India is popularly known as the birthplace of some of the world’s major faiths. Moreover, this country is also home to several religions. Region helps you live a disciplined and focused life. Through some cultural practices, religions also allow us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You will find uncountable temples, churches, mosques, and wayside shrines in India.
In India, you will find lots of religious practices and spiritual beliefs. Among them, 8 Major Religions in India are listed below:
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Sikhism
- Christianity
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Zoroastrianism
- Judaism.
1. Hinduism
Nearly 79.8% of the Indian population has this religion. It is the oldest and most believed religion in India. As per the information, Vedic is the root of Hinduism. Hindu people firmly believe that a soul must undergo endless births and rebirths. After going through this process, souls finally achieve liberation.
In the Hindu religion, devotees worshipped idols at mandirs. Hindus believe these icons reflect God. Some of the major festivals of Hinduism are – Durga Puja, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, etc.
As per the Hindu religion, there are four Varnas:
- Brahmins – the priests
- Kshatriya – the ruler and warriors
- Vaishyas – the merchants
- Shudras – the manual workers
Holy book – Geeta is the central religious book in Hinduism. Ramayana is also an important book. Moreover, they also follow the Vedas and the Upanishads.
Places where Hinduism is worshipped
Hinduism is worshipped everywhere in India; a few of the significant places are listed below:
(i) Haridwar
It is a primary Hindu pilgrimage site, which is located on the banks of the River Ganga. This oldest town is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
However, you will also see Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, etc. Religious fairs are hosted here throughout the year.
(ii) Vrindavan
Lord Krishna spent his childhood days in this sacred town of Uttar Pradesh. Here, you will find lots of temples. Among them, the auspicious Bankey Bihari Temple is the most famous. However, you can explore the Madan Mohan Temple, the 16th-century Govind Dev Temple, and many more.
(iii) Varanasi
This oldest living city in the world is also known as the heart of Hinduism. You will find this holy town on the bank of the sacred River Ganga. This city has a famous temple of Lord Shiva.
2. Islam
The meaning of Islam is – ‘Submission to God’. This religion is centered on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad.
As per the information, believing in monotheism is the cornerstone of the Islamic faith. According to experts, this religion came to India in the 10th century.
As per the information, Islam religion is defined by five pillars:
- Profession of faith
- Almsgiving
- Pilgrimage
- Worshiping
- Fasting
When the fourth Caliph died, the entire Muslim community was divided into two branches: Shias and Sunnis.
A few of the major principles of Islam are:
- Muslims never have to be believed in idol worship.
- The Quran is their only sacred book.
- They have to pray five times a day.
- Mecca will be the holy place for all Muslims, and they have to visit it at least once in their lifetime.
Holy book – The Quran is their only sacred religious book. They strictly follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Places where Islam is worshipped:
(i) Agra
Undoubtedly, Agra comes under one of the significant religious places for Muslims. This region is full of sacred Muslim sites, which also draw visitors from across the globe. You will find countless mosques here, including Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, etc.
(ii) Hyderabad
It is an excellent Muslim pilgrimage site where you find several mosques. Most interestingly, you can explore the marvellous Charminar Mosque here, which holds religious significance to Islam. You can visit Mecca Masjid here, another revered site for Muslims.
3. Sikhism
Guru Nanak is popularly known as the founder of the Sikh religion. He always encouraged his followers to outreach the universal brotherhood regardless of caste, colour, and religion.
Sikh people always celebrate the birthdays and martyrdoms of their respected Gurus. With their religious practices and a specific code of conduct, Sikhs identify themselves. Sikhs celebrate several festivals such as – Guru Purab, Vaisakhi, Hola Mohalla, etc.
Principal of this religion-
Sikhs are identified because of their five ‘Ks’; they are:
- Kesh – means long hair
- Kachcha – means short trousers
- Kirpan – means a kind of sword
- Kanga – means comb
- Kara – means iron Bengal
Holy book – Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred religious book of Sikhs. This book contains the teaching and writing of their ten gurus. All Sikh gurus suggest their followers believe in kindness and the universal religion of brotherhood.
Places where Sikhism is worshipped:
(i) Punjab
Sikh religion is a new religion that originated in this state. People will find here The Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is the holiest Gurudwara all over the world. Apart from this famous Gurudwara, people can also find several Gurudwaras in this region, which includes Fatehgarh Sahib and many more. Chandigarh state also has several populations of Sikhism.
4. Christianity
According to experts, this religion first reached India 2,000 years ago. However, they mainly live in Kerala, but people from this religion can be found all over the country. They worship Jesus Christ (the Saviour of humanity).
People of this religion are mainly divided into three sects, they are:
- Roman Catholics
- Protestants
- Romo-Syrians
Holy book – Bible is the only religious book of Christians.
Places where Christianity is worshipped:
(i) Goa
It is a well-known Christian religious destination across the globe. Here you will find nemours churches. The most famous church in this place is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. SE Cathedral is another famous church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(ii) Kerala
It is the first Indian state which got introduced to Christianity. St. Thomas spread the religion of Christianity in this state. The arrival of Syrian immigrants is another crucial factor that contributed to the growth of this religion in this place. Here you will find several churches.
5. Buddhism
Siddharth Gautam founded this peaceful religion. He is also popularly known as Buddha or Gautam Buddha. Only two or three percent of India’s population follows Buddhism. Every Buddhist person believes in kindness, wisdom, and love. They always try to follow the teachings of the Lord Buddha, which include: Karma, rebirth, and many more. Buddhists celebrate several festivals; Buddha’s birthday and Magha Puja are remarkable.
Lord Buddha has given an eightfold path for the Ashtanga Marg. Which includes:
- Right aspiration
- Right contemplation
- Right mindfulness
- Right views or faith
- Right livelihood
- Right Speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
Buddhists always believe in the transmigration of the soul and the doctrine of Karma. Buddha always emphasized purity of conduct, love, and truthfulness.
Places where Buddhism is worshipped:
(i) Bodhgaya
According to Buddhism, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under a Pipal Tree in Gaya. This place is located 100 kilometers from Patna. This place comes under one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists. Maha Bodhi Temple is the prime attraction of this place.
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(ii) Sarnath
This sacred town is 11 kilometers away from Varanasi. It is believed that, after enlightenment, Buddha delivered his first sermon in this place.
6. Jainism
According to experts, this religion originated in India around the 7th to 5th century BCE. Mahavira founded this religion. This religion mainly focuses on adhering to the doctrine of self rather than God. According to the information, Jainism has a relatively minor population in India than other religions. Mahavir Jayanti, Maun Agiyara, and Diwali are some of the famous festivals of Jainism.
Mahavir has given his followers five viral principles, they are:
- Asteya – never stealing one’s property
- Aparigraha (non-possession)
- Ahimsa – never spread violence
- Satya – always speaking the truth
- Brahmacharya (non-adultery)
Places where Jainism is worshipped:
(i) Maharashtra
Jain religion has always been a part of the religious culture in this state. This place contains the most prominent Jain population in this country. One of the most beautiful heritage of this religion is the Ellora Caves. You can also find another famous Jain temple Babu Amichand Adishwarji in Mumbai.
(ii) Rajasthan
Rajasthan is another crucial state of India where most of the Jain population lives. You will find several Jain Temples under popular Jain pilgrimage spots in this place. The Dilwara Temple is the prime attraction of this place.
People from this religion also live in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
7. Zoroastrianism
This religion mainly belongs to Parsis. People from this religion are the followers of Zoroaster. Zoroastrians especially worship fire. Nearly one lakh Zoroastrians live in India. These people live in urban centers like Mumbai.
Places where Zoroastrianism is worshipped:
(i) Maharashtra
This place is considered the central hub for the Zoroastrian population. Previously, they settled in Gujarat state. When their entrepreneurial skills were increased, they moved to Mumbai. This city contains the highest number of Zoroastrian fire temples in India. You can find The Parsi Fire Temple on Perin Nariman Street here.
8. Judaism
This religion is known as an ancient monotheistic religion that primarily originated in the Middle East. Interestingly, it is the first foreign religion introduced in India. Among all the Jewish Communities in Asia, India ranks fourth.
As per the information, mainly three kinds of the Jewish population live in India, they are:
- Cochin Jews
- Bene Israeli
- Baghdadi Jews
Places where Judaism is worshipped:
(i) Cochin
Malabari Jews and Paradesis first arrived at the Paradesi synagogue. After that, they settled in this place. This synagogue was built in the year 1568. It is also the oldest synagogue in the country. Tourists have to remove their shoes mandatorily before entering the temple.
Mumbai and Pune also have lots of people from this religion.
Conclusion
According to experts, India is the melting pot of cultures. This country is quite famous for its religious diversity. You can explore harmony in all religious festivals, traditions, and ceremonies. Each of these celebrations always spreads the message of brotherhood. These different religious festivals bring people closer to one another.
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