Question 1: Describe the significance of the Ganges River in Hindu worship and daily life.

Answer: The Ganges River is considered sacred and is believed to purify sins. Hindus often bathe in it for spiritual cleansing and it is used in various religious rituals and ceremonies.

Question 2: List three key beliefs about the nature of God in Hinduism.

Answer: Hinduism believes in a supreme divine reality called Brahman, which is formless and infinite; it also recognizes many gods and goddesses as different aspects of Brahman; and it teaches that these deities are manifestations of the ultimate divine.

Question 3: Explain the purpose of a Hindu puja (worship) ceremony.

Answer: A puja is a ritual to honor and worship a deity, seeking their blessings. It involves offerings, prayers, and the use of sacred objects, aiming to establish a connection between the devotee and the divine.

Question 4: Identify two important symbols in Hinduism and describe their significance.

Answer: The Om symbol represents the universal sound and the essence of ultimate reality. The Swastika is a symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness.

Question 5: Sketch a simple diagram of a Hindu temple layout, indicating where the main deity's shrine is located.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a rectangular temple structure with a central sanctum (garbhagriha) where the main deity's image is housed, a porch or hall for worshippers, and possibly a tower (shikhara or spire) at the top.

Question 6: Describe the significance of the festival Diwali in Hinduism.

Answer: Diwali is the festival of lights celebrating the victory of good over evil, especially the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and the goddess Lakshmi's blessings for wealth and prosperity.

Question 7: Explain what a Hindu's life goal (moksha) involves.

Answer: Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). It involves achieving union with Brahman through spiritual knowledge, devotion, and righteous living.

Question 8: Identify and briefly describe the four main aims (purusharthas) of human life in Hinduism.

Answer: Dharma (righteousness/duty), Artha (prosperity/wealth), Kama (pleasure/desire), and Moksha (liberation/spiritual freedom). These aims guide a balanced and meaningful life.

Question 9: Discuss the role of the caste system in traditional Hindu society.

Answer: The caste system divides society into hierarchical groups based on birth, influencing social roles and duties. It historically affected social interactions and occupation, though its influence has declined in modern times.

Question 10: Describe how the concept of karma influences Hindu ethical behavior.

Answer: Karma is the law of cause and effect, where good actions lead to positive outcomes and bad actions lead to negative outcomes. It encourages Hindus to act righteously to improve their future lives and progress toward moksha.