Religions in India

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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

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).