How to Become a Hindu

Lord Shiva as Sharvesha

Changing religions is a serious step that should be taken with great thought and a prayerful approach. The Hindu traditions recognize the spiritual depth of a decision to convert to Hinduism. Since there are numerous schools in the Hindu tradition, it is impossible to give a certain procedure that encompasses all of them So, Shavism, those who worship Shiva, provides a clear process for conversion.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Decision to convert to Hinduism
• Hindu temple to attend worship services
• Vedas
• Upanishads
• Commitment to a new and sacred life

Becoming a Hindu

1. 

   Find and join a Shaivite Hindu community. In nearly every major city in the United States and elsewhere, you can find Hindu societies of different views. Attend worship ceremonies, perform daily Puja in your home, make pilgrimages, if possible.

2. 

   Study the Shaivite Hindu tradition and write a knowledgeable comparison with your soon-to-be former religion or philosophical belief system. Write any former vows and new vows to be taken. Answer why you are forsaking previous vows.

3. 

   Make a formal severance with your former religious tradition. Use your written work to help guide you. It is important to know that, in some Christian denominations, one is considered an apostate when one leaves that organization. This is true of other religions as well.

4. 

   Participate in the name-giving sacrament, Namakarana Samskara. Find a priest or leader of a Hindu temple that is devoted to the God, Shiva or the God to whom you wish to worship. You will receive a Hindu name. The priest will instruct you about details of the ceremony.

5. 

   Announce in a local newspaper for three days that you have severed ties to your former religion and give your new name. Keep copies of all related documents. In India, you may be required to provide them.

6. 

   Embrace Hindu culture. Congregate with others in your temple. Educate yourself; visit India, if you can. Above all, discover your new world with respect. There distinct rules for interacting with others in Hindu culture.

Tips & Warnings

• These steps are not universally recognized as the only way to become a Hindu

Resources

• How to Become a Hindu
• The Heart of Hinduism
• Sample Namakarana Certificate
• Learning Hindu Culture
• Hindu Glossary