HAVE A MEANINGFUL DEEPAVALI 2026

 

MANY LAMPS, ONE LIGHT*: HINDUISM

Introduction

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest living religious traditions. At its heart, Hinduism teaches righteousness, truthfulness, compassion, self-discipline, respect for life, and living in harmony with the world around us.

Unlike many other religions, Hinduism has no single founder. It developed over thousands of years through sacred scriptures, philosophical inquiry, religious devotion, and the teachings of sages.

In Malaysia, Hinduism is practised mainly by the Indian community, particularly Tamil Malaysians. Hindu temples, colourful festivals, and family traditions have long been part of our cultural landscape.

Many Malaysians recognise Hinduism through Deepavali, Thaipusam, beautiful temples, and the greeting Vanakkam. Beyond these outward expressions lies a profound spiritual tradition concerned with how we should live, fulfil our responsibilities, and seek wisdom.

The cow holds a special position in Hindu traditions. Many Hindus regard cows as sacred because they symbolise motherhood, nourishment, generosity, and respect for life. This reverence reflects ahimsa, the principle of non-harming. Hindus generally do not worship cows as gods, but many avoid eating beef out of religious respect.

Among Hinduism's most influential scriptures is the Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna about duty, moral choices, devotion, wisdom, and doing what is right.

Brief History

Hinduism developed over thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent.

• Ancient Origins: Hinduism has no single founder or exact beginning. Its roots include ancient Indian religious traditions.
• Sacred Scriptures: The Vedas and Upanishads explore prayer, spiritual knowledge, ultimate reality, and the meaning of existence.
• Great Epics: The Ramayana and Mahabharata teach important lessons about righteousness, family, leadership, loyalty, and moral responsibility.
• Diverse Traditions: Different traditions developed around devotion to Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, and other forms of the divine.
• The Spread: Hindu influences reached Southeast Asia, including the Malay world, through trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

Core Beliefs

Hinduism encompasses diverse beliefs and philosophical traditions. Some important teachings include:

• Dharma: Live righteously and fulfil our moral responsibilities.
• Karma: Our actions and intentions have consequences.
• Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
• Moksha: Spiritual liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
• Ahimsa: Avoid unnecessary harm and respect living beings.
• Satya: Practise truthfulness in thought, speech, and action.
• Seva: Serve others without expecting rewards.
• Bhakti: Express love and devotion towards the divine.

Hindu traditions understand God and ultimate reality in different ways. Some worship one supreme God, while others understand different deities as manifestations of one ultimate reality.

Hinduism also recognises four traditional aims of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (material well-being), kama (legitimate enjoyment), and moksha (liberation).

Together, these teachings encourage a balanced life of responsibility, fulfilment, and spiritual growth.

Practices & Rituals

Hindus practise their faith through worship, reflection, discipline, and service.

• Puja: Prayers and offerings at home or in temples.
• Temple Worship: Gathering for prayer, ceremonies, and religious festivals.
• Scripture: Reading and reflecting on sacred teachings such as the Bhagavad Gita.
• Prayer and Chanting: Reciting mantras and devotional hymns.
• Meditation and Yoga: Developing concentration, self-discipline, and spiritual awareness.
• Fasting: Practised by some Hindus as an expression of devotion and self-control.
• Charity: Giving food, helping the needy, and serving the community.

Many Hindu families also maintain a prayer space at home.

Festivals & Celebrations

Hinduism has many festivals, with different communities observing different traditions.

• Deepavali: The Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Families light lamps, visit temples, share meals, and welcome visitors. Although widely celebrated, not all Hindus observe Deepavali in the same way.
• Thaipusam: Particularly important among Tamil devotees of Lord Murugan. Devotees fulfil vows, carry milk pots or kavadi, and offer prayers. Batu Caves is one of its most famous celebration centres.
• Pongal: A Tamil harvest festival expressing gratitude for nature, the sun, agriculture, and the animals that support human life.
• Navaratri: A nine-night festival honouring the divine feminine, particularly Goddess Durga and other forms of Devi.

Other important celebrations include Maha Shivaratri, Krishna Janmashtami, and Rama Navami.

Values We Can Learn

There is much Malaysians can learn from Hindu traditions:

• Do what is right, even when it is difficult.
• Be truthful in our words and actions.
• Fulfil our responsibilities sincerely.
• Respect life, nature, and the environment.
• Practise generosity and compassion.
• Develop self-control over anger, greed, and selfishness.
• Honour parents, teachers, and elders.
• Pursue wisdom rather than material success alone.

One particularly meaningful teaching from the Bhagavad Gita encourages us to perform our duties sincerely without becoming excessively attached to personal rewards.

Cultural Expressions

Hindu culture is rich, colourful, and deeply symbolic.

• Temples: Often feature colourful sculptures, intricate carvings, and sacred architecture.
• Kolam: Decorative patterns placed near entrances, symbolising welcome and auspiciousness.
• Oil Lamps: Symbolise light, knowledge, and the removal of ignorance.
• Music and Dance: Devotional songs, chanting, and classical dances such as Bharatanatyam.
• Traditional Clothing: Sarees, veshtis, and other garments worn during celebrations.
• Sacred Symbols: Om is an important spiritual symbol used in prayer and meditation.
• Food: Vegetarian traditions are important to many Hindus, although not all Hindus are vegetarian.

These expressions reflect the diversity and richness of Hindu religious and cultural life.

Misunderstandings & Clarifications

Understanding these points helps us appreciate Hinduism better:

• Different Understandings of God: Hinduism is not simply the worship of many gods. Different traditions understand God, deities, and ultimate reality differently.
• Sacred Images: Hindu images, or murtis, are not merely decorative statues. In many traditions, consecrated images serve as sacred forms through which devotees worship the divine.
• Karma: Karma concerns the consequences of actions and intentions. It should not be used to blame people for suffering or misfortune.
• Vegetarianism: Not all Hindus are vegetarians. Dietary practices differ among families and communities.
• Yoga: Traditional yoga is more than physical exercise. It also involves discipline, meditation, and spiritual development.
• Caste: Caste has historically influenced Hindu societies, but Hinduism is not defined solely by caste. Many Hindu reformers have challenged caste discrimination and defended human dignity.

Dos and Don'ts When Visiting or Meeting Hindus

Meeting a Hindu:

• A common greeting among Tamil Hindus is Vanakkam.
• A smile and respectful handshake are generally acceptable.
• Respect those observing religious vows, fasting, or prayer.

Visiting a Hindu Temple:

• Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering designated sacred areas.
• Speak softly and follow temple instructions.
• Do not touch sacred images or ceremonial objects without permission.
• Avoid pointing your feet towards sacred shrines.
• Ask permission before taking photographs.

During Ceremonies:

• Observe quietly and respectfully.
• Avoid interrupting prayers or walking between devotees and a shrine.
• If offered prasadam, blessed food, receive it respectfully if comfortable, or decline politely.

Temple customs vary, so visitors should always follow local guidance.

Hinduism in Malaysia

Hinduism has deep historical connections with the Malay world. Ancient sites such as Bujang Valley in Kedah reveal Hindu-Buddhist influences long before modern Malaysia existed.

During British colonial rule, many Indians, particularly Tamils, migrated to Malaya, bringing religious and cultural traditions that remain important today.

• Today: Hinduism is Malaysia's fourth-largest religion. Approximately 6.1% of Malaysians identified as Hindu in the 2020 census.
• Community: Most Malaysian Hindus are ethnic Indians, particularly Tamils, although other communities also practise Hinduism.
• Contribution: Malaysian Hindus have contributed significantly to education, medicine, law, public service, business, agriculture, and the arts.
• Charity: Hindu temples and organisations provide food, educational assistance, and community support.

Batu Caves, with its towering statue of Lord Murugan, remains one of Malaysia's most recognised Hindu landmarks.

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts

• The Name Hinduism: The word Hindu comes from the ancient Persian form of Sindhu, referring to the Indus River. The term Hinduism became widely used in the 19th century. Many Hindus also call their faith Sanātana Dharma, meaning the eternal way of righteousness or duty.
• Hinduism has no single founder or universally binding central religious authority.
• The Rigveda is among the world's oldest surviving collections of religious hymns.
• The Bhagavad Gita contains approximately 700 verses.
• The number 108 has special significance in many Hindu traditions and is commonly associated with prayer beads.
• The principle of ahimsa influenced Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence.
• The Ramayana and Mahabharata influenced literature and storytelling across Southeast Asia, including the Malay world.

Voices from the Tradition – (paraphrased) (Bhagavad Gita & Upanishads)

 

• Unity: "Walk together, speak together, and let your minds be in harmony." (Rigveda 10.191.2–4)
• Giving: "Give with faith, generosity, humility, and understanding." (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.3)
• Education: "Do not neglect learning and teaching." (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.1)
• Peacefulness: "One who bears hatred towards no living being, who is friendly and compassionate, is dear to Me." (Bhagavad Gita 12:13)
• Hard Work: "By performing one's prescribed duties, a person attains perfection." (Bhagavad Gita 18:45)
• Truthfulness: "Speak the truth. Practise righteousness." (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.1)
• Equality: "The wise see with equal vision a learned person, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and one regarded as an outcaste." (Bhagavad Gita 5:18)

10 Beautiful Things We Can Say About Them

1. They remind us to do what is right.
2. They teach that our actions have consequences.
3. They value truthfulness and righteousness.
4. They honour parents, teachers, and elders.
5. They encourage respect for nature and living beings.
6. They practise generosity and service.
7. They value self-discipline and self-control.
8. They celebrate family and community.
9. They encourage the pursuit of wisdom.
10. They remind us that goodness matters more than material success alone.

Moving Forward Together

We hope that this brief look at Hinduism helps Malaysians to better know, understand, and appreciate one another. When we take the time to learn from each other's traditions and values, we move closer as a people. And when we move closer, we become stronger as one nation.

Peace, anas

Note: Beginning this Vaisakhi, we launched Many Lamps, One Light, a project dedicated to sharing the beauty of our different religious traditions. By learning about one another, we hope Malaysians will grow in understanding, appreciation, and unity as one people. This sharing on Hinduism continues the series.