Religions of Rajasthan

HINDUISM :
With its roots 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 reincarnations and our karmas,until 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,myth and folklore. Of equal importance to Hindus are the Vedas,the oldest written religious texts in the world, the Upanishads and the Puranas. These form the basis of the Hindu religion.

Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklore. Custom which had to do with social welfare was 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, Deshnok, Amer exist in this state.

ISLAM :
The largest minority in India,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 Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti-lies in Ajmer. Another pilgrimage centre is the Atarki Dargah, the tomb of Hamiuddin Nagori at Nagpur.

The followers of these religions and the rulers, over the period,were instrumental in constructing a number of very important temples, mosques, churches which were built in different parts 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 structure themselves,the very surroundings of these holy places can give the visitor a sense of peace and calm…..