In the global lexicon, the term "Hindu" often conjures diverse images and interpretations. From ancient scriptures to vibrant festivals, from philosophical musings to intricate rituals, Hindutva encompasses a myriad of beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions. Yet, to encapsulate this profound and intricate culture within a single term is a challenging endeavor, one that requires an exploration of its historical roots, philosophical dimensions, and contemporary manifestations.
It is popularly believed that the term 'Hindu' originated from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu". Early Arabs and Europeans started calling the people and the land surrounding Sindhu as "Hindu". And hence the name! However, a closer & deeper study of the scriptures of old, bursts this myth. Our culture, tradition & Dharma were not named by a mere Apabhramsha or distortion of the word 'Sindhu', but has a geographical reference in its formation. The sandhivigraha of the word Hindu in Sanskrit is as follows: हिंदू = हिम् + इंदू i.e. Hindu = Him + Indu. In Sanksrit, Him (हिम) means Snow and Indu (इन्दू) means Ocean. Thus, Hindu refers to the people living in the land between Snow & Ocean.
But, how do you prove this meaning? The oldest reference (NOTE: This is within the confines of my meagre reading. Readers may correct me with the right references if they disagree) to the word Hindu comes from the definition of the name Hindusthan, found in the Brihaspatya Sutra (बृहस्पत्य सूत्र) (written around 1000 BC) as follows:
हिमालयं समारभ्य यावत् इंदु सरोवरम | तं देवनिर्मितं देशं हिंदुस्थानं प्रचक्षते ||
This translates to "The land that starts from Himalayas and ends at Indu Sarovar i.e. Indian Ocean, and was created by the gods, is known as Hindusthan".
The point to be noted here is that this geographical definition of Hindusthan is the same as described for Bharat in Vishnu Purana (ref. India that is Bharat..). While the above Shloka describes the landmass known as Hindusthan, the very word Hindusthan in Sanskrit is a sandhi of Hindu (हिन्दू) + sthan (land or place), i.e. the land of Hindus.
Another point to be noted is that while sthan in Sanskrit means land, so does stan in Persian (Ex: Afghanistan = Land of Afghans). Hence, the modern interpretation that Hindustan is a word coined by the Persians or Arabs.
Thus, "Hindutva" (calling it Hinduism is a misnomer, since it is not a doctrine of Hindus) has emerged as a complex amalgamation of indigenous beliefs and practices in the Indian subcontinent over millennia. Unlike many other religious traditions, Hindutva lacks a single founder or a uniform set of doctrines. Instead, it embraces a rich diversity of religious texts, philosophical schools, and ritual practices, reflecting the dynamic interplay of various cultural, social, and historical influences.
To understand this better, the reader must in fact first distinguish between the concepts of Religion & Dharma. As per the Oxford English Dictionary, the words are defined thus:
Religion: the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them, or in the teachings of a spiritual leader
Dharma: the set of moral laws that is believed to affect the whole universe and that governs individual conduct.
Thus, Dharma is a way of life. Hence, the way of life followed by the Hindus becomes the Hindu Dharma or and the net total of all the philosophical schools and thought schools together forms Hindutva.
To learn Dharma, one must understand, practice & experience it for self, rather than depending upon scriptures, books and experiences of others.
अनुभवः धर्मस्य अवगमनस्य सर्वोत्तमः उपायः अस्ति |
Experiencing Dharma is the best way to understanding it.
At its core, Hindutva encompasses a vast array of beliefs and practices, ranging from theistic devotion, abstract philosophical inquiries to even atheistic beliefs. The ancient scriptures known as the Vedas form the foundational texts of Hindutva, comprising hymns, rituals, and philosophical discourses. Within the vast corpus of Hindu literature, diverse philosophical perspectives, such as Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, and Nyaya, offer profound insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate purpose of existence.
Central to the Hindu thought is the concept of dharma, which encompasses the moral and ethical duties that govern one's conduct in the world. Dharma is intricately interwoven with the notions of karma (the law of cause and effect) and samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth), forming the basis of Hindu ethics and metaphysics. Moreover, Hindutva acknowledges the plurality of paths (margas) leading to spiritual realization, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and religious pluralism. A classic example of pluralism in Hindutva comes from the hymn in Rigveda that says - एकं सत् विप्रा: बहुधा वदन्ति | There is a single truth; the learned describe it differently.
One of the distinctive features of Hindutva is its rich pantheon of deities, representing various aspects of the divine. From the all encompassing deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to the benevolent goddesses such as Durga, Kali, and Lakshmi, Hindutva celebrates a vibrant array of divine beings, each with its unique attributes and symbolism. This plurality of gods and goddesses reflects the multifaceted nature of the divine and provides devotees with a myriad of avenues for worship and spiritual expression.
Beyond its theological and philosophical dimensions, Hindutva encompasses a rich tapestry of cultural practices, festivals, and rituals that permeate every aspect of daily life. From the joyous celebrations of Diwali and Holi to the solemn observances of Navaratri and Maha Shivaratri, Hindu festivals offer a glimpse into the cultural vibrancy and spiritual fervor of the tradition. Similarly, rituals such as pooja (worship), yagna (sacrifice), and samskaras (rites of passage) play a crucial role in the Hindu life, fostering a sense of community and continuity across generations.
In the modern era, Hindutva continues to evolve and adapt to the changing realities of the world while retaining its timeless teachings and traditions. As globalization and technological advancements bring people closer together, Hindutva's influence extends far beyond its traditional boundaries, shaping diverse cultural landscapes and fostering interfaith dialogue and exchange. Hindutva defies easy categorization or definition, inviting seekers to explore its rich tapestry of ideas, rituals, and experiences with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry.
In conclusion, the term "Hindu" serves as a gateway to the vast and intricate world of Hindutva, offering a glimpse into its rich heritage and profound insights. Yet, to truly understand Hindutva requires a willingness to delve deeper, to explore its myriad dimensions, and to appreciate its enduring relevance in the modern world.
Beyond a mere term, Hindutva embodies a living tradition, a source of inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment for millions around the globe.
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