Major Indian Religions and their Places of Worship
1. Hinduism
- 79.8% of Indians are Hindus- Oldest and most complex of all established belief systems.- 5000 years old- Also called Sanatan Dharma- Translation: Immemorial Way of Right Living
Place of Worship
Temple/Mandir
2. Islam
- 14.2% of Indians are Muslims- Followers of Islam are called Muslims- Brought by the Islamic invasion of Medieval Era- India has the largest Muslim population outside of Muslim dominated countries
Place of Worship
Mosque
3. Christianity
- 2.3% of Indians are Christians- St. Thomas is said to have introduced Christianity in India in 52 CE- Prevelant among natives of Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Manipur, Goa, Kerala and Mumbai.
Place of Worship
Church
4. Sikhism
- Introduced in 15th Century- Follows the teachings of Guru Nanak and successive Sikh Gurus- 1.7% Indians are Sikhs- Prevalent in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, J & K, Delhi, Haryana.
Place of Worship
Gurudwara
5. Buddhism
- Introduced in 15th Century- Follows the teachings of Guru Nanak and successive Sikh Gurus- 1.7% Indians are Sikhs- Prevalent in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, J & K, Delhi, Haryana.
Place of Worship
Monastery
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