Rajasthan 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.
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.
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.
INCREDIBLE TOURISM
