religion

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/__ The BBC has produced this websites that gives some of the main features of Hinduism, including history, beliefs, worship, texts, ethics and living. From this website, you can also navigate to similar pages about all the major religions of India: Islam, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism.
 * RELIGION AND INDIAN SPIRITUALITY**

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/moynihan/programs/sac/Outreach/ramayana/index.asp__ This website by the South Asian Centre at Syracuse University provides information and a brief and extended summary of the Ramayana: one of the most important Hindu texts. It also outlines the oral tradition of the Ramayna, and includes reference and classroom materials.

[|http://www.vmandir.com/] The virtual mandir (or virtual temple) website provides information, images and texts to assist people in understanding, and practicing Hinduism. Highlights include a FAQs section, and information about the most important Gods and Goddesses. The site has many images for devotional purposes, and is a good way to become acquainted with the sights of Hinduism before arriving in India.

[|http://www.swamij.com/index.htm] Swami Jnaneshvara received spiritual and yogic training in the Himalayas in Uttarkhand, near Badrinath, and later in an Ashram in Rishikesh. His website introduces the visitor to various aspects of yoga and meditation as practiced in the Indian Himalayas. It explains ‘what yoga is’, various traditions of yoga and meditation and outlines different systems of practice.

[|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga] The Wikipedia entry includes a brief overview of yoga of the different types of yoga, and their relevance. It provides the reference in important religious texts to yoga.

[|http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/sarnath.htm] This one page website by the Buddha Dharma Education Association and BuddhaNet, explains the relevance of Sarnath as the place where Buddha gave his first teachings. Gives a brief history and outlines the important structures.
 * (Cultural Kolkata and Ancient Varanasi, Ancient Temples and Cultural Capital)**