Religions in India

India is a secular country. A secular country is one that does not officially support any religion. Four of the world's major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, originated in India. Other religions in India include Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism.

Hinduism

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. Hinduism has been prevalent in India since 1500 BC. The Vedic literature, which is the central text of Hinduism, includes the four Vedas, the Upanishads, the Aranyakas, and the Brahmanas. In addition, the classical works include the Puranas, the Upaveda, the Tantras, and the Itihasas.

Buddhism

Gautama Buddha is known as the founder of Buddhism. Buddhism originated in India about 2500 years ago. Buddha was born in Lumbini (Kapilavastu) in Nepal in 563 BC. He was also known as Shakyamuni because he was born in the Shakya clan. Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park in Sarnath (U.P.). Buddhism is based on the principle of the Eightfold Path. The language of the Buddha was the common people's language, 'Ardha Magadhi'. At the Fourth Buddhist Council, Buddhism was divided into two sects, 'Hinayana' and 'Mahayana'. The three jewels of Buddhism are known as the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The residences of Buddhist monks are called viharas. Buddhist places of worship are called 'pagodas'. Buddhist scriptures are called 'Tripitika'. The death of the Buddha is known as 'Parinirvana'. The event in which the Buddha renounced everything, left the palace, and took up sannyasa is called 'Mahaparityaga'. 

Jainism

Jainism is a religion that originated in India. The founder of Jainism is Vardhamana Mahavira. Mahavira was born in Vaishali in 540 BC. The preachers of Jainism are known as Tirthankaras. The word 'Tirthankara' means "ford-maker" or "bridge-builder". Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Rishabha Deva is the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The Digambaras and Svetambaras are the two sects of Jainism. They have the most followers in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan in India.

Sikhism

Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. Sikhism was formed in the late 15th century. It was organized into a religious form by Guru Gobind Singh. There are 10 Gurus in Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth. The Granth Sahib is the holy book of the Sikhs. A Gurudwara is the place of worship for the Sikhs. Guru Angad is the inventor of the 'Gurmukhi' script of the Punjabi language. Guru Ramdas laid the foundation for the growth of Amritsar. Guru Arjan Dev completed the construction of the city. The Golden Temple was built by the Sikh Guru Arjan Dev. It is also known as 'Harmandir Sahib'. Guru Arjan Dev compiled the holy book of the Sikhs, 'Adi Granth'. It is also known as 'Guru Granth Sahib'.

Islam

Islam is considered the second largest religion in the world in terms of the number of believers. It originated in the 7th century. The religion was spread by the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe in one God, Allah. The Quran is the holy book.

Christianity

Christianity is the largest religion in the world. Christians follow the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible is the holy book. There are various sects within Christianity, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that emerged in Persia between 1400 and 1000 BC. Zoroaster is the founder of this religion. The god of Zoroastrianism is Ahura Mazda. Fire is the symbol of Ahura Mazda. The Avesta is the sacred book of Zoroastrianism. It is written in verses. The Parsis in India are the descendants of Zoroastrians who fled from Persia. Their place of worship is known as the Fire Temple. Mithraism is an offshoot of Zoroastrianism.

Judaism

Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The Jews are monotheists. It originated in the Middle East in the 8th century BCE. The Torah is the holy book of the Jews. The synagogue is the place of worship for the Jews.

Baha'i Faith

The Baha'i faith was founded in Persia in the 19th century. Its founder is Baha'u'llah. They are monotheists. The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, with its beautiful architecture, is one of the main places of worship for the Baha'is.