Question 1: Describe the significance of the river Ganges in Hindu religious practices.

Answer: The Ganges is considered a sacred river, believed to purify sins and facilitate spiritual liberation. Hindus often perform rituals and bathe in the river as an act of devotion.

Question 2: Explain the concept of Dharma in Hinduism and how it influences daily life.

Answer: Dharma refers to righteousness, moral duty, and ethical conduct. It guides Hindus to act according to their role in society, uphold truth, and perform religious duties to maintain cosmic order.

Question 3: Identify and describe two major Hindu festivals, including their significance.

Answer: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Holi, the Festival of Colours, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of Krishna's love, symbolized by colourful powders.

Question 4: What is the significance of the Om symbol in Hindu worship?

Answer: Om is a sacred sound and symbol representing the ultimate reality, Brahman. It is often chanted during prayers and meditation to connect with the divine.

Question 5: Describe the purpose of a puja and what it typically involves.

Answer: A puja is a Hindu prayer ritual performed to honor deities. It typically involves offering flowers, food, and incense, reciting prayers, and sometimes making symbolic gestures or mudras.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of a Hindu temple, labeling key features such as the sanctum sanctorum and the entrance.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a rectangular or ornate structure with a prominent tower (shikhara or gopuram), an entrance gate, and an inner sanctum (garbhagriha) where the main deity resides.

Question 7: Compare the concepts of Brahman and Atman in Hinduism.

Answer: Brahman is the ultimate, unchanging reality or world soul, while Atman is the individual soul within a person. The goal of Hinduism is to realize that Atman is one with Brahman.

Question 8: Explain the importance of the cow in Hindu culture and religion.

Answer: The cow is considered sacred and symbolizes non-violence, motherhood, and abundance. Hindus often show reverence by protecting and caring for cows.

Question 9: Describe the significance of the Upanishads in Hindu spiritual philosophy.

Answer: The Upanishads are ancient texts that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the divine. They emphasize meditation, knowledge, and the unity of Atman and Brahman as the path to enlightenment.

Question 10: Sketch a symbol commonly associated with Hinduism and explain its meaning.

Answer: A correct sketch would be the Om symbol, which represents the sound of the universe and the divine consciousness. It is often stylized with curves and a dot at the top.