Indian Religion

India is the home of Philosophy, Religion and Spirituality. Being more understanding than the other creatures, it is necessary and compulsory for humans to recognize their Creator, understand His being and attributes, engross themselves in his worship and remembrance, prepare themselves for the life after death and think and worry about what is going to happen after death. Indian religion uses every means to reach the people of various parts of the world to enlighten them to the grand avenues of a meaningful life.

Hinduism
It is the third largest and the oldest religion of the World. No one is actually certain how old is Hinduism but it can be said with certainty that Indus valley civilization contributed some ideas to Hindu religion. The Indian religious temper, called Hinduism, is more ancient than the oldest known Rig Vedic hymn, which is dated to about 5000 BC, and yet is as modern as the school of thought sprung yesterday. This dynamic nature of the religion, based on a firm foundation makes it one of the most sagacious and vibrant of religions. Several spiritual teachers have put down in words their thoughts about the concepts and their perception of spiritual life based on these concepts. These serve as guiding lights for several generations of the future.

Islam
Islam is the second largest religion of the world whose followers are called Muslims. The largest number of Muslims are in Asia and Africa and particularly in middle east and north Africa. The founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born about 570 A.D. in Mecca. The Arab traders brought Islam to India in the early 8th century, but it was not until the 12th century that it became a force to reckon with in the Indian sub-continent. The Muslim invaders in the 12th century and the Mughal rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries helped in the spread of Islam in India. In its first phase, Islam was aggressive. But the mystics of Islam, or the Sufi saints, helped in spreading the message of peace and universal love.

Sikhism
The founder of this faith was Guru Nanak, who from his childhood was attracted to both Hindu and Muslim saints. The Gurus who followed Nanak contributed to the consolidation and spread of Sikhism. The teachings of Guru Nanak were incorporated in the 'Guru Granth Sahib', the Holy Book of the Sikhs which became a symbol of God for Sikhs. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjun built the Golden Temple at Amritsar which became the holiest of Sikh shrines. The tenth Guru, Govind Singh imparted military training to the Sikhs to help them defend themselves.

Christianity
By tradition, Christianity is said to have arrived in India with Saint Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, who spent some years in South India and possibly died there. However, others believe that the first missionary to arrive in the country was Saint Bartholomew. Much of the modern influences in the Indian society can be attributed to the role of Christianity in India. Christian missionaries helped in setting up schools and colleges all over India and also spread the message of faith and goodwill in the country.

Buddhism
Buddhism originated as an offshoot of Hinduism in India, but eventually it became popular all over Asia. The personality and teachings of Gautam Buddha, the founder of this faith, have illumined the lives of millions of people in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. Buddhism has many concepts akin to Hinduism like karma and reincarnation. Buddha suggested that life is full of sufferings and one must act in a way to escape from them.