Religions in India

March 18, 2019

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Religions in India – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism

Religions in India are characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. India is the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism

Various Religions population in India from 1951 to 2011

Buddhism:

Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha.
Buddha born near Kapilavastu (Nepal) and died in Kusinagar (UP).
Buddhism oppose worship of deities, the caste system, belief in the supernatural powers.
It has two main sects:
- Hinayana
- Mahayana

Christianity:

Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, near Jerusulem (Palestine).
It is monotheistic religion.
Baptism means celebrating an individual entrance into Christianity.
The Bible is the holy book of Christians.

Hinduism:

Ultimate goal of Hinduism is to achieve Moksha.
Sacred text of Hinduism are 4 Vedas, 18 Puranas and Ramayana, Mahabharata.

Islam:

Islam term is of Arabic origin, means submission and Muslims are those who submit to God.
Basic tenet is to belief in one God.
Sunni and Shia are two main sects in Islam.
The main duties of Muslim is to perform prayers five times daily; to pay Zakat; to keep a dawn to dusk fast in the month of Ramzan; to make a pilgrimage (Haj) to Meca atleast once in a lifetime.
Koran is the holy book of Islam.

Jainism:

Jaina meaning conqueror.
Jainism was founded by Vardhamana Mahavira who was born in Kundagrama (Bihar).
First Tirthankara is Rishabha (mentioned in the Yajurveda) and Mahavira is 24th Tirthankara.
Main sects are Digambaras (stark naked) and the Swetambaras (clothed in white).

Sikhism:

The word Sikh is derived from Sanskrit word sishya which means discipleine.
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak.
Adi Granth was compiled by 5th Guru Arjun Dev It is the sacred book of the Sikhs.
Guru Gobind Singh, instituted baptism in water (Pahul) and made it essential to wear the 5 Ks, i.e Kesh (Hair), Kangha (Comb), Kara (Steel bracelet), Kripan (small sword) and Kachchha (short drawers).