Unveiling Hinduism Beyond India: A Tour of Malaysia, Indonesia & Cambodi...

"From the sacred rivers of India to the temples of Bali and the shores of Malaysia, the journey of Hinduism is a testament to the power of culture, spirituality, and connection. 

Not through conquest, but through curiosity, trade, and the enduring appeal of its philosophy, Hinduism found a home far beyond its birthplace. And even today, its spirit continues to shine brightly across Southeast Asia." 

 Was Entire Asia Hindu? 

Short answer: No, not all of Asia was Hindu, but Hinduism had a massive influence across large parts of Asia—especially South and Southeast Asia—before the rise of other religions like Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. 

 1. India – The Birthplace • Hinduism originated and evolved in the Indian subcontinent. • By around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, Vedic traditions were already flourishing. 

2. Nepal & Sri Lanka • Nepal has been a Hindu kingdom for centuries. Even today, it’s the only Hindu-majority nation besides India. • Sri Lanka was influenced by both Hinduism and later Buddhism, especially due to South Indian invasions and Tamil settlements. 

3. Southeast Asia – Strong Hindu Influence • Many parts of Indonesia (like Bali, Java, Sumatra), Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were heavily influenced by Hinduism through Indian traders, scholars, and local adaptation. • Great empires like Srivijaya, Majapahit, Khmer Empire (Angkor Wat!), and Champa Kingdom adopted Hindu gods, Sanskrit language, and Indian customs. 

4. China & Japan – More Buddhist • Hinduism didn’t become a major religion in East Asia, but Buddhism, which originated from Hindu roots, did. • Concepts like karma, dharma, and some deities (like Avalokiteshvara, derived from Shiva traditions) entered Chinese and Japanese belief systems. 

5. Central Asia – Early Influence, Later Islamic • Parts of ancient Afghanistan and Pakistan (like Gandhara and Bactria) were once part of Hindu-Buddhist civilization before the Islamic conquests. • You’ll still find remnants of Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries there. So what happened? 

As centuries passed: 

 • Buddhism spread across Asia due to missionaries, trade, and royal patronage (especially under Ashoka). • Islam spread from the 7th century onwards through traders, Sufi saints, and conquests. 

 • Christianity and other belief systems followed much later. 

Final Thought Hinduism didn’t rule all of Asia—but its culture, philosophy, and spirituality shaped a vast region.
Its footprints can still be seen in temples, languages, festivals, and art across much of the continent. 

Why Hinduism Did Not Flourish Across All of Asia

"Despite being one of the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism—unlike Buddhism or Islam—did not spread across all of Asia as a dominant faith. But why? 

The answer lies in its very structure, philosophy, and historical events." 

 1. No Central Missionary Drive "Unlike Buddhism, which actively sent monks and missionaries to faraway lands, Hinduism had no central figure or institution to promote global expansion.
Hindu sages traveled, yes—but not with the intent to convert. Their goal was more about sharing knowledge than gaining followers." 

 2. Deep Cultural Roots "Hinduism is deeply tied to Indian geography and culture.
Concepts like the Ganga river being sacred, or rituals linked to specific regions, made it less adaptable to foreign landscapes.
For many, Hinduism made the most sense in India." 

3. Complex Ritual System & Caste "Hinduism’s complex rituals, Sanskrit chants, and caste-based social structure made it harder for outsiders to fully integrate.
In contrast, Buddhism offered a simpler path—focusing on personal enlightenment, without social hierarchy.
This made it more appealing in distant lands." 

 4. Buddhism Took the Lead "By the time Indian culture began reaching places like China, Japan, or Korea, it was often Buddhism—an offshoot of Hindu thought—that people encountered first.
Buddhism traveled lighter: fewer gods, simpler stories, and a universal message of compassion and meditation."

 5. Islam’s Rapid Expansion "From the 7th century onwards, Islam expanded rapidly through trade and conquest.
It reached Central Asia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, often replacing or absorbing earlier Hindu-Buddhist systems.
In some regions, like Java, Hinduism gave way gradually.

 In others, temples were abandoned or destroyed." "Hinduism… one of the oldest living religions in the world, with roots stretching back over 4,000 years in the Indian subcontinent. But how did this ancient spiritual tradition, born along the banks of the Indus and the Ganges, travel thousands of kilometers and shape the cultures of distant lands like Bali and Malaysia? 

Let’s explore this fascinating journey.

 "Hinduism, originally known as Sanatana Dharma, emerged from the ancient Vedic traditions of the Indus Valley Civilization. Over time, it evolved through the Rig Veda, Upanishads, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, forming a rich tapestry of philosophy, ritual, art, and mythology. Unlike many religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no singular holy book, and no centralized authority.

 Instead, it grew organically—through sages, scriptures, and centuries of devotion." "By the first few centuries CE, India had become a hub of maritime trade. Indian merchants, along with Brahmin priests and scholars, began sailing to Southeast Asia. These weren’t just traders of spices and silk—but also of stories, scriptures, and spiritual ideas. 

As Indian influence grew in these regions, local kings embraced Hindu philosophy, adopting Indian titles, rituals, and governance models." "Bali, today known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, was once a part of powerful Hindu kingdoms like Majapahit and Srivijaya. 

As early as the 1st century CE, Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced to the Indonesian archipelago. Temples were built, Sanskrit inscriptions were carved, and Hindu epics were localized in the form of dance, theatre, and storytelling. 

Even after the spread of Islam across Indonesia, Bali remained a stronghold of Hindu culture. And to this day, more than 80% of Balinese people practice a unique form of Hinduism that blends ancient Indian rituals with indigenous animism.

" "In Malaysia, especially in the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, Hindu influence began during the era of Indianized kingdoms like Kedah, Langkasuka, and Srivijaya. Hindu deities, Sanskrit inscriptions, and temple ruins are still found in these regions—silent witnesses to a time when Hinduism shaped royal courts, architecture, and local customs. 

While Islam later became the dominant faith, the Indian community—especially Tamil Hindus—kept the traditions alive, celebrating festivals like Thaipusam and Deepavali with immense devotion."