4 Hinduism

Jeffrey Brodd

California State University, Sacramento

Layne Little

University of California, Davis

Bradley Nystrom

California State University, Sacramento

Robert Platzner

California State University, Sacramento

Richard Shek

California State University, Sacramento

Erin Stiles

University of Nevada, Reno

A Ganesha sculpture is about to be submerged at the seashore in Mumbai on the tenth and final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, a celebration of the elephant god’s birthday.

THE SKIES OVER MUMBAI are clearing and the sun is poking through the clouds, shedding rays of light on the throng of worshipers that crowd to behold the Lalbaugcha Raja sculpture of Ganesha, the elephant god. It is the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the ten-day festival celebrated across India in honor of Ganesha’s birthday. Most of those gathered had already performed puja, or worship, in their homes this morning, praying before temporarily installed clay idols of the god. There and in the presence of the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesha sculpture and many other sculptures located around the city, all having been specially prepared for the festival, Ganesha is offered his favorite foods.

At this unique temporary shrine, an exquisite idol of the god, created by a master sculptor especially for this year’s festival, is colorfully painted and adorned with flowers. Bhajan and kirtan, sacred devotional songs, are performed in the god’s honor. The shrine is alive with the music and the vibrant colors that seem to adorn most everything, including the worshipers. The entire city of Mumbai teems with life during Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most popular celebrations. Neighborhoods like Lalbaugcha sponsor their own production of Ganesha sculptures, competing with each other over the best artistic creation.

With his elephant head and human body, Ganesha is one of Hinduism’s most easily recognized deities. As the patron deity of arts and sciences and the god of wisdom, new beginnings, and commerce, he is especially venerated by students, writers, travelers, and businessmen. He is worshiped at the beginning of every new undertaking, and he is the first deity invoked in almost any Hindu ritual context. Ganesha, known as the Remover of Obstacles, is often depicted as carrying objects in his four arms (including an axe, a noose, and an elephant goad) that he uses to destroy, subdue, or control the obstacles of life. He also often holds a bowl of sweets, symbolizing his benevolent and loving nature.

Later this afternoon, at the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the shrine’s clay idol will be carried in a procession to the seashore and, to the accompaniment of music, will be submerged in the ocean where it will soon dissolve, becoming one with the natural world and thereby nourishing it. The worshipers celebrate this event, as Ganesha is believed now to return home to his parents, Shiva and Parvati, who live on Mount Kailash high in the Himalayas.

TIMELINE

Hinduism

1947 India gains independence; partition with newly established nation of Pakistan.

Click here to learn more in an interactive timeline.

Click here to compare to other Indian religions.

Unlike many other religions discussed in this book, Hinduism has neither a single founder nor a single sacred book. There is no single historical event that marks its birth. The history of Hinduism embodies both continuity and change. Having never had a sole central authority, Hinduism’s fluid character has always allowed it to adapt to a variety of social and cultural contexts. This diversity has led many scholars to argue that Hinduism is not one religion at all but a constellation of many religious sects that share some common aspects. Others see enough by way of common beliefs and practices to regard Hinduism as a single religious tradition. In this chapter, we will explore Hinduism’s variety of sects, beliefs, and practices and seek to understand what unites a tradition that is the religion of over i billion of the world’s people.