Comprehensive Overview of Major World Religions

Hinduism

Religion shaped by diverse Indian cultures and beliefs.

Aryans

Migrants to India around 1500 BCE, influencing culture.

Vedas

Earliest Hindu texts composed between 1500-500 BCE.

Sindhu River

River associated with early Hindu civilization.

Atman

Eternal soul present in all living beings.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of life and death.

Samsara

Cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Karma

Law determining rebirth based on actions.

Dharma

One's duty to ensure good karma.

Ahimsa

Principle of non-violence in Hinduism.

Puja

Ritual worship to honor deities.

Murti

Image representing a deity in worship.

Mantras

Chants or hymns sung during rituals.

Yoga

Practice for attaining liberation and self-realization.

Path of Knowledge

Meditation and mind focus for enlightenment.

Path of Devotion

Worshiping a chosen deity throughout life.

Path of Good Works

Performing dharma through disciplined actions.

Brahman

Supreme cosmic force sustaining the universe.

Brahma

Creator god in Hindu Trimurti.

Vishnu

Preserver god in Hindu Trimurti.

Shiva

Destroyer god in Hindu Trimurti.

Varnas

Castes in Hindu society based on karma.

Brahmin

Highest caste in the Hindu caste system.

Brahmanas

Priestly writings in Hindu tradition.

Diwali

Festival of lights celebrating good over evil.

Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth celebrated during Diwali.

Holi

Festival of colors celebrating Radha and Krishna.

Mahashivratri

Celebration of Lord Shiva's birthday.

Navratri

Nine-night festival honoring Goddess Durga.

Jatakarma

Ceremony welcoming a newborn child.

Mundan Ceremony

First haircut ceremony for infants.

Upanayana

Sacred thread ceremony marking boy's adulthood.

Vivaha

Marriage ceremony marking family life union.

Antyesti

Funeral rites ensuring safe soul journey.

Sanskrit

Ancient language of Hindu scriptures.

Shruti

Revealed scriptures passed down orally.

Smriti

Traditional scriptures passed through generations.

Rig Veda

Oldest Veda containing hymns and praises.

Mahabharata

Epic detailing the battle between Pandavas and Kauravas.

Bhagavad Gita

Philosophical dialogue within the Mahabharata.

Ramayana

Epic narrating the story of Rama and Sita.

Manu Smriti

Lawbook outlining rules for Hindu society.

Guru Nanak

Founder of Sikhism and first Sikh guru.

One God

Central belief in Sikhism; God is singular.

Equality of All

All humans are equal; caste system rejected.

NAM

Presence of God within each individual.

Ritualism Disapproval

Good deeds, not rituals, determine judgment.

Community Involvement

Sikhs must care for the poor and fight injustice.

Reincarnation

Soul transmigrates until pure and united with God.

Naam Japna

Meditation on God's name for divine presence.

Kirat Karni

Earning an honest living; living truthfully.

Vand Chakna

Sharing with others and helping the less fortunate.

Simran

Sikh prayer using the mantra 'Satnam Waheguru'.

Seva

Selfless service demonstrating equality among people.

Amrit Ceremony

Initiation ceremony into the Khalsa community.

Kesh

Uncut hair symbolizes acceptance of God's image.

Kangha

Wooden comb for neatness; symbolizes organization.

Kara

Iron bracelet reminding of noble actions and teachings.

Kirpan

Ceremonial sword symbolizing justice and duty.

Kachera

Modest under-shorts symbolizing discipline and restraint.

Amritsar

Holistic city housing the Golden Temple.

Gurdwara

Place for prayer and service in Sikhism.

Guru Granth Sahib

Sacred scripture and eternal Guru of Sikhs.

Waheguru

Names for God; means 'Wondrous Lord'.

Anand Karaj

Sikh marriage ceremony; sacred union of souls.

Wedding Hymn

Instructions for true communion in marriage.

Adi Granth

Original name of Guru Granth Sahib.

Langar

Community kitchen promoting equality and selfless service.

Khanda

Symbol representing Sikhism's values of justice.

Nishan Sahib

Sikh flag symbolizing Sikh identity.

Khalsa

Group of 'pure' Sikhs, warrior saints.

5 K's

Five articles of faith worn by Khalsa.

Turban

Head covering worn by Sikh men and women.

Social Justice in Sikhism

Core belief in equality, rejection of caste system.

Gurpurab

Festival celebrating the birth of a guru.

Akhand Path

Continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

Baisakhi

Sikh New Year and birth of Khalsa.

Judaism

Religion emphasizing justice and helping those in need.

Tzedakah

Acts of charity central to Jewish teachings.

Role of Women in Sikhism

Emphasis on equality and leadership opportunities.

Role of Women in Judaism

Varied roles, from home management to religious leadership.

Selfless Service

Engaging in acts of kindness without reward.

Equality in Sikhism

Belief that all people are equal, regardless of background.

Tenakh

Complete Jewish scriptures divided into three sections.

Torah

Book of teaching, includes 613 commandments.

Talmud

Collection of rabbinical teachings on Torah laws.

Nevim

Books of the prophets detailing Jewish history.

Ketuvim

Writings including stories and Psalms.

Western Wall

Symbol of hope, remains from Jerusalem's temple.

Shechina

Divine presence found at the Western Wall.

Mezuzah

Sacred text on doorpost, signifies God's presence.

Mizrah

Artwork on eastern wall, reminds to face Jerusalem.

Menorah

Seven-branched candelabra symbolizing creation and life.

Hanukkah Menorah

Nine-branched candelabra used during Hanukkah celebrations.

Star of David

Two interlocking triangles, symbol of Jewish identity.

Abraham and Sarah

Foundational figures in Jewish origins, 3800 years ago.

Covenant

Promise between God and Abraham in Jewish scriptures.

Adonai

Sacred name for God, means 'Lord' in prayers.

Shema

Central prayer affirming God's oneness and love.

Moses Maimonides

Influential Jewish philosopher, known as 'Second Moses'.