Hinduism originated (and is still prominent) in India around 2000 BCE. India’s geographic location and climate played a big role in the development of Hinduism. India is generally warm for most of the year; this allows people to live outdoors - some believe the climate has helped minimize the need for material goods including clothing, housing and wealth.
The Ganges, a main source of water and one of India’s many rivers, flows out of the Himalayas is stretched out by tributaries as it makes it way toward the Bay of Bengal. In fact, once the Ganges reaches the town of Benares, commonly referred to as Varanasi and Kashi, the river is massive - so big that after summer monsoons, it is difficult for one to see to the other side because it is so wide. Because the water in the Ganges is dependable, it had aided the development of civilization - primarily in northern India. Most importantly, it has given Indian culture a sense of security, protection, and care: giving it the nickname, Ganga Ma, maining “Mother Ganges.” Similar to the Ganga Ma, religion life in India, specifically Hinduism, has grown and spread over the years.
Hinduism does not have a single identifiable founder, an organizational structure responsible for the spread of the religion, nor a creed to illustrate its beliefs. Hinduism is not a unified religion; it is similar to a family of beliefs which worships and includes many gods with a single divine reality. Hinduism’s beliefs have and continue to influence outside population.
Source: Experiencing the World's Religions
The Ganges, a main source of water and one of India’s many rivers, flows out of the Himalayas is stretched out by tributaries as it makes it way toward the Bay of Bengal. In fact, once the Ganges reaches the town of Benares, commonly referred to as Varanasi and Kashi, the river is massive - so big that after summer monsoons, it is difficult for one to see to the other side because it is so wide. Because the water in the Ganges is dependable, it had aided the development of civilization - primarily in northern India. Most importantly, it has given Indian culture a sense of security, protection, and care: giving it the nickname, Ganga Ma, maining “Mother Ganges.” Similar to the Ganga Ma, religion life in India, specifically Hinduism, has grown and spread over the years.
Hinduism does not have a single identifiable founder, an organizational structure responsible for the spread of the religion, nor a creed to illustrate its beliefs. Hinduism is not a unified religion; it is similar to a family of beliefs which worships and includes many gods with a single divine reality. Hinduism’s beliefs have and continue to influence outside population.
Source: Experiencing the World's Religions