In myth: Myths of time and eternity India, in both Hindu and Buddhist texts, has developed the most complex system of world ages and worlds that arise and come to an end. Here, too, the number four is important—e.g., the four ages (_yuga_s) of decreasing length and increasing evil. Many writings, often… Read More
nature worship
In nature worship: Mountains …goddesses (earth mothers) of non-Vedic India still incorporate numerous features of hunt deities, and, because of indigenous influences, the Vedic gods and their wives (e.g., Parvati, Uma, and Durga) have their abodes on mountains. The isolated mountains of East Africa, surrounded by clouds, are believed to be the dwelling places… Read More
practice of celibacy
In celibacy: The religions of Asia The religious traditions of India embody a variety of attitudes toward celibacy. In Hinduism the priesthood is hereditary and thus not celibate. Among the prominent religious personages of India, however, are the sadhus (“holy men”), who live a life free of possessions and family obligation. The sadhus have no… Read More
Pre-Mauryan empire
In India: Religion The changing features of social and economic life were linked to religious and intellectual changes. Orthodox traditions maintained in certain sections of Vedic literature were questioned by teachers referred to in the Upanishads and Aranyakas and by others whose speculations and philosophy are recorded… Read More
religious dress
In religious dress: Indian religions The distinction between ordinary dress and religious dress is difficult to delineate in India because the ordinary members of the various socioreligious groups may often be distinguished by their costumes. For example, Parsi (Indian Zoroastrian) women wear the sari (robe) on the right… Read More
sun worship
In sun worship …in the Vedas of ancient India as an all-seeing god who observes both good and evil actions. He expels not only darkness but also evil dreams and diseases. Sun heroes and sun kings also occupy a central position in Indian mythology, where Vivasvant, the father of Yama, corresponds to the… Read More
