Beginnings of Hinduism

Hinduism has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, although the Hindu way of life is more often referred to by Hindus as the Sanatana Dharma (eternal way of life). Hinduism has no single founding figure or point of historical origin and Hindus perceive the Sanatana Dharma to be eternal. It has developed in very diverse schools of thought and religious practice.

Central Aspects of Hinduism - The Divine

Hinduism includes both monotheists and monists. The Divine can be understood either as an impersonal Brahman (the Advaita position) or as a Supreme Person (the Dvaita position). Hinduism also has many devas and devis or gods and goddesses, which present aspects of the divine. Among these are: 

• Indra (god of rain) 
• Surya (sun god) 
• Chandra (moon god) 
• Ganesha (remover of obstacles) 
• Yama (god of death) 
• Sarasvati (goddess of learning) 
• Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) 
• Hanuman (the ardent devotee of Rama)