Religions

India is a big country.

From the earliest times man worshiped any natural object of force which he could not understand, or of which he was afraid. Fire, sun, trees and rain were some of the earliest gods. Religions were born as man became civilized, developed his power of thinking and reasoning and began to understand the world.

Different people follow different religion. However, all religions are tech us the same values.

India is a land of many religions. Indians have the freedom to follow any religion they want to. The main religions in India are Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism. There are many common beliefs and customs among all these religions.

Hinduism

It is one of the oldest religions of the world. Hindus believe that there is one supreme God, who is worshipped in three forms, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The holy books of the Hindus are the four Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and the Bhagvad Gita. Hindu also worships gods and goddess. These include Ram, Krishna, Ganesh, Hanuman, Durga, Sarwsati, and Lakshmi. Hindus worship in temples or at home.

Islam

Islam is the religion practiced by Muslims. The word Islam means `submission to God’. Islam was proposed by Prophet Muhammad. Islam teaches people to believe in one supreme God Allah. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last of the prophets and he brought Allah’s final message to the world. They holy book of the Muslims is the Quran.

Muslims worship in mosques or at home. They pray five times a day and fast in the month of Ramzan. They do not have any pictures or idols of God.

Mecca, the birth place of the prophet Muhammad is the holy city of Islam.

Sikhism

This religion was founded by Guru Nanak. Sikhs believe in one god who created the world and all things in it. Sikhs follow the teachings of Guru Nanak and his nine successors who are also called Gurus. The collection of the writings of the guru is in the form of book, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy scripture of the Sikhs.

Sikhs worship in gurudwaras, the Golden Temple at Amritsar is one of the holiest shrines of the Sikhs.

Christianity

The founder of Christianity was Jesus and the followers of Jesus Christ are called Christians. Like other great religious leaders, Jesus taught by example, living a simple and selfless life based on love. Christian love has two elements – love of god and love of people.

Christian worship can take place anywhere and at any time, but it is usually done privately with prayers in the home, or publicly at church services, especially on Sundays.

The holy bible is the holy book of Christians.

Buddhism

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha, or the `enlightened one’.

Buddhists do not worship any particular person or god, but follow a system of thought, meditation and spiritual exercise based on the Buddha’s teachings.

Jainism

This religion was founded by Mahavira. The guiding principle of Jainism is respect for life and all living things.

Jainism teaches right conduct, right faith, tolerance and non- violence.

Jains do not believe in one god, nor do they pray to gods to help them. Instead, they rely on spiritual teaches to train them in meditation and self-discipline. Worship may involve quiet meditation or the repetition of a mantra.

Zoroastrianism

It is an ancient faith which is to day practiced by people living mainly in Iran and in India. The Zoroastrians in India are known as Parsees.

Zoroastrianism was founded by Prophet Zoroaster. It is believed that he was inspired to teach and spread the faith. Zoroastrianism stresses that good deeds are the only way to form a happy society.

Parees worship in a `fire temple’. The holy book of the pareses is the Zend Avesta.

Judaism

This religion is practiced by Jews and was born in Israel. They believe in only one god who created the world and rules over it.

Jews worship in synagogues and the Torah is their holy book.