Hinduism Glossary

Devotion to a particular god or deity is known as

• dharma

• bhakti

• prasad

• ahimsa

The Supreme being or Ultimate Reality. The eternal spirit from which all things originate and to which they return

• Brahman

• Brahmin

• Bhakti

• Brahma

The festival of lights celebrating good over evil.

• guru

• dharma

• prasad

• diwali

An incarnation or manifestation of a deity in earthly form.

• yogi

• mantra

• icon

• avatar

An act of worship, especially of thanksgiving which involves offerings of flowers or food to deities.

• atman

• moksha

• puja

• brahma

The eternal spirit from which all things originate and to which they return,

• atman

• brahmin

• brahma

• brahman

A sacred word or phrase that is chanted during worship or meditation

• mantra

• moksha

• om

• vishnu

The organization of Hindu society into four groups, each with its own duties and expectations

• dharma

• ramayana

• diwali

• caste

A spiritual teacher or guide.

• ramayana

• avatar

• guru

• yoga

The individual self, soul, essence or nature of man.

• atman

• brahman

• ahimsa

• mantraq