The answer to this question is a complex one and again depends heavily on the sect which one refers to. The Hindu tradition includes many belief systems: polytheism, monotheism, monism, dualism, qualified monism and even atheism have all had a part to play in the development of the Hindu phenomenon.

Idol worship is not actually mentioned in the Vedas themselves. The practice of idol worship is recommended in the mythological texts (the Puranas) and may also be linked to Buddhist and Jain influences. It has long been widespread amongst most Hindu traditions and is recognised by them as being a valid and proper method of worship.

Ringing of a bell or ghanta during prayer or worship eliminates distracting sounds and helps the mind to concentrate on the object of worship

Hindus don't worship cows. We respect, honor and adore the cow. By honoring this gentle animal, who gives more than she takes, we honor all creatures.

Actually, Hindus believe in only one formless and all-pervading, all-existing, and all-blissful God. That formless God, however, can best be realized by concentrating on various forms of ideal personalities as recorded in the scriptures. In other words, the Hindu religion is flexible and provides many ways to develop one's spiritual ideas in order to suit individual needs. "Unity in the diverse plan of nature" is recognized in the Hindu faith.

Hindus don't particularly worship cows. However, they're regarded as sacred and at times holy because they're a major means of dairy, field plowing, fire burning, ayurvedic remedies, etc. In Hindu society a live cow is far more valuable than one month of meat. This is a reason that among many Hindus, beef is as nasty as cooked human flesh.

In Hinduism all the various Gods are the representation of one true God (Brahman- seen as a universal spirit). Hence, a Hindu can worship as many Gods and Goddesses as he/ she wants. Hindus believe that God, in whatever form they prefer, can grant worshippers grace to bring them closer to Moksha, end of the cycle of rebirth. Contemporary Hinduism is most widely accepted to consist of a Holy Trinity.

There are as many ways of worship as there are traditions of the Craft. Most rituals involve consecration of the ritual space in some way ("Casting the Circle"), invocation of a Deity or Deities, and a communal meal. Rituals can include music and/or dancing, poetry, masquing and drama (often in enactments of myth), sometimes with props and special effects.

Not really. However - there are some things we hold as sacred and holy. We consider the Tree of Knowledge to be something that is holy to us. When we use the terms sacred and holy - it's because it is part of our lives and our commitment to the truth. We also consider Mother Earth to be sacred because this is where we evolved and we are dependent on it for our survival. But - we don't worship anything - pray to anyone - or fear the wrath of deities striking us down for failing to worship them.

To greet another person, a friend or acquaintance, to pay respect to an elder, a holy person or a temple deity, a Hindu joins his or her hands with palms together, bows down in front of the other person, and says Namaskar, Namaste, or Pranam - meaning Reverent Salutations. Thus when a Hindu joins his hands and says namaskar, he actually says in humility, "I bow to God in you; I love you and I respect you, as there is no one like you."

According to the Hindu belief, fasting has a way of neutralizing or minimizing chaos in the body. Instead of focusing on food, when fasting, the whole body assists one in going towards spirituality. Hindus fast in observance of a vow or holy day. Fasting can be done in many ways. A simple fast may consist of merely avoiding certain foods for a day or more, such as when non vegetarians abstain from fish, fowl and meats.

Hinduism is a very flexible religion, compared to other faiths. Although vegetarianism is encouraged it is not required. People with certain careers are permitted to eat meat as they need meat to build up their strength. Soldiers and police officers for example are free to eat meat as they need its strength. Priests are required to be vegetarians (with the exception of Hindu priests in Indonesia) to maintain their purity.

No, All can wear. Ancient texts have not limited wearing of these beads to any caste , religion or sex . Some ancient texts also talk of animals wearing them and achieving salvation . Make Rudraksha a part of your body. Your faith will bring grace in your life. Slowly you will find that you are moving away from non - Veg and alcohol.

Our "Bible " is called the Veda. The Veda, which means "wisdom, " is comprised of four ancient and holy scriptures which all Hindus revere as the revealed word of God.

There is a single power defined as the One or All, which is composed of everything it has ever created. This supreme energy force does not rule over the Universe, it IS the Universe. Since most find it difficult to talk to or call upon a faceless mass of Divine energy, this supreme power is personified into male and female aspects as the Goddess and God. This simply makes the concept easier for the human mind to comprehend and relate to.