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brahmanism

 - 3 dictionary results

Brah⋅man⋅ism

  [brah-muh-niz-uhm]
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–noun
1. the religious and social system of the Brahmans and orthodox Hindus, characterized by the caste system and diversified pantheism.
2. the Hinduism of the Vedas, Brahmanas, and Upanishads.
Also, Brahminism.

Origin:
1810–20; Brahman + -ism

Related forms:
Brah⋅man⋅ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Brah·man·ism   (brä'mə-nĭz'əm)   
n.   Hinduism

  1. The religious practices and beliefs of ancient India as reflected in the Vedas.

  2. The social and religious system of orthodox Hindus, especially of the Brahmins, based on a caste structure and various forms of pantheism.

Brah'man·ist n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

Brahmanism

religion of ancient India that evolved out of Vedism. It takes its name both from the predominant position of its priestly class, the Brahmans, and from the increasing speculation about, and importance given to, Brahman, the supreme power. Brahmanism is distinguished from the classical Hinduism that succeeded it by the enhanced significance given in classical Hinduism to individual deities, such as Siva and Vishnu, and to devotional worship (bhakti).

Learn more about Brahmanism with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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