Essential Hindu Concepts from A to Z
This comprehensive alphabetical directory presents over 200 fundamental concepts that form the philosophical and spiritual foundation of Hinduism. The collection spans from Abhiman (self-pride) and Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) through Brahman (supreme reality), Karma (action and consequence), Dharma (cosmic law and duty), to Yoga (union with the divine) and beyond.
Each concept is explained with attention to its Sanskrit etymology, scriptural origins, philosophical significance, and practical application in Hindu spiritual life.
Major topics include core philosophical concepts like Atman (individual soul), Maya (cosmic illusion), Moksha (liberation), Samsara (cycle of rebirth); essential practices such as Bhakti (devotion), Dhyana (meditation), Japa (mantra repetition); ethical principles including Ahimsa (non-violence), Brahmacarya (celibacy), Satya (truth); cosmological concepts like the Chakras (energy centers), Kundalini, Prana (life force); and theological terms including the Adityas (solar deities), Avatara (divine incarnation), Purushartha (life goals).
The page also covers important sages like Agasthya, Angirasa, and Atri; sacred texts and traditions; sectarian movements; and lesser-known but significant concepts from Vedic, Puranic, and Tantric traditions.
Whether you're a student beginning your study of Hindu philosophy, a spiritual practitioner deepening your understanding, or a researcher seeking authoritative definitions, this alphabetical guide serves as an essential reference tool for navigating the rich conceptual landscape of Sanatana Dharma. Each entry provides links to detailed essays exploring these concepts in greater depth within their scriptural and traditional contexts.
"Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence; recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are diverse; and the realization of the truth that the number of gods to be worshipped is large, that indeed is the distinguishing feature of the Hindu religion." - B.G.Tilak (Quoted by the Supreme Court of India on 2 July 1995 as the basic definition of Hindu)
A
What is Abhiman or Self Pride?
The Life and Legend of Abhimanyu
Hinduism and the Concept of Absolute Reality
The Meaning and Significance of Adhi
Aditi, The Mother of Hindu Gods
Adishesha or Anantashesha, the Infinite Serpent
About Adityas, the 12 Suns, or Solar Deities
What is Advaita or Advaita Vedanta?
The Concept of Advaita Vedanta
Agasthya the Hindu Sage who drank the oceans
The Epic Story of Ahalya and Its Hidden Symbolism
What is Ahimsa, Non-violence or Non-injury?
Ajivikas - Their History and Philosophy
The Concept of Ajnana, Ignorance in Hinduism
Akasa, Ether or The Sky and The Fifth Element
Akshara, the Secret Power of the Mantras
Akshauhini, Meaning and Numerical Value
Amritam - The Nectar of Immortality
Ananda, the State of Bliss or Happiness
The Meaning and Concept of Ananta or Infinity in Hinduism
The Concept of Anatma in Hinduism
An Account of Angirasa, A Hindu Sage
Sri Anjaneya,The Most Ancient Superman of the World
The Meaning and Concept of Arya
The Origin and History of the Aryans of ancient India
Meaning and concept of Asat in Hinduism
Varnashrama or Ashrama Dharma, The Four Stages of Human Life
Ashtravakra, Vedic Seer and Teacher
Asteya, the Virtue of Non-Stealing
The Concept of Astika (Existence) in Hinduism
Asvins, the Hindu Gods of Healing and Medicine
Honoring a Guest (Athidhi) in Hindu Ethical Code of Conduct
Maharishi Atri, A Great Sage of Hinduism
Attachments (Pasa) and Human Behavior
The Concept of Avatar or Incarnation in Hinduism
Ayurveda, the Ancient Indian Science of Medicine
B
Meaning and Definition of Bhagavan
Bhakti Marg, the Path of Devotion
Bhrigu, the Sage Who Cursed Brahma and Shiva
What is Brahmacarya in Hinduism?
Brahman the Supreme Universal Lord of All
Brihaspati or Brahmanaspati, The Divine Priest
C
The Concept of Chakras or Energy Centers Of The Human Body
Citta or Chitta in Yoga and Hindu tradition
D
Daksha, Daksha's Sacrifice and the Slaying of Daksha
The Darshanas or Schools of Philosophy in Hinduism
Devayana - The Immortal Path of Liberation
What is Dhyana? Definition and Significance
E
Ego and Egoism According to the Bhagavadgita
Natural Evolution According to Hinduism
F
What is Faith? Faith According to Hinduism
G
Lord Ganesha, Ganapati or Vinayaka
The Meaning and Significance of Guru in Hinduism
H
I
J
The Meaning and Concept of the Name Janardana
Jnana, Right Knowledge in Hinduism
The Concept of Jnana or Knowledge in Hinduism
K
The Meaning and Concept of Karma Yoga
M
The Meaning and Concept of Manava
The Meaning and Concept of Mantra in Hinduism
Matmam - Tolerance and Dogma in Hinduism
History and information about Mathura and Vrindavan Temples
Meat Eating in Hinduism and Buddhism
N
The Meaning and Significance of Namaskar or Namaste
Nastika Vada or Atheism and Materialism in Hinduism and Related Religions
The Meaning and Significance of Pravritti and Nivritti
P
The Meaning and Significance of Pashupata or Pashupatha
Pramanas - How Do You Know What is True or False?
What is Prana? The Five Types of Breath
The Meaning and Significance of Pravritti and Nivritti
The Purusharthas, Chief Aims of Human Life
Pushtimarg or the Path of Pushti Bhakti
R
Reincarnation or Rebirth in Hinduism
Rudra, Rudras the Gods of Hinduism
S
Sadhus Meaning and Significance
The Concept of Sahaja Vidya in Trika or Kashmiri Shaivism
Samsara or the Transmigration of Souls
Samskaras - The Sacraments of Hinduism
The Meaning and Concept of Sat in Hinduism
Hinduism As Santana Dharma, the Eternal Religion
What is Satsang and its importance in religious life?
The Shramanas and Shramanic Traditions
The Meaning, Significance and Symbolism of Shri or Sri
The Idea of Perfection or Siddhi in Hinduism
The Concept of Sin in Hinduism
Skanda Matha, the Mother of Skanda
The Meaning and Concept of Sruthi in Hinduism
Svadhyaya or Self-Study in Hinduism
Meaning and Concept of Sveccha Or Freedom in Hinduism
The Concept of Swasti or Wellbeing in Hinduism
The Meaning And Significance Of Swastika In Hinduism
T
The Meaning and Concept of Tantra in Hinduism
Significance of Tirtha Yathra or Pilgrimages in Hinduism
V
The History and Antiquity of Varanasi
Gods of Hinduism, the Eight Vasus
The Vedas, Meaning and Significance
The Vedangas: The Limbs of the Vedas
The Meaning and Significance of Vratas in Hinduism