Foreigners visiting India often ask for guidance on Hinduism, which they can understand and relate to what they see,

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. It is the prime religion followed by a majority of people of India, Nepal and Bali with a liberal sprinkle elsewhere in the world. One word Hindu is of geographic origin and is derived from the name originally given to the people settled in the valleys of river sindhu. Foreigners in due course called them Hindus and the faith of Hindus is called HINDUISM.

"OM" the symbol of absolute. This mystic syllable is known as Pranava and is the symbol of Brahman. In relation to the world, and to make the universal Spirit easily understandable, Brahman with form and attributes is known as Iswara. Trinity, the three main forms of God-Head, Creation, Preservation and Destruction are further simplified by Iswara, being called Brahma, when he takes over the creation of Universe, Vishnu, when he assumes the role of Preserver and Shiva, when he is the destroyer. Different iconographical features are depicted for different deities at different times; depending on the roles they perform. In one temple Vishnu may be shown in a peaceful form and in another a role of destroying evil.

The story of markandeya showed how a young boy conquered his pre-destined fate by his devotion to Siva. Given only a 16-year span of life, markeandeya did not allow Yama, the god of
Death to take him away on the due date but was given a gift of immortality by Shiva by the Strength of Bakthi, Devotion.

Photo of Shiva and Yama, Pattadakal, Karnataka. Indra and Indrani on the elephant Airavata, Somanathpur, Karnataka. Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu, The Trinity, Halebid - Karnataka.
Brahma the Creator is shown with Four Heads facing all four directions symbolizing that he created the Universe.
The fact is that, after each KALPA (or age) He meditates and recreates the Universe. He sits on a Lotus which is the symbol of purity, as Lotus usually grows in muddy waters, but is untouched by dirt from which it emerges, a true Yogi should be unaffected by the world around him. Brahma, Aihole - Karnataka

Vishnu is represented as lying on the many-headed cobra, Ananta, in the ocean of Milk. Ananta denotes Cosmic Energy and the ocean symbolizes Anandha or the endless bliss and grace of the Brahman. Vishnu is given the colour Blue to Symbolize infinity, as he is as limitless as the Blue sky. He holds the Chakra or the discus one hand denoting that he maintains Dharma (righteousness) and order in the Universe. The Shanka or Conch that he holds in the other is for the removal of ignorance and is also the Symbolic of NadhaBrahman or the music of the Cosmos, as the Conch when placed to the ear has a deep humming sound. The Gadha or mace for removing the evil in the world and the Lotus is the symbol of Beauty and Purity of the Cosmic Universe. The vehicle of Vishnu is Garuda, the man-Eagle, a figure of great strength, power and piety. Vishnu is lying on the many Headed Cobra. Ananta(Shesa), Aihole, Karnataka

Ten Avatars of Incarnations of Lord Vishnu depicts help Given by God during the various stages of man's evolution by his appearing on the earth in different form. These avatars teach mankind that God has re established Dharma and righteous justice and destroyed injustice from time to time by appearing on earth in various Incarnations.

In Mahabalipuram you can see Varaha avatar at the end of deluge in the last KALPA or age. Bhoomi Devi (Mother earth) sank into the bottom of ocean. Vishnu taking the form of large boar, Varaha divided into the ocean and carried the Goddess out of the water by his massive Snout.

One of the basic beliefs of Hinduism is the law of Karma and Action. The law of cause and effect. It is explained by Saying, "As we sow, we shall reap. Shiva, the destroyer of the Universe is often shown as Nataraja: his dance depicts cosmic energy. He dances on the demon that represents our EGO. Only by destroying ones ego one can attain God-Head In one hand Shiva holds a deer, which denotes many unsteady mind, which darts hither and thither like the deer but has to be brought under control. IN another he handles a rattle drum the symbol of creative activity and in the third, l the fir the symbol of Destruction. His fourth hand in the ABHAYAMUTHRA says "DO NOT FEAR". I shall protect as I destroy. The circle of fire behind him symbolizes continuity and eternal motion of the universe through the paths of the Creation Preservation and Destruction. The river Goddess Ganga on Shiva's head denotes eternity and purity and the Crescent moon reminds us of waxing and waning of the moon and the movement of time. The cobra coiling around him is again symbol of cosmic energy. Shiva's garland of skull reminds that death comes to all and his third eye depicts that god is all seeing and wise. Placed in the center of the forehead on which yogi concentrate while in meditation this spot is symbolic as the seat of wisdom. Shiva opens his third eye to destroy evil.

Kancheepuram, Thanjavur and Kumbakkonam are also known for the explicit sculptured temple and statues and rock depictions as in Mamallapuram. The Story of Arjuna's penance, Five Rathas and the Shore Temple are classic examples of the explicit architecture. The Suriyanayanar temple in Aduthurai near Kumbakkonam is a masterpiece as it allows sunlight to fall only on the Deity. The temple sanctorum is shrouded in darkness and only a ray of sunlight passes through.

The fifth set of scriptures is the Agamas. These lay down the separate theological disciplines and doctrines for the worship of particular deities. Details of this type of worship will be covered later on. Suffice to say now that from these Agamas have sprouted three main sects amongst the Hindus, the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta. An important part of the third section in each Agama covers the rules for constructing temples. That is why, whatever the style of outward architecture, the plan of temples is the same as laid down in each Agama for accommodating the rituals in that form of worship. All thinking in India has been affected by Vedanta, which, even though we may not be aware of it, is the very root of our culture and beliefs. The Upanishads, the Vedanta Sutras and the Bhagavad-Gita Gita are called the Prasthan Traya, or the three authoritative scriptures of Hinduism. The three great commentators on the Vedanta Sutras were Adi Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhavacharya. Vedanta has influenced great thinkers from time immemorial. Greek thinkers like Plato and later European philosophers like Vedantic Philosophy as influenced Spinoza, Nietzche and Schophenhauer expounded by the ancient rishis of the Upanishadic period. Vedanta appeals to the mind and to one's logical understanding. It gives satisfactory answers to the spiritual doubts of wise men at all times in all ages. It is a school of philosophy that appeals equally to the mystical minds of the Seers of the East, and to the philosophers of the Western world who are conditioned by a pragmatic and scientific environment.

A-the garbha griha (or womb cell where the image of the deity is installed. There is a passage for circumambulation around it. B-Antarala or vestibule. C-Mandapa or pillared hall where devotees gather for worship. D - Ardha Mandapa or entrance proch. E - Maha mandapa, a large hall used for discourses, bhajans (religious music sessions) etc. F - Kalyana Mandapa where festivals and rituals, like the marriage of the deity are conducted. (E & F are found only in the larger temples which often have several more mandapas and shrines.)