark every festival. These rituals are very important and are usually followed with an aesthetic and spiritual fervor. The rituals of Indian festivals are being followed since the past several centuries in the same way that they used to several hundred years ago. Festivals and Rituals form an integral part of Indian Hindu culture. This culture will continue to be followed with the same zeal and enthusiasm for centuries to come. The following are some of the most important festivals followed by Hindus in India.

Navratri:
It is believed that the world consists of nine elements - 'Panchamahabhurt' (the basic elements from which matter is made.) and four 'Antahkaran' (consciousness). According to the Hindus, these nine elements are the nine forms of goddess Durga. She is believed to be the "Shakti". The same Shakti is known by different names or forms like 'Mahakali' (goddess with physical, strength & power), 'Mahalaxmi' (goddess of wealth and prosperity), and 'Saraswati' (goddess of knowledge). These nine days are divided and devoted to these different forms of Goddess durga. Three days are dedicated for Durga. Three other days for Lakshmi. And three days for Sarswati.On the fifth day (Lalita Panchami), it is traditional, to gather all books, light a lamp and invoke Sarswati. On the eighth and ninth day, it is traditional to perform Yagna (sacrifice offered to the fire) to honor the Divine Mother. This is the reason behind the importance of the number nine of the famous Navarathri.'

Diwali (Dipavali):

Dipavali has a special place among all festivals in India. It is one of the most ancient festivals. Preparations for Dipavali start weeks ahead. Hindu's clean their households. On the last day of the month of Kartik many lamps (diyas) are lit. During this festival goddess Laxmi is worshipped. According to the legend, Bali - (king of demon) controlled the whole world. He put goddess Laxmi, in the prison. So all the deities requested lord Vishnu so he incarnated as Vaman, and freed Laxmi from Bali's captivity. So, people on this day express their happiness by lighting their houses with burning lamps.

Ganesh Chathurthi(September):

Ganesh Chaturthi Early in the morning after offering prayers, make a platform and place the idol of Ganesh on it. The worship of the idol happens in sixteen ceremonial methods. One should offers favorite food of ganesha like Laddoos. After the worship (pooja) one offers ladoos and other gifts to Brahmins. At night after moon rise one should worship the moon god and then offer water (Arghya). The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with pomp. The idol of Ganesh is kept for either 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 days and is worshipped. Then the idol goes on a long procession and then is discharged into water (visarjan). This day of discharge is called Anant Chaturdashi.

Raksha Bandhan(August):
Among the Indian festivals, Raksha Bandhan is an important and historical festival. According to the legend, Sachi, the wife of Indra tied a protective thread on the wrist of Indra. This protection thread had protected Indra from his enemies and he defeated his enemies. Ever since, this festival is being celebrated every year, on the full moon day, in the month of Shravan. This tradition now has changed to become a symbol of love bond between the brother and a sister. The sister ties this protective thread around his wrist and in turn, the brother takes the responsibility of the protection of the sister.

Ram Navami(April):

Ram Navami is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra and on the ninth day of the bright lunar phase, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sri Ram. The incarnation of Sri Rama is for showing humans he path of virtuosity and truth. Rama is considered as an ideal in all types of relationships like, teacher-student, motherfather, Brother-sister in law, Husband-wife, friend-enemy. Incidents that happened with Rama may seem larger than life, but many believe that they are undoubtedly true.

Holi:

Holi, which falls on the full moon day, in the Hindu month of 'Falgun', is the last major festival of the year. People celebrate this festival with enthusiasm and without making any discrimination between rich and poor, high and low. In Sanskrit language, fried cereals are called 'Holka'. Holikotsav is named after it. Holi is celebrated in the memory of Prahlad's victory over his father's sister named 'Holika'. Prahalad's father asked his sister Holika(she had a boon that fire couldn't burn her) to sit in the burning fire with Prahlad in her lap. But the opposite happened, Prahlad survived the fire but Holika was charred to death. Thus 'holi' is celebrated to mark the victory of virtue over evil.

Makar Sankranthi:

Makar Sankranti usually is on the 14th of January every year. On this day the sun comes across the north of equator. Lord Surya it is believed begins His journey northward into the Makara Rasi in his dazzling chariot that has thousands of spokes and magnificent wheels, and is driven by seven horses. When he gets Makara Rasi it is beleievd that our lives are filled with light and there is no darkness. Even according to astrology, this period is supposed to be auspicious for activities like construction of the houses. This period so auspicious, that if a person happens to die during this period is supposed to attain moksha.

HINDU RITUALS
Hinduism is the religion of the majority of the population of India. The holy books of the religion namely
the Vedas and the Upanishads clearly explain the rituals and their mystical contents. They also explain in detail the observance of sacrificial and purification rituals.

BIRTH RITUALS Valaikappu

This ceremony is performed during the odd months of pregnancy mostly during the seventh month for the expectant mother in her mother's house. Prayers are invoked for the well-being of the mother-to -be and the foetus. Mostly women are invited for this function and priests are not involved. The expectant mother is made to wear a lot of bangles mostly glass ones of red and green colors and the sound of these bangles are supposed to reach Glass bangles used for the womb. The bangles are removed adorning pregnant woman only during delivery and given to the midwife at the birth of a child. Arti is performed. The mother of the girl presents her silk saris and gold and silver bangles. The invitees give gifts for the mother-to -be and they are given a feast.

Valaikappu

Mottai Addithal (Tonsure)

This is a ritual connected with the tonsuring or head shaving of children. This is usually done during the first or the third year of the child. The hair is consecrated and offered to the respective family deities. Celebrations or chanting of mantras are not involved. The child receives new dresses from its parents, maternal uncle and grandparents.

Kaadukutthal (Ear -Piercing)

It is a very important event for the Hindus in India. According to Hindu belief, the piercing of a hole in the ear completes the shape of AUM , based on the shape of the ear. The baby is made to sit on his maternal uncle's lap during the ritual. A goldsmith is invited to do this and he is given clothes and money. This ritual is perofrmed for children of both the sexes.While the girls retain the holes for wearing studs, the boys gradually lose them.

Annaprasanam
This ritual usually takes place on the first birthday of the child. The baby is given a mixture of rice, sugar and milk, probably his first solid food after a year of liquid diet. This ritual may be conducted at the temples too but usually it is held in the house of the child and guests are given a good lunch.

UPANAYANAMM
This is one of the most important rituals in a Hindu male's life. This event signifies the entry of the male into Brahmacharya or the state of sexual Annaprasanam abstinence as well as the commencement of his life. It signifies the entry into a state of disciplined existence. The ritual is to be conducted when the child is mentally and emotionally old enough to understand its significance and follow the practice. It involves three threads entwined together, which are symbolic of the three parts of the Gayatri Mantra. The threads are dyed yellow. The Upanayanam thread should be lifted and put behind the ears when a person goes for his daily ablutions. If one of the threads break then the entire thread should be replaced. After any birth or death in the family, the thread should be changed. It need not be taken out of the body daily. Before this ritual the male is made to tonsure his head and wear new clothes.

MARRIAGE
On an auspicious day, some few days before the marriage, priests from both the groom's side and that of the bride meet at the house of the groom and exchange the marriage agreement along with banana, coconut and betel leaves in a plate. This is called exchange of Thambulam. The groom and the bride do not meet. The bride is given an oil bath separately in her house and she is confined to her house till marriage. Thambulam

On the day before the marriage, the groom's party arrives at the Mandapam and the whole arrangement of food and the lodging for them are done by the bride's side. The bride's father with a garland welcomes the groom. On the evening the groom's party goes to a nearby temple. Then they come to the mandapam along with gifts for the bride, like fruits, sweets, coconut, banana, betel leaves, cosmetics, clothes. Then the Nathaswaram Nichayetartum or the engagement takes place with women taking arti for the groom

Mridangam

and the bride, and gifts are exchangedbetween the two parties.

The next day is the hey day when an auspicious time is selected for the Muhurtham. The boy and the girl take bath and wear new clothes gifted from the opposite sides and sit around a haven performed by a priest. There the father of the bride gives her hand to the groom and this is called Kanyadan. The thali is a piece of gold in a yellow thread, which the groom ties around the neck of the girl. He ties two knots and the groom's sister, the third one. During this ritual the nadeswaram reaches its crescendo called Kettimelam. This is done to avoid any obtrusive acts. Then an elaborate lunch consisting of Vadai , payasam, rice varieties, papad and sweets are given to the guests by the bride's side. The couple is then taken to the groom's house where the members with banana, milk and sweets welcome them. There the couple is engaged in small petty games so as to tease each other. Then the groom's side arranges a reception with a good dinner accompanied by music concerts. Couple circling the sacred fire After this, the bride's party leave her in the groom's house, where arrangements will be made for the first night ceremony.

Death
When a person dies, a lamp is lit and placed near the dead body. The body is placed in the north-south direction with the head towards the north. The eyes are closed and the feet are tied together. The eldest son is supposed to do the last rites. The body is bathed and is covered with new clothes. Then the members of the family apply oil on the forehead of the deceased. Then the body is decorated with flower garlands and is taken to the cremation ground. Usually the sons and other male members carry the dead. Women are not allowed to go to the ground. They bid farewell to the deceased at the home itself. At the cremation ground, the son applies ghee at seven important places in the body and also places coins on the forehead. Grains of rice and til are put into the mouth of the body. Wooden logs are placed over the body and ghee is sprinkled all over. The son goes round the body seven times with a pot of water and at last the pot is broken near the feet of the dead. Then as the priest chants the mantra, the son takes the Agni or fire and places it on the heart of the body. Then on the 3rd or 5 th day day after cremation, the relatives visit the crematorium and pour milk over the place , so as to pacify the dead soul. Then a simple lunch is arranged for the members.