Pilgrimage is another practice which, while not mandatory in Hinduism, is increasingly common. A large number of holy places (Tirtha Sthanas) exist in India, including Varanasi (Banares), Kedarnath and Rameshwaram, and Hindus often take pilgrimages there. The Hindu religious tradition is characterized by many different sacred elements, each of which has tremendous significance and meaning (Fowler, 1997(. These elements include fire, water, and the Hindu trimurti. In addition, the banyan tree is a symbol of the breadth of spirituality, which provides shade to all who gather near it.

Hindus traditionally wear a mark on their forehead and other body parts. Hindu women wear a decorative dot on their forehead, which is called Bindi, while other Hindus wear holy ash called Vibhuti.

Aum is another sacred symbol which represents the Brahman. This can be seen in all mantras and prayers. Yet another noble and auspicious symbol is the Swastika, which stands for purity of the soul. The four directions, which had been shown in the symbol, represent four Vedas and their...

Even cow dung is respected as a useful, constant fuel supply that is inexpensive; and after they die, their skin is a valuable resource. These are the main reasons that the cow is considered sacred.
The central concept of Hinduism is the belief in the Brahman or universal soul, which is considered to be the ultimate reality, and its connection to the Aatman, which is the individual soul (Fowler, 1997). One of the most sacred symbols in Hinduism is the concept of reincarnation, in which all living things go through birth, death, and re-birth. Who these beings will be in their next life is based on a sacred concept known as karma, which can be achieved through good deeds and self-realization.

Bibliography

Fowler, Jeanine. (1997). Hinduism. International Specialized Book Service.

YgoHinduism. (2008). Hindu Traditions. Retrieved from the Internet at http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hindu-ideology/traditions.php.