|
Hinduism, the religion of most of the population, is generally
practiced 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.
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.
|