Indian Religion

Diversity is in every sphere of India and in this regard Indian religion is not an exception. Among all the countries which are treated as culturally as well as regionally rich, India is the only country where a large number of religions not only have evolved, but flourished in remarkable ways. India has traditionally been a country of spirituality and faith. In India, religion is an integral part of normal human life which has a great impact on the day-to-day personal lives of people.

India is a secular state where the constitution gives equal honor to every religion. We can proudly say, among just a few countries of the world where the religious as well as social identity have remained intact despite several persecution, invasions, political upsurges and colonialism, India is one of them. India is the land to the adherents of majority of religions of the world.

There are primarily four religions in India and the other religions have come with travelers, invaders and missionaries from various overseas countries. India is a cradle of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. However Islam is like an adopted child in this country because this religion has been an integral part of India’s cultural and social fabric for centuries. The primary Indian religions are originated in the Indian subcontinent and they form a sub-group of the larger class of ‘eastern religions’.

‘Astika’ and ‘Nastika’ are two words used in India to categorise the country’s religion. Those religions which believe in God as a central power behind every act are known as ‘Astika’ and on the other side those religions which do not possess any faith on God are called ‘Nastika’. According to these definitions, Hinduism is an Astika religion and Jainism and Buddhism are Nastika religions.

The contemporary times have given rise to hundreds of saints from all religions who have high influence in religiously educating the country people. As example, one of the largest movements in Hindu religion has taught the discipline of Raja yoga to millions. Another remarkable movement in the phenomenon of Indian religion is Bhakti movement. This movement began with the emphasize on the worship of God despite of one’s social status, gender and economic condition.

Finally, Indian religion is a vast subject to discuss about. There were several ups and downs in the history of several Indian religions and there were several revolutionary movements in all religions of India which had added new horizons in Indian religion.