The Hindus believe that the Universe was a single entity and called it Brahmin. This soon came to be equated with a masculine form of God, named Brahma. He was the creator of the Universe. Later, two other Gods joined to form the Trinity. They were, Vishnu - the protector, and Shiva - the destroyer. The Vedic age, which belongs to the period of the Harappan and Mohenjodaro civilizations, established around 2400 BC, has given an entire body of literature to the world. The hymns sung then were collectively called the Vedas. The Vedic Age is when Hinduism actually began. The Vedic Gods were led by Indra. They got their strength from the drink - Soma, a form of ambrosia. The idea of atma, the soul, is an integral part of Hinduism, and the transmigration of the soul, a fundamental concept. From 500 BC to about 100 AD, the age of Buddhism and Jainism put Hinduism in decline. Buddha's doctrine took India by storm. Hinduism, however, was able to survive the storm by renewing itself. Sacrifice went out of favor and the influence of Jainism and Buddhism led to the composition of the Upanishads. It was also during this time that Vishnu and Shiva completed their eclipse of Indra and the other Vedic gods.

Post Comment

Name : Email : Password : Comments :