Introduction
Religion in
India holds a profound historical and cultural role, deeply embedded in the
nation’s identity. As the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and
Sikhism, India reflects immense religious diversity, with each tradition
contributing to unique philosophies, rituals, and cultural practices.
Additionally, Islam and Christianity have longstanding presences, adding
further depth to India’s spiritual landscape. These religions shape Indian
society by influencing art, literature, law, and daily life, fostering values
that emphasize spirituality, tolerance, and social harmony. The coexistence of
multiple faiths over centuries has created a rich tapestry of traditions,
making India a center of religious pluralism.
Indian Religions
Religion in India is the most prominent feature and
it has found its expression in various art forms, literature and other
activities. India is land of diversified religion.
History of Indian Religion
History of Indian Religion guides to the understanding of its
religious beliefs and practices of various Indian Religions which have a large
impact on the personal lives of most Indians and influence public life on a
daily basis.
Origin of Religion
Origin of religion in India has a long past. The
deification of natural phenomena always has been seen to have a harmful
influence on the religious thoughts and practice in India.
Types of Religion in India
Types of Religion in India originated in Indian sub-continent.
India is the land of spirituality and philosophy and is considered to be the
birthplace of many religions.
Sacred Scriptures in Indian Religion
All
religions have their own sacred scriptures. These scriptures are considered to be divine
and holy in origin. The monotheist religions consider their sacred texts to be
the word of their God.
Religion in Ancient India
Religion in ancient India had undergone numerous changes with
the surfacing of different classes in society and different civilisations. With
the development of society, various multifaceted religious practices came into
being.
Vedic Religion
Vedic period extended from about 2000 B.C. to
560 B.C. The historians have divided the Vedic age into the Age of the Mantras,
the Age of the Brahmanas and the Age of the Upanishads.
Religion in Indian Philosophy
Religion in Indian philosophy plays a vital role as philosophy is
the theory aspect and religion is the practical aspect. In India, religion is a
way of life. It is an essential part of the entire Indian tradition.
Religion in the Epic Age
Religion in Epic Age witnessed greater prominence in the
worship of the Holy trinity and teachings of the Upanishads. The most
noteworthy development in the epic age is popularization of the doctrine of
incarnation.
Indian Religious Customs
Indian Religious Customs bear the water mark of the assorted
beliefs and the various rituals and customs that is inherent to the clan of
Indian mortals and reflect their generic faith factors.
Indian Religious Monuments
Indian religious monuments trace the history of religions in
India. India is a land of mixed culture and thus secularity in every form is
retained here.
Indian Religious Philosophy
Indian religious philosophy comprises of religious beliefs and
its influences on Philosophy in India. Religious influence on Indian philosophy
has been the guiding factor for almost all philosophical schools.
Religious Iconography in India
Religious Iconography in India is concerned with chronological art
form which deals with the depiction, recognition, account and interpretation of
the content or subject of images.
Indian Religious Sculptures
Indian religious sculptures represent different religious
faiths and beliefs which find expressions through artistic elements. Having
their origin enrooted in different eras, these sculptures exhibit stark
distinctions.
Indian Religious Temples
Temples of different religion are at times responsible for
maintaining the integration in a secular country like India. There is a wide
range of temples on various religions in India.
Religious Thinkers of India
Religious thinkers of India brought a vast change in the Indian
society. The religious thinkers of India have brought about the vast changes in
the Indian society for the welfare of the citizens.
Indian Religious Festivals
Indian Religious Festivals are consisted of several festivals
of all religions. Some of the most prominent festivals are Diwali, Holi, Durga
Puja, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Christmas etc.
Indian Religious Leaders
Indian Religious Leaders played the vital role reforming the
society from the very early period till date. Some of the prominent Indian
religious leaders are Swami Abhedananda, Advaita Acharya, Bala Prajapathi
Adikalar, and more.
Indian Saints
Indian Saints embody the
highest ideals and are credited for demonstrating the reality of spiritual
awareness. They help people to attain positive actions, devotion, spiritual
practice and mental discipline.