To understand a religion, we should read its scriptures first. But generally, we understand a religion by its followers and form certain opinions about it. As Hinduism is an ancient religion and is practiced in different ways by people in different regions of the world, especially India, it is evident that non-Hindus have lots of misunderstandings about it, and most of them do not know what authentic Hinduism is. The same is true for the Hindus themselves, also because what one Hindu from a particular region understands Hinduism differs from what others observe in a different region. Plus, as Hindu scriptures are written in Sanskrit, most do not read them and follow what they have been told since childhood.
This article encompasses frequently asked questions on Hinduism. In this article, we will try to answer every question about Hinduism so that it will be easy to understand. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them.
1. Are there 330 million Gods in Hinduism? Why do Hindus have so many Gods?
Answer: Hinduism believes in only one God but allows its followers to worship God in many forms, such as nature (including trees, sun, idols, animals, etc.) and persons (Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, etc.). These persons are called devas (deities) and are often confused by calling them gods. Devas are celestial beings that control forces of nature, such as fire, air, wind, etc., the same as Christians worshiping Jesus and Buddhists worshiping Lord Buddha as messengers of God. They are not to be confused with the One and the Supreme God. God is a different thing, and deity is a different thing. These words should not be confused with each other. Most deities are considered the incarnations of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Devi Parvati.
Vedic Hinduism had 33 devas, which later became exaggerated to 330 million devas. In fact, all the devas are regarded as more mundane manifestations of the One and the Supreme Brahman (God) for devotional worship. The Hindus do not literally worship 330 million separate gods. The Sanskrit word for “ten million” also means “group”, and “330 million devas” originally meant “33 types of divine manifestation.
But many Puranas mention that there are 330 million gods in Hinduism.
Read: How Many Gods Are There in Hinduism?
2. What is the Sati system? Does Hinduism support the Sati system?
Answer: The Sati is a funeral practice among some Hindu communities in which a recently widowed woman would either voluntarily or forcefully immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. That is, if a woman’s husband dies before her, she will have to immolate herself. This practice was stopped in 1829 by the British Government because of the valuable efforts by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a Hindu social activist.
It is to be noted that only a few communities among Hindus used to practice the Sati or Suttee system. The Sati or Suttee system is not at all supported by authentic Hinduism. There is no scripture in Hinduism which supports this system.
It is unclear why and how this barbaric tradition emerged, but I think it must have emerged due to the prohibition of a second marriage for a woman.
Read: Sati Pratha in Hinduism
3. Is it true that to become a Hindu, you have to be born as a Hindu only?
Answer: Actually, Hinduism was not founded as a religion. Therefore, there is no reference to conversions in Hindu scriptures. The philosophy of Hinduism is open to all, and you do not need to convert to accept it.
Initially, people did not accept those who converted to Hinduism, but the conditions have changed. There are several organizations like ISKCON, Arya Samaj, and others who actively preach Hinduism and guide those people who want to become Hindus.
Therefore, it is not true that to become a Hindu, you have to be born as a Hindu only.
4. Is it necessary to become an ascetic to attain salvation?
Answer: No. Becoming an ascetic to attain salvation is just one of the different ways. One can attain salvation by spending one’s life as an ordinary person. Bhakti Yoga is the easiest way for an ordinary person to attain salvation.