The Bhakti of Rajasthan - Religions In Rajasthan
Religion has always played an important role in Indian life since medieval times. Numerous religions practiced by Indians can sometimes be disconcerting to visitors, but a general understanding and tolerance that has always existed and accounted for the wonderful cultural unity that has kept the Indian spirit alive. What is true for the rest of India is true for Rajasthan as well. Almost all major religions are represented here. Apart from Hindus, who constitute a majority, are not Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Jains.
Hinduism: With its root going beyond 1000 BC, Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and there is a belief that we all go through a series of re-embodiments and our rebirths are determined by our karmas, until we accomplish moksha. The central figure is the Hindu Trinity of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Vishnu the Preserver is considered to have come to earth in 10 incarnations the popular ones being Rama and Krishna, the heroes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These are the two major sources of Hindu opinion and observance and are based on historical legends, myths and folklore. On adequate significance to Hindus are the Vedas, the most previous written religious texts in the earth, the Upanishads and the Puranas.
These form the basis of the Hindu religion. Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklore. Habit he had to do with social welfare has promoted and kept alive in recent years in the form of rituals and is still religiously? Several folk heroes are loved and you can see hundreds of simple shrines in every village. The stones are painted and settled in the small temples under trees and near wells. Pabuji popular heroes, Gogaji, Ramdeo Baba, Harbhuji Mehaji and are revered. All forms of nature are worshiped and each area has its own local deity. Some of the largest temples and important religious centers like Pushkar, Nathdwara, Desknok, Ajmer exist in this state.
Jainism: Founded by Lord Rishabh and recognized by the Lord Mahaveer (born in 599 BC) is one of the oldest living religions in the world. Basic Principles of Jainism is Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Anekant and the law of Karma. Jains have built some of the most beautiful temples in Ranakpur, Mount Abu, Mahaveerji Shree, Osian, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh and other parts of Rajasthan.
Islam: The biggest nonage in India, Muslims are followers of the prophet Mohammad who was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 AD. The world's superlative Sufi shrine that of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti--lies in Ajmer. One more 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 building a number of very significant temples, mosques, churches which were constructed in dissimilar region of the state. Several of the most fine carvings on marble, stone and wood were made by the believers and exist to this day as a living proof of the originative genius which continues to attract 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 tranquil.
There is also a vast majority of Sikhs and Christians were merged with other communities to give Rajasthan a cosmopolitan flavor.
