Hinduism represents neither a dogma nor just a collection of some beliefs. It is a living religion, it denotes not only a way of life but also a way of thinking. It gives more importance to spiritual and moral principles than to religious norms, rituals and ceremonies. Thus moral and spiritual principles always encompass the Hindu view of life. Hinduism as a religion is the most ancient and the most influential one. It has had contributed in a big way to the enhancement of the major religions of the world such as ; Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism. Hinduism is based upon and supported by the abundant literature in the form of ‘srutis' and ‘smirtis’. In the vast mass of Hindu religious and philosophical literature like the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita have gained a lot of importance as the Vedas constitute the fountainhead of the entire Indian Culture, whereas the Upanishads for the basis of Indian Philosophy and socio-religious thought. They are also known as the earliest treasures of Knowledge. The Bhagwad Gita administers the philosophical basis of popular Hinduism, seems to be very influential in guiding and in giving the right directions to the lives of the people. Hinduism is popularly known as the “Sanatan Dharma” that is the eternal religion flowing from the time immemorial. Hinduism is more than a religion, it is a way of life based on Justice and Harmony. Harmony is the keynote of Hinduism. It signifies harmony not only among the Man, the Universe and the God but also among the various castes, classes, creeds, people and their faiths, gods and goddesses. Hinduism stresses upon one firm thought that it has also conveyed in the ancient India that, “the whole world is one home of the man and the entire humanity is his family, (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
