After Buddhists; Hindus (almost all of whom are Tamils) represent the largest religious group in Sri Lanka. Hinduism recognises literally dozens of deities; but the Lord Brahma is regarded as the supreme godhead.

Hinduism is a rather eclectic religion; or at least appears so to the non-Hindu. Thus the Buddha himself is readily incorporated within Hinduism as an incarnation of the great Hindu deity Vishnu. Like Buddhists; Hindus also seek to break the seemingly endless cycle of rebirth through attaining enlightenment. This can be achieved through meaningful worship; meditation; ascetic practices and selflessness.

Within Hinduism; guidance is provided by priests and gurus. In Sri Lanka the most important (and popular) Hindu deities are Skanda; the God of War; Vishnu; the Preserver of the Universe; Siva; the Creator-Destroyer; Ganpati; the God of Wisdom; Laksmi; the Bringer of Wealth; and Ganesh; the elephant-headed God.

Hindu gods appear in many Buddhist temples; just as the Buddha may appear in Hindu temples. The religions are distinct yet linked; as they have been for perhaps as long as two millennia.