Hinduism,
the religion of most of the population, is generally
practised through the worship of Brahma, Shiva,
Shakti, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses.
Nathdwara is an important religious centre for
the Vallabhacharya sect of Krishna followers.
There are also followers of the Arya Samaj, a
reforming sect of modern Hinduism, as well as
other forms of that religion.
Jainism is also important; it
has not been the religion of the rulers of Rajasthan
but has followers among the trading class and
the wealthy section of society. Mahavirji, Ranakpur,
Dhulev, and Karera are the chief centres of Jain
pilgrimage.
The Dadupanthi forms another
important religious sect the followers of Dadu
(d. 1603), who preached the equality of all men,
strict vegetarianism, total abstinence from intoxicating
liquor, and lifelong celibacy.
Islam, the religion of the State's
second largest religious community, expanded in
Rajasthan with the conquest of Ajmer by Muslim
invaders in the late twelfth century. Khwajah
Muin-ud-Din Chishti, the Muslim missionary, had
his headquarters at Ajmer, and Muslim traders,
craftsmen, and soldiers settled there. The State's
population of Christians and Sikhs is small.
The religion and costumes of
the tribes vary. They each have their own religion,
costumes and profession.
The religion followed by Rajasthanis, in general,
is the Hindu religion. Various other religions
are also prevalent in Rajasthan.
Some of these religions are:
Jain Religion The Jains follow
the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.
Mahavira stressed on the practice of Non-violence.
Sikh Religion 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'
Some other major religions that are followed are
Buddhism, Islam,
Christianity, Parsi
religion. |