Religion has always played a very important role in the lives of Indian people right from medieval times. Numerous religions practiced by Indians can sometimes bewilder the visitor but a general understanding and tolerance has always existed and accounted for the wonderful cultural unity that has kept the Indian spirit alive.

What is true for the rest of India is true for Rajasthan as well. Almost all the major religions are represented here. Apart from the Hindus, who form a majority, there are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains.

Hinduism :

With its roots going beyond 1000 BC, Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and there is a belief that we all go through a series of reincarnations and our rebirths are determined by our karmas, until we attain moksha. The central figure is the Hindu Trinity of Brahma the Greater, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Vishnu the Preserver is believed to have come to earth in ten incarnations - the popular ones being Rama and Krishna, the heroes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These are the two major sources of Hindu belief and observance and are based on historical legends, myths and folklore. Of equal importance to Hindus are the Vedas, the oldest written religious texts in the world, the Upanishads and the Puranas. These form the basis of the Hindu religion.

Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklore. Custom which had to do with social welfare was promoted and kept alive over the years in the form of rituals and is still religiously followed. Several folk heroes are worshipped and one can see hundreds of simple shrines in every village. Stones are painted and established in tiny temples under trees and near wells. Folk heroes like Pabuji, Gogaji, Baba Ramdeo, Harbhuji and Mehaji are revered. All forms of nature are worshipped and each area has its own local deity.

Some of the major temples and important religious centres like Pushkar, Nathdwara, Deshnok, Amer etc.

Jainism :

Founded by Lord Rishabh and reorganised by Lord Mahaveer (born in 599 B.C.) it is one of the oldest living religions of the world. The Fundamental Principles of Jainism are Ahinsa, Aparigraha, Anekant and the law of Karma. The Jains have built some of the most exquisite temples in Ranakpur, Mount Abu, Shri Mahaveerji, Osian, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh and other parts of Rajasthan.

Islam :

The largest minority in India, Muslims are followers of the prophet Mohammad who was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 AD. The world's greatest Sufi shrine - that of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti - lies in Ajmer. Another pilgrimage centre is the Atarki Dargah, the tomb of Hamiuddin Nagori at Nagaur. The followers of these religions and the rulers, over the period, were instrumental in constructing a number of very important temples, mosques, churches which were built in different parts of the state. Some of the most exquisite carvings on marble, stone and wood were created by the believers and exist to this day as a living proof of the creative genius wich continues to fascinate by its sheer brilliance. Other than the structures themselves, the very surroundings of these holy places can give the visitor a sense of peace and calm…

There is also a large majority of Sikhs and Christians who have merged with other communities to give Rajasthan a cosmopolitan flavour.