When did Hinduism originate?

• Hinduism is believed to be one of the oldest religions in the world, Scholars believe Hinduism dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Rig Veda scripts were composed.

What is the purpose of human life, as per Hindus?

• The Purusharthas are the inherent values of the Universe. They are Dharma (duty, ethics), Artha (prosperity, wealth), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (the pursuit of liberation)

Do Hindus have a bible?

• Hinduism does not just have one sacred book but several scriptures. The Vedas scriptures guide Hindus in their daily life. They also help to preserve the religious dimensions of family and society.

Do Hindus believe in reincarnation?

• Most Hindus believe in reincarnation. Hinduism, the world's oldest surviving religion, is unified by its acceptance of samsara, a chain of births and deaths linked by reincarnation. Controlling samsara is the law of karma, the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence. Hindus believe that all individuals accumulate karma over the course of a lifetime and this determines their fate in future existences.

Do Hindus eat meat?

• Hinduism does not require a vegetarian diet, but many Hindus avoid eating meat because they believe that it minimizes hurting other life forms. Vegetarianism is considered satvic, that is purifying the body and mind lifestyle in some Hindu texts.

How many Gods are worshiped in the Hindu religion?

• The 33 Million Gods of Hinduism. However, most Hindus have a personal god or goddess, such as Shiva, Krishna or Lakshmi, to whom they pray regularly. The three most important Hindu gods are: Brahma - known as the Creator; Vishnu - known as the Preserver; and Shiva (Siva)- known as the Destroyer.

Aarti / Arti

• A ritual of worship, and a part of puja, in which light is offered to one or more deities. Aarti(s) also refers to the songs of praise during the ritual. The purpose of performing aarti is to demonstrate a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in god's divine form. It symbolizes the five elements of  space (Akash), wind (Vayu), fire (Agni), water (Jal), and earth (Prithvi).

Bhakti

• Bhakti refers the devotional worship directed to one supreme deity, usually Vishnu or Shiva.

Bhojan

• Bhojan is a home-style meal that's hearty and satisfying. The cuisine, based on recipes from Punjab, in the north of India, and Gujarat, in the west, is comprised of small plates, snacks, sweets, lassi drinks and platters of thali—a multi-course meal divided into small bowls.

Darshan

• Darshan is an opportunity or occasion to see a holy person or the image of a deity. It is also a philosophy that describes the experience of the beholding of a deity, revered person, or sacred object. The experience is considered to be reciprocal and results in the human viewers’ receiving a blessing.

Kirtan

• Kirtan is a song or chant set to music. Multiple singers recite or describe a legend, express loving devotion to a deity, or discuss spiritual ideas. It may include dancing or direct expression of bhavas (emotive states) by the singer. A kirtan performance includes an accompaniment of regionally popular musical instruments, such as the harmonium, veena, ektara or tabla.  

Mandir

• A Hindu temple is referred to as a Mandir, or place of worship and a spiritual center.

Murti

• Murti is an image, or statue, of a deity or person and is an embodiment of the divine. A Murti is typically made by carving stone, wood working, metal casting or pottery.

Prasadam / Prasad

• Prasadam is a material substance of vegetarian food that is a religious offering and is normally consumed by worshipers after worship.

Puja / Pooja

• Puja is a prayer ritual of devotional worship to one or more deities, to host and honor a guest, or to spiritually celebrate an event or passing. Puja, the loving offering of light, flowers, and water or food to the divine, is the essential ritual of Hinduism.

  * Source: Wikipedia