Hindu Mythology Cosmic myths are about the world and how it is ordered. They try to explain the origin of the world, universal catastrophes and natural disasters such as fires or floods, as well as the afterlife. Almost all mythologies contain creation stories. This type of story is technically known as cosmogony, which means “birth of the world.” (T Lansford, 2006) These Creation stories also include myths about how humans came into existence and how death and suffering entered the human experience. In my assignment, I chose to describe the creation myth of Hinduism since I am also Hindu. I will begin by creating a clear understanding of Hinduism, then proceed to discuss the various creation myths of this culture as well as its many religious beliefs. Finally, I will conclude my essay. Hinduism is currently followed by one-fifth of humanity. (A Michaels, 2004: 12) It is a religious tradition of Indian origin, which embraces the beliefs and practices of Hindus. Hinduism is a religion of several gods and goddesses. It includes elaborate rituals and a surprising tolerance for diversity, or the possibility of different spiritual paths for many different people and at different times in their lives. (PF Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Our Hindu festivals tend to be vibrant and lively and are celebrated with a lot of devotion and purity. In contrast to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, each of which respects only one religious book, Hinduism has many religious texts. (PF Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Books like the Rig-Veda and the Bhagavad-Gita come to mind. The Rig-Veda is the oldest Hindu sacred text and does not present its version of creation as fact. (PF Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Bhagavad-Gita...... middle of paper...... m.” Microsoft® Encarta®, Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.• Dallapiccola, AL, “Hindu Myths.” University of Texas Press, 2003. ISBN 0292702337, 9780292702332. • Doniger, W., “Bhagavad-Gita.” Microsoft® Encarta® 2007, Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.• Leerning, D.A., “A Dictionary of Asian Mythology.” Oxford University Press, 2001. • Lurquin, P.F. & Stone, L., “Evolution and Religious Creation Myths: How Scientists Respond.” Oxford University Press US, 2007. • Michaels, A., “Hinduism 'Past and Present'”. Princeton University Press, Oxfordshire, 2004. • Powell, B.B., “A Brief Introduction to Classical Myth.” Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey, 2002.• “Mythology.” Microsoft® Encarta®, 2008 online encyclopedia. Available at: http://uk.encarta.man.com © 1997 ' 2008, Microsoft Corporation.