Rajasthan comprises of a number of religions. From the predominant Hinduism to the little less present Christianity, Rajasthan is a cultural and religious mixture of sorts. Religion has always played a very important role in the lives of Indian people right from medieval times.
Numerous religions practised by Indians can sometimes bewilder the visitors but a general understanding and tolerance has always existed and accounted for the wonderful cultural unity that has kept the Indian spirit alive. The main religions of Rajasthan are:
Hinduism :
Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and there is a belief that we all go through a series of reincarnations and our rebirths are determined by our karmas, until we attain moksha. The central figure is the Hindu Trinity of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Vishnu the Preserver is believed to have come to earth in ten incarnations the popular ones being Rama and Krishna, the heroes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These are the two major sources of Hindu belief and observance and are based on historical legends, myths and folklore. On equal importance to Hindus are the Vedas, the Oldest written religious texts in the world, the Upanishads and the Puranas.
Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklore. Custom which had to do with social welfare has promoted and kept alive over the years in the form of rituals and is still religiously followed. several folk heroes are worshipped and one can see hundreds of simple shrines in every village. Stones are painted and established in tiny temples under trees and near wells. Folk heroes like Pabuji, Gogaji, Baba Ramdeo, Harbhuji and Mehaji are revered. All forms of nature are worshipped and each area has its own local deity. Some of the major temples and important religious centres like Pushkar, Nathdwara, Desknok, Ajmer exist in this state.
Islam :
Muslims are followers of the prophet Mohammad who was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 AD. The world's greatest Sufi shrine that of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti--lies in Ajmer. Ajmer was, in fact, the headquarters of Khwajah Moin-ud-Din Salim Chishti, the Muslim missionary. There is also his famous dargah in Ajmer, known as "Chishti ki Dargah". Another pilgrimage centre is the Atarki Dargah, the tomb of Hamiuddin Nagori at Nagaur. The followers of these religions and rulers, over the period, were instrumental in constructing a number of very important temples, mosques, churches which were built in different part of the state. some of the most exquisite carvings on marble, stone and wood were created by the believers and exist to this day as a living proof of the creative genius which continues to fascinate by its sheer brilliance. Other than the structures themselves, the very surroundings of these holy places can give the visitor a sense of peace and calm.
Jainism :
Another important and widely followed religion in Rajasthan is Jainism.Founded by Lord Rishabh and recognized by Lord Mahaveer (born in 599 B.C.) it is one of the oldest living religions of the world. The Fundamental Principles of Jainism are Ahinsa, Aparigraha, Anekant and the law of Karma. The main followers of this religion include the trading class and the wealthy section of society. The famous religious places of Jains in Rajasthan include Ossian Jain Temples, Dilwara Jain Temples, Ranakpur Jain Temple and so on.
Sikhism :
Over time, there has been a considerable increase in the number of followers of Sikh religion. The Sikhs believe in formless God and worship their holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib'.
Christians :
The population of Christians in Rajasthan is quite small.
Dadupanthi :
Another religious sect of Rajasthan includes the Dadupanthis. They are the followers of Dadu, who preached the equality of all men, strict vegetarianism, total abstinence from intoxicating liquor, and lifelong celibacy.
