Book Excerpts – Kaakidha Malargal – Part 2
How did our religion get the name ‘Hinduism’?
Every civilisation has grown along the banks of a river. This is because in olden days the chief occupation of the people was agriculture and maintenance of livestock. All western researchers are of the opinion that the civilization that existed along the banks of river Sindu is the most ancient civilization. Therefore, history refers to this civilization as ‘Indus Valley Civilization’. The researchers named the people who lived along this river Sindu as Sindhus and the country alongside it came to be known as Sindhia. Over a period of time it became Hindus and India, respectively. This is how our religion earned the name ‘Hindu’.
What is the testimony for the above explanation?
The name ‘Hindu’ is not found in the Vedas, Shastras, Upanishads, Bhagavat Gita, Itihasa- Puraanaas, hymns of Alwars-Nayanmars and Bhaktaas.
What is the language of the Vedas?
The Vedas is in the language known as ‘Chandhas’. Chandhas is the basis even for the Sanskrit languag
What is the meaning of the Tamil word ‘Kadavul’ (God)?
As one traverses beyond body, life force, mind, intellect and experiences, one arrives at the final stage wherein resides the One beyond which there is nothing more. That ‘One’ is called ‘Kadavul’ (God).
Can you please, briefly, elucidate on the glory of Hindu religion?
Hindu religion is so very ancient that no one can ascertain its founder, time of origin and author of the Holy texts. This is verily the greatest glory of this religion.
Who are the Gods described in the Vedas?
Vedas speak of worship of the Gods of the five elements (‘bhootas’) viz. water, fire, wind, earth, space, worship of Indra, worship of Prajapatis and several other important Devatas.
Who are the main Gods to be worshipped, as spoken in the Vedas?
The Vedas speak mainly of the worship of Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Surya, Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu. Saivism consisting of the worship of Shiva, Ganesha and Subrahmanya, Vaishnavism consisting of the worship of Vishnu, Sakhtam consisting of the worship of Shakti are in existence till date. Amongst these Saivism and Vaishnavism are followed all over the world popularly.
How many Vedas are there and what are their names?
Vedas are four. They are Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana.
