People Religion Rajasthan Rajasthanis are predominantly Hindus, Muslims and Jains. Muslim, Hindu, and Jain Rajasthanis mingle socially with each other regardless of their religious segments. Most Rajasthani hindus are vaishnavas, however, all over Rajasthan Durga and her avatars are equally worshiped. Oswals are mainly Jains but there are also small portion of vaishnava Oswals. Jats are predominantly hindus and muslim.
Meenas of Rajasthan to date strongly follow Vedic culture which usually includes Bhainroon (Shiva) and Krishna worship as well as Durga worship. Generally speaking the Rajputs worship the Sun, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Bhavani (Goddess Durga). The Gurjars (Gujars or Gujjars) worship God of the Sun, God Devnarayan, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Bhavani of the Goddess. Historically, the Gurjars have been Sun-worshipers, and are represented as devoted to the Sun-god ‘s feet. Mahānubhavis’ Marathi Bhakti movement and Maharashtra’s Varkaripanthis who followed Vaishnavism mostly had immense influence on the development of Rajasthani Bhakti movement. During the Rajasthani Bhakti movement, Meerabai (almost) was an important figure.
Other religions like Buddhism , Christianity, Parsi religion etc. are also prevalent. Over time the number of followers of the Sikh faith has increased. Though Buddhism emerged as a major religion in the Mauryan Empire during 321-184 BC, it had no influence in Rajasthan because Mauryan Empire had minimal impact on Rajasthan and its culture. Although Jainism today is not that prevalent in Rajasthan but the Rajasthan and Gujarat areas have historically been strong centers of Jainism in India, and the state is rich in Jain temples, many of which are still maintained by Jain organizations People Religion Rajasthan.
People & Religion Rajasthan
People
Rajasthan is an Indian border-state. It shares a pakistani international border. In down the ages, the trade routes from India to the Middle East and beyond have also been very significant. As such, Rajasthan’s native inhabitants were also displaced many times, and people and cultures were intermingled. The indigenous people are thought to have fled to the South and East of India after many such attacks while the Aryans and the tribal people have stayed behind.
Rajasthan ‘s people are as rugged as their topography from the Great Indian Desert Thar to the Aravali Mountain Range. It is a land like the rest of India that is religiously tolerant, and has been instrumental in the growth of various religions. Rajasthan therefore has some of the most important places of pilgrimage of Jain, Hindu and Muslim religions And some of India’s most beautiful temples such as Jain Temples Ranakpur, Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu also of the Jain religion and Lord Brahma Temple at Pushkar as well as the Moinuddin Chisti Dargah Muslim Pilgrimage Center at Ajmer.
Rajasthan has a broad tapestry of humans. It has a large indigenous Minas (Minawati) population in areas of Alwar, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Dholpur. Then there are the traders and artisans of Meos and Banjaras who are traveling. The Gadia Lohars are Ironsmiths traveling on Gadias (carts in the bullock). The Bhils which are one of India’s oldest peoples can be found in Bhilwara districts, They are famous archers, Chittaurgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, Sirohi and. The nomadic Kathodis live in the region of Mewar while the Sahariyas are found in the district of Kota.
The Oswals hailing from Osiyan are predominantly traders and are Jains. The Jats and Gujjars are among the most extensive farming communities. The Gujjars residing in eastern Rajasthan are Hindus.
Although the Rajputs make up a small percentage of the population, they are one of the most influential in Rajasthan and have left an indelible mark on both this state and India ‘s history. The Gujjars are Hindus living in east Rajasthan. The nomadic Rabari or Raika are divided into two groups, while the Chalkias breed sheep and goats, the Marus breed camels.
Religion
Rajasthan Hinduism religion is the religion of most population of the state. The Rajasthan hindus worship various gods such as Brahma, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses. Then, there are Arya Samaj followers. Besides, Rajasthan also has Jains, Sikhs and Christians. Among the trading class Jainism has many followers. The Dadupanthis are Dadu’s followers, who preached equality, strict vegetarianism, total abstinence from intoxicating liquor and celibacy for life. With the conquest of Ajmer Islam extended in Rajasthan. The Muslims have a population of less than 10 per cent. Most of the Rajasthan Muslims are Sunni while a handful are Shiites.
Famous Religious Places In Rajasthan
Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is one of India’s major and famous religious tourist spots. It is located in Rajasthan capital city, Jaipur. This temple was built by the Birla family in 1998 around the 20th century, and is dedicated to Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. This temple is situated in the city of Jaipur on the Moti Dungari mountains. This temple mainly has three domes the portrait of the country’s various religions. You will also consider philosophers and sects on various statues. During sunset this temple reveals its architectural elegance and richness due to its lights decorated all over it. Birla Mandir’s entry fees are Free.
Temple Timings : 6 – 12AM, 3 – 9PM, open 7 days a week
Brahma Temple
Brahma Mandir, or Brahma Temple, is a temple that is 2000 years old. It is located close to Lake Pushkar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma and there are also some statues of Lord Saraswathi here. Lord Brahma is believed to have come to earth and to have done a yajna at the same spot where this temple is now being built. This temple consists of white marbles and stone slabs, and has the highest tower that can be seen from far away.
Temple Timings : 6AM – 9PM
Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is located in Bikaner and this is situated exclusively to Goddess Mata Karni who is considered to be an epitome of Goddess Durga. This temple ‘s principal ritual is to feed the rats. This temple has more than 20000 black rats. So it is famously known as rat temple. It was designed in splendid Mughal style by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the 20th century. Devotees place bowls of milk on the floor which the rats then enjoy to bring good luck and prosperity. Entrance fees are free.
Temple Timings : 5AM – 10PM
Eklingji Temple
Eklingji Temple is an architectural wonder, located in the vicinity of Udaipur town in Kailashpuri, Rajasthan. Eklingji Temple is situated at a distance of 22 km from Udaipur, on the bank of Indersagar Lake. It is a popular attraction for pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Eklingji. This temple is from the 8th century. This temple ‘s primary ritual is that of worshiping Lord Shiva. Especially on Mondays you will have lots of rituals. This is very famous Maha Shiva Ratri temple during times. You will get free access here.
Temple Timings : 4:15AM – 6:45AM, 10:30AM – 1:30PM, 5:15PM – 7:45PM
Galtaji Temple
Galtaji temple is a pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage site located just 10 km from Jaipur. Established in the 18th century, this temple is best known as the Temple of Monkey. Set in the hills of Aravali, the Temple of Galtaji is surrounded by hills. This temple contains many holy water tanks. It’s built all over the temple with rose sandstone. But it is really famous for its architecture. At its walls, Temple is lined with different paintings. In this temple, there is a stone called “Gaumukh” which resembles the cow ‘s head from which all the temple tanks get water. It gives perfect crystal water. Entrance charge to this temple is free to pay. Occasionally, they can ask for cameras donations or charges.
Temple Timings : 5AM – 9PM
Mehandipur Balaji Temple
Mehandipur Balaji Mandir is a noted Hindu temple dedicated to one of the Hindu God Hanuman in Rajasthan district of Dausa. This temple is placed in the district of Kaurali, to worship Lord Hanuman. Within the temple, saints will carry out ceremonial healing processes. Entering this temple is free of entry fee.
Temple Timings : 4AM – 10PM
Rani Sati Temple
Rani Sati Temple is located in Jhunjhunu district, in Rajasthan. Rajasthan people also tell the story about Rani Sati because of her great pride and charisma as an inspiration. She was popularly called as Dadi Ji. This was built during the 13th century. This is called as the country’s largest temple. Rani Sati has killed herself after her husband’s death. The temple is stoned with marble. It includes large framed portrait of Rani Sati. There is also temple of Hanuman, temple of Lord Shiva, temple of Lord Ganesh temple of Sita and others in this temple. It has sanctum sanctorum that symbolizes honor, determination, bravura and courage. Special Aarti is lit at this temple every day in the morning and at evening.
Temple Timings : 5:30AM – 1PM; 3PM – 10:30PM
Ranakpur Jain Temple
Ranakpur Jain temple is also named Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara. This temple is dedicated to Rishabhanatha Tirthankara. The location of the temple is in a village of Ranakpur near Sadri town located in Rajasthan district of Pali. It is located nearly 90 km from Udaipur and has an excellent panoramic view. It has an overall 48,000 square feet of area. You’ll find a Lord Adinath 6-foot statue which is the first Tirthankara in Jain history. The speciality of this temple is that there are no two pillars of the same design but they are sculpted in a very unique and impressive manner. There’s Rs.200 entry fee for foreigners and camera / mobile extra.
Temple Timings : 12PM – 5PM
Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu
Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples are some 2½ kilometers from the settlement of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. India mostly in Rajasthan is dotted with numbers of Jain temples. This temple was built mainly by Vipul Shah and Vastupal Tejpal during the 11th and 13th centuries A.D. Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest known worldwide Jain Temples due to its magnificent architecture and also very fine stone carvings on its marble walls. This place’s entrance ticket price is the official entrance fee for the place and its visit during its opening hours.
Temple Timings : 12PM – 6PM