There is a lot of curiosity on the internet about “How to become a Hindu?”. Becoming a Hindu is easy. But it also depends on what lengths you are ready to go to become a Hindu. It largely depends on the location you are living. There is more than one way to become a Hindu, and it certainly depends on the country of your residence. So let’s find out what’s the best possible way.
If you want to follow the shorter and non-legal way, then starting to learn about Hinduism and then putting it into practice is the “lowest barrier for entry” method to become a Hindu. But if you know enough & have made up your mind then approaching Arya Samaj Mandir is the best way. You can also opt for an online shuddhi ceremony even if you live anywhere in the world.
Step 1: Learn about Hinduism/Sanatana Dharma
Like everything, Hinduism has also evolved a lot over the centuries. In addition, Hinduism has the reputation of being complex because of the sheer amount of literature it has. So it is best to start by learning more about Hinduism. You can start with our post on Hinduism. There has been a lot of misinformation about Hinduism on the internet. So you should try to obtain information only from credible sources. There are misconceptions even about the basic things like “Does Hinduism has 330 million or 33 million Gods” even among Hindus. To know more read our post on the Concept of God in Hinduism.
If you already know enough about Hinduism enough, then you can skip step 1 and go to step 2.
Step 2: Approach an ashrama for the Shuddhi ceremony
After gaining enough knowledge, you can arrange for a Yagya or Yajna for the shuddhi ceremony. If you live in India, then you can approach any Arya Samaj Mandir near you or Hindu Mahasabha. These are the only two organizations that conduct the shuddhi ceremony.
But if you live outside of India, then you can opt for an online Shuddhi ceremony done for you. The shuddhi ceremony can be done for less than 100 USD. Most of the time, it doesn’t cost at all. This gives you initiation into the Hindu fold and you get a helping hand along the way.
Step 3: Assume the responsibilities of a Hindu
In Hinduism, everyone who performs a Yagya is given a sacred thread called “Yajopavita” which consists of 3 threads symbolizing 3 debts on every human being. First, is the debt of biological parents which can be paid by raising a well-cultured next generation. Second, is the debt of devas(earth, water, or other natural forces in general), which can be paid by keeping them clean. Third, is the debt of the acharya, rishi, etc which can be paid by spreading the knowledge.
Step 4: Get accepted into the fold
Now you’re a Hindu and have become part of Vedic Dharma. Hinduism doesn’t divide humanity into Us Vs Them. It is the system that talks about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam i.e. World is one family. Hindus respect all forms of life no matter how significant or insignificant it is. We consider there is divinity in everything.
Step 5: Become a practicing Hindu
Now spread the Dharma. Become a practicing Hindu. Start observing rituals as you seem fit. It all depends on your inclinations, situations, and preferences.
Step 6: Start practicing Yoga
By Yoga, we don’t mean the popularized form of Yoga but the real Patanjali Yoga which will teach you how you can attain supreme happiness. If you have intellectual inclinations, we’d like to suggest you to start reading all the darshans not just Yoga darshan.
Conclusion
For some reason, suppose you can not take all of the abovementioned steps. Even then you are welcome to explore Hinduism, find out more about it, and start practicing. No one can stop you and No it is not rude if you make some mistakes along the way. We Hindus are very accommodating and understand that “To err is Human”
In the end, Vediconcepts is always there to help you. You can approach us with questions and information about Hinduism.