Comparison chart

Hare Krishna versus Hinduism comparison chart
Edit this comparison chartHare KrishnaHinduism
Place of worship Temple, Mandir. Temple (Mandir)
Belief of God One (Krishna). Many gods, but realize that they all come from Atman.
Use of statues and pictures Allowed Common
Literal Meaning Named after their god, Krishna. The followers of Vedas are called as Arya, noble person. Arya is not a dynasty, ethnicity or race. Anyone who follows the teachings of Vedas is considered Arya.
Life after death A constant cycle of reincarnation until one purities one's existence enough to return to the spiritual world, the abode of Krishna and his associates. A constant cycle of reincarnation until enlightenment is reached.
Founder Bhaktivedanta Swami Not credited to a particular founder.
Scriptures Geeta, Vedas, Upanishad, Purans, Itihaas etc Vedas, Upanishad, Puranas, Gita. Smrti and Sruti are oral scriptures.
Practices Chanting Krishna's name. Meditation, yoga, contemplation, yagna (communal worship), offerings in the temple.
Religious Law Karma Dharma shastras
Confessing sins Not discussed. Repentance for unintentional sins are prescribed, but intentional sins have to be repaid through karmic consequences.
View of other Dharmic religions They ultimately lead to the same end but the process of Bhakti is the most direct way of understanding god. They believe that Buddhists, Jains, & Sikhs should reunite with Hinduism (which is the original Dharmic religion).
Holy days/Official Holidays Janmashtami, Rath-Yatra, Diwali, Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, Nrsimha-Caturdasi, etc. Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc.
Second coming of Jesus N/A. N/A.
Promised Holy one. Krishna. Kalki, the 10'th avatar of Vishnu.
Use of statues Very common. Allowed, but not compulsory
God's role in salvation Vishnu is the saviour god, especially as his avatar, Krishna. Beliefs vary by sect. Upanishads (scripture) say God chooses who gets salvation. Salvation is attained via good deeds and righteousness (following the "dharma" and avoiding sin)
Abrahamic Lineage N/A. N/A.
Geographical predominance India, North America, Eastern Europe, South America India, Nepal
Birth of Jesus N/A. N/A.
Concept of God Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu. God is in everything and everything is God.

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