�òݸ���

�òݸ��� Hinduism

What is Hinduism? How do Hindus worship?

Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma—the “eternal way”—is one of the oldest living ways of life in the world, guiding spiritual, ethical, and social conduct rather than adhering to a single founder or fixed creed. It is a pluralistic and dynamic tradition, encompassing a wide array of beliefs, practices, and philosophies, all aimed at understanding existence, the self, and ultimate reality. Central to Hindu thought are the major schools of philosophy: Vedanta, which explores the nature of the self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman); Samkhya, which analyses the interplay of consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti); Yoga, which provides techniques for spiritual growth and liberation; Nyaya and Vaisheshika, which focus on logic, epistemology, and the nature of reality; Mimamsa, which emphasizes dharma through ritual and ethical action; and Tantra, which includes esoteric practices for transformation. Hinduism also recognizes ������پ��첹 or non-Vedic schools, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka, which historically arose in dialogue with Vedic thought and explored alternative paths to liberation.

Hindus worship in diverse ways, reflecting the openness of Sanatana Dharma. Worship (puja) can occur at home, in temples, or in natural settings, often involving offerings, prayers, meditation, singing, chanting, and rituals. While there are thousands of deities in Hinduism, some of the most widely revered include Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti (the Divine Feminine). Devotion (Bhakti), disciplined action (Karma Yoga), meditation (Raja Yoga), and study of sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are all forms of practice. Festivals, pilgrimages, and communal rituals provide ways to connect with the divine and the community, while personal contemplation and ethical living are equally valued. Ultimately, Hindu worship emphasizes a personal and experiential relationship with the sacred, reflecting the tradition’s pluralistic and adaptive nature. 

Meet the Hindu Chaplaincy Team

Hindu Chaplain: Acharya Bharadwaj

Joining the team soon

Email: bnbr-life@sheffield.ac.uk

Acharya Bharadwaj is the resident priest at the Sheffield Hindu Mandir, where he leads daily worship and major festivals, and offers spiritual guidance to the local community. Trained in Vedic scriptures, Sanskrit, and Hindu philosophy, he brings both knowledge and compassion to his role.

Beyond the Mandir, Acharya Bharadwaj Vedic engages with students, families, and visitors, helping them understand Hindu traditions and practices in a welcoming way. He also supports cultural and interfaith events across Sheffield, strengthening connections between communities. His presence provides students with an accessible point of contact for spiritual advice, cultural learning, and celebrating important Hindu festivals while studying in Sheffield. He also enjoys playing Badminton.

Hindu Adviser: Rushabh Shah

Joining the team soon

Email: rushabh.shah@sheffield.ac.uk

Rushabh Shah is an active member of the community and leads the refurbishment efforts at the Hindu mandir. He is a Jain by religion and speaks Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati. Rushabh moved to Sheffield in 2019 to take up an opportunity to work for the Advanced Manufacturing Research centre.

Hindu Adviser: Harsh Trivedi

Joining the team soon

Email: h.trivedi@sheffield.ac.uk

I am Dr Harsh Trivedi and I am Hindu Advisor at the University of Sheffield’s Hindu Chaplaincy. I am exploring Hindu philosophical traditions to engage with questions of ethics, community, and decolonising knowledge, while hoping to share Hindu culture and philosophical traditions with everyone and highlight the inclusive and reflective teachings of the various schools of Hinduism. I aim to support the Hindu community at the University and foster understanding across cultures, including supporting international students facing the challenges of racism and anti-immigration sentiment.

Alongside my chaplaincy work, my academic research spans 19th-century French literature and comparative cultural studies. I am particularly interested in how narratives—literary or philosophical—can challenge dominant frameworks and promote more inclusive, reflective ways of understanding the world.

Hindu Adviser: Ruchika Julka

Tel: +44 787 763 0918
Facebook: 

I practice Hinduism both as a religion and a way of life. Since moving to Sheffield in 2007 I have developed close links with the Indian and Hindu communities and would be happy to provide advice/guidance on matters relating to the Hindu faith. For my day job, I work at Sheffield Hallam University as an advisor in the International Experience Team.

Sheffield Hindu Mandir

Sheffield Hindu Mandir is located in Burngreave, northeast Sheffield.  It is run by a registered charity HINDU SAMAJ (SHEFFIELD AND DISTRICT) charity number: 517550. It is the only temple in South Yorkshire with a resident priest and daily pooja.

Please note that these listings are for to provide information only. The inclusion of any group or association within these listings does not represent an endorsement of its views or practices by the University of Sheffield.

Hindu Samaj

Hindu, Navratri, Diwalli, Hawan, Pooja, Bhajan, Aarthi

Address: 21 Buckenham Street, S4 7JQ
Telephone: 07469 377333 / 07710 827299
Contact: Mr Madhava Krishna / Bhushan Patil

For more information, please visit the page.
Website -

Sheffield Student Hindu Society

Sheffield Student Hindu Society is part of the National Hindu Students' Forum.