Arya Samaj

A society founded in 1875 by Dayanand Saraswati to reform Hinduism from its superstitious beliefs.

Atharvanaveda

One of the four Vedas forming the origin of Hinduism involving charms and spells.

Basaveshwara

Saint, Reformer of Hinduism; declared that work was worship; noted Kannada poet who sang Vachana or Promise poems

Kabir

(1440-1510) Disciple of Ramananda, he believed in formless God. He was the first to reconcile Hinduism and Islam

Moksha

(Liberation) -- freedom from birth and death. In Hinduism, liberation from the bondage of worldly action is based on detachment and freedom within oneself. The nearest English equivalent is salvation.

Puranas

Ancient religious texts of Hinduism

Rigveda

One of the four Vedas forming the origin of Hinduism involving hymns and invitations.

Shankaracharya

(8th century A.D.) also known as Adi Shankara, a great scholar and philosopher who revived Hinduism; founder of the Advaitic school of thought [more]

Upanishads

Sacred texts of Hinduism created by ancient sages after deep studies of life and metaphysics.

Vishnu

One of the three primary Gods of Hinduism

Yajurveda

One of the four Vedas forming the origin of Hinduism; translated as Knowledge of the Sacrifice

Kamat's Potpourri Who's Who, What's What