ABSTRACT
Most Hindus learn about their religion through stories, music, and dance, going to temples, and participating in rituals, festivals, and pilgrimages. In general, most Hindus living in India do not worry about religious doctrines, fixed times of prayers, or a historical unfolding of events. Most Hindus are fond of the saying "Hinduism is more than a religion, it is a way of life", whereas most introductory texts and Western understandings of the tradition have focused on the "otherworldly" issues such as karma, reincarnation, and the idea of a Supreme Being. Hindus narrate stories about Vishnu, Shiva, or the goddesses, sing about them, and dance their stories in many cultural performances. In parts of South India, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Durga are all worshipped during the nine days. Jyotisha the (knowledge of the stars) was a form of astronomy-astrology to do with determining auspicious and inauspicious times, casting of horoscopes, and so forth.
