The article discusses the rich religious tapestry of India, a country known for its diverse religious beliefs and practices, with religion deeply intertwined with everyday life. With 80% of the populace identifying as Hindu, a religion and philosophical system with ancient roots, Hinduism is unmistakably the most practiced religion in India. However, the country is also home to a significant number of other religious adherents, making it one of the most spiritually varied nations in the world.
Islam is the second most widespread religion in India, with 13.4% of Indians practicing it. Christianity and Sikhism also have noticeable followings, practiced by 2.4% and 1.86% of Indians, respectively. Buddhism and Jainism, both originating from the Indian subcontinent, maintain a global presence and have loyal followings in India as well. Additionally, Zoroastrianism and Judaism, although followed by a smaller percentage of the population, have a long-established history in the country.
Hinduism is characterized as 'apauruseya', meaning it is of impersonal origin. The gods of Hinduism are seen as immortal entities that, while seemingly different and autonomous, are actually aspects of the same supreme entity, the Brahman. This epitomizes the inclusive philosophy of Hinduism, which accommodates a multiplicity of gods to cater to the individual spiritual paths of its diverse devotees. As revered spiritual leader Sri Ramakrishna puts it, the number of spiritual paths can be as varied as the number of spiritual aspirants, suggesting a similar variation in the conceptualization of gods.
Verdict: the uniqueness of India's religious landscape is defined by its plurality and the predominance of Hinduism. The notion of divinity in Hinduism, embracing a multitude of gods as different facets of the same supreme reality, reflects the accommodating essence of the religion. Alongside this, the presence of multiple other faiths illustrates India's broad religious spectrum, making it a compelling case study for religious diversity.
