The Sanskrit name for Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma, which translates to "eternal law" or "eternal way of life," while the ancient Greeks used the term "Indu" to describe the people living around the Indus River and their culture.
More than 1.1 billion Hindus reside worldwide, with over 90% of them living in India, and the Hindu population is projected to continue growing in the coming decades.
The vast majority of Hindus in India, around 98%, hold a belief in God, with 80% of them having an unwavering faith in their convictions, and Hinduism's diverse belief system allows for a wide range of interpretations of the divine.
Hindu worship frequently involves the practice of puja, which includes prayer and offerings made to various deities and can take place in both personal and communal settings.
An estimated 40% of Indian Hindus believe in reincarnation, a concept that plays a central role in Hinduism, and the belief in karma, or the law of cause and effect.
Approximately 64% of Indian Hindus feel that being Hindu is an essential aspect of being considered genuinely Indian, and Hinduism's role in Indian culture and history has been a topic of debate and discussion.
The Rig Veda, the oldest known book globally, is of uncertain origin, but most scholars believe it dates back to 1500 BCE, and it contains a vast collection of hymns and prayers that serve as the foundation for Hinduism.
After Christianity and Islam, Hinduism boasts the third-highest number of adherents, making it one of the most populous religions globally, and it has spread to numerous countries around the world.
Sanskrit, an ancient language, is the primary language used in writing most of Hinduism's sacred texts and has a history that goes back at least 3500 years, and its rich literary tradition has influenced numerous other languages and cultures.
While Westerners have a linear concept of time, Hindus view time as cyclical and never-ending, as they believe that time is a manifestation of God. This belief has had a profound impact on Hindu art, literature, and philosophy.