This term we are going to be learning about Hinduism. There’s some exciting stories to listen to with fantastic adventures! I’ve added links to some websites to help you learn more about this topic.

Helpful Hinduism WOW Words!

In any new topic we are always going t come across words that we don’t understand. We cannot just ignore these words so please use this helpful list to help you build your vocabulary!

Ravana – a powerful god (many heads)

Brahma – a god

Devas – a word to describe gods

Vishnu – one of the two main gods in Hinduism

King Dasharatha – Rama’s father on Earth

Kosala – an ancient Indian region

River Ganga – The Ganga is a major river of the Indian subcontinent

Ayodhya – is an ancient city of India

guru – one who is regarded as having great knowledge

sage – any wise teacher

Vasistha – spiritual text

yagna – a ritual of sacrifice

puja – the Hindu practice of worship in temples and in the home

Shubha  Putrakameshti – a sacrifice to obtain children

ghee – tradtional Indian clarified butter used for cooking

kheer – a very flavorful Indian rice pudding made with coconut milk, raisins and nuts

Kaushalya – She was the mother of Rama

Kaikeyi – She was the mother of Bharata

Sumitra – She was the mother of twinsLakshmana and Shatrughna

Rama – one of the many popular figures and gods in Hinduism

Lakshmana – was the brother and close companion of Rama

Shatrughana – the youngest of Rama’s brothers

Bharat – son of Dasharatha

Tataka – princess-turned-demoness

Mareech – the son of rakhasni (demoness) Tadaka.

Vishwamitra – sage and wise man

hermit – is a person who lives, to some degree, in seclusion from people

mantras – is a sound or group of words said out loud like a prayer

ashrama – four stages of life – each with goals

Siddhashrama – a secret place where hermits live

Bhagiratha – a king

Mathila – a place in India

yagna – a ritual of sacrifice

King Janaka – Sita’s father

Ahalya – wife of sage

Sita – Rama’s wife

Rudra’s bow – the test Rama performed

Urmila – younger sister of Sita

Mandavi – cousin of Sita

Shrutakirti – cousin of Sita

Dharma – duty

tapascharya – worship / meditation

Hindu Gods