Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient and diverse Indian religion, or "way of life," without a single founder or governing body, often referred to as Sanatana Dharma or the "Eternal Way". It is characterized by concepts like dharma (righteous living) and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Hinduism encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs, from monotheism and polytheism to pantheism and atheism, with various major denominations and significant sacred texts, including the ancient Vedas
Hinduism is the world's third-largest religion, with approximately 1.20 billion followers, or around 15% of the global population, known as Hindus.
Hinduism is not a single religion but a diverse family of religious traditions that originated in India and are collectively known as Sanatana Dharma or the "eternal duty". It is a "way of life" encompassing a wide spectrum of spiritual views, from polytheism to monotheism, and even atheism, rather than a unified religion with a single founder, prophet, or holy book. Instead, it is a complex system of philosophies and practices rooted in the concept of a cosmic order (dharma) and a universal spirit (Brahman) that unites all existence.
Hinduism has no single founding date but has roots in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic period, with evidence of practices dating back at least 4,000 to 5,000 years. Its earliest scriptures, the Vedas, were composed around 1500 BCE, though the religion's traditions and philosophies, known as Sanatana Dharma (eternal truth), are considered by many to be timeless and have evolved over millennia