December 18, 1995
Web posted at: 8:55 a.m. EST
From Correspondent Gayle Young
NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- At the break of dawn, Hindus gather on the banks of the sacred Ganges River for a bath and a prayer. The rituals are as ancient and as varied as the religion itself. There is no single god, no rigid doctrine in this religion of over a billion people.
"It's probably the only religion that is not based upon the teachings of a single person or a single text," explained Karan Singh of the India International Center. "In fact it is based on the collective realization of over ... 2,000 years of great sages and saints."
At a shop in New Delhi, workmen prepare statues of Hindu gods. There is no precise body count in this pantheon -- there are a half-dozen major deities and dozens, even hundreds, other gods and goddesses. Hindus may choose to worship one particular god or several or all of them.
"Some worship goddess Durga and some others worship Lord Krishna," said shop owner Mohini Grover. "It depends from person to person and we have idols for them all here."
The religion may be confusing to westerners used to one god and a set religious doctrine. Hinduism is not organized -- there is no central authority or single leader. But it is pervasive, linked to almost every aspect of daily life.
The divine is perceived everywhere: in the stars that cast a horoscope and the river that brings life-giving water. Some trees and animals also are considered sacred. Cows are venerated and allowed to roam the streets, never slaughtered for food.
Each temple is unique -- in one, rats are considered holy manifestations of the divine.
In general, Hindus begin their prayers by ringing a bell to alert the god. They then offer him or her gifts of flowers, incense or food.
At home, religious figures are kept in special rooms or in cabinets. Worship called "puja" is performed by the whole family whenever they feel the need. Major festivals are community affairs and are filled with joy, noise and color.
In the Dassera holiday, giant effigies representing evil characters slain by the god Rama are burned while the crowds cheer.
Hinduism promotes strong family ties. Most marriages here are arranged by parents: the couples may hardly know each other but they know their duty is to marry and raise children in the Hindu faith.
"A good Hindu is like a good Christian, a good Muslim, a good Jew, a good person, someone who has love compassion and understanding."
-- Karan Singh
Gurus, mantras, yoga: all have become familiar to westerners seeking spiritual enlightenment. Hindus don't seek converts, but aspects of the religion have spread throughout the world and it remains firmly entrenched in Indian life.
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