Religion

Hinduism

Hinduism or Sanatandharma believes that the Universe works on two major concepts - Anadi and Ananta - that is without any beginning or without any end. It says that the creation of Universe is eternal and proceeds in cycle which repeats itself. Any human being or human form who wishes to move out of this cycle of death and rebirth needs to achieve Nirvana or Moksha. By the way of Moksha one is not born again. So as per Hindu ideology, the Human being has to achieve four goals in life - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Flashback

The Hindu Religion goes back to the age when Maharshi Ved Vyas wrote Ramayana and the time when the Great Hindu Epic Mahabharata was written. Its an ideology which has penetrated generations. Hinduism does not come from a single person, nor does it believe in a single diety. The historic records of Hinduism date back to over Four Thousand Years ago. It was the Indus Valley Civilization, which formed the basis of Hinduism. Then came the Aryans, who later on added to the roots of Hinduism. The Aryans spreaded themselves over the plains of the Holy River Ganges, the Persians christened the area as Hindustan - The ADOBE OF HINDUS. Thus Hinduism spreaded as a vast civilisation.

According to the Hinduism ideology, each manifested cycle of life is divided into four YOGAS or Aeons, namely Satya ( 1,728,99 years), Treta ( 1,296,000 years), Dwapara ( 864,000 years) and Kali ( 432,000 years). Different Epics describe these Yogas.
Customs of Hinduism :

As per Hinduism, there are four stages of a human life ( Indo - Aryan Life) :

Brahmacharya : This Ashram denotes the period of training of an individual. Here one disciplines the body and mind to achieve the goal of a student. He is taught the Arts and Sciences which are useful in leading a life. Both Men and Women are supposed to carry out the duties of Brahmacharya.

Grahsta : Marriage is the main concept of this Ashrama. After the completion of Studies the Men and Women are supposed to enter the Grahstha Ashram and take the responsibilities of a Household. One is supposed to carry out his/her worldly duties with sincerity.

Vanaprastha : Vanaprastha Ashram comes into action once the Household duties are complete. When one becomes a Grandfather/Grandmother, he/she is supposed to pass on his worldly duties to his grown up children. The person is thus expected to retire from all the worldly activities as soon as his grandson is born to him.

Sanyasa : Sanyasana Ashrama is the Stage when one seeks renunciation from the worldly affairs. It is called as Jeevan Mukta or Videhamukta. Sanyasa is the state of mind which one has to achieve.


Places of Pilgrimage

Vaishno Devi- One of the most revered Temples of Hindus, Vaishno Devi is situated in Srinagar. People throng here to get their wishes fulfilled or just to be here. This religious place is visited by hundreds and thousands of people through out the year. One can reach here through Jammu via Katra.

Sabrimala - Situated at an altitude of 914 m above the sea level, it is situated in Thiruvilla near Kerala. The main festival is during December/January called Mandakalam.

Dwarka - The land of the Charmer - Lord Krishna -Dwarka or Dwarkadhish as it is called, is visited by thousands of people each year. Sleeping inside the sea, it can be seen from above through boat rides.

Not to be Missed

Amarnath - Amarnath Yatra is supposed to be toughest one because of the altitude at which it is located. Situated in Himalays, its takes a month to reach , as one can reach here only by foot. Walking on the rough terrains is a tough task One has to go through Medical Tests for this Yatra. Only on being put as Medically fit, one can proceed for this Yatra.


Our Suggestions
• Hindus are the most easy going people as they do not put put much ado as to what you are wearing while visiting a Hindu Pilgrim. However being nicely dressed is the best thing to do.
• Whenever you are on a trip to see any of the Hindu Pilgrim, try to have your food in your Hotel itself. Avoid the food being sold in the Hotels and Restaurants outside the temples as the food is too oily and spicy. However, pilgrims like Vaishno Mata and Amarnath are exception.
• Take the advice of your guide provided by your tour operator. Avoid hiring guide other than from your tour operator.
• Do not eat anything given by strangers and avoid staying at strangers home. If you wish to spend or two in a Indian Home, take the help of your tour operator.
• Keep your clothings as per the pilgrim you are going to visit. However, cottons are the best for Indian Environment, whatever the season may be.
• Avoid travelling in India in the Monsoon Season - that is in the months of July to August end.
• Keep your belongings with you. Do not disclose your passport details to strangers.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.




Buddhism

Buddhism begins from the year 566 BC - when Gautama Buddha preached the ideology called Buddhism. Buddha is derived from the Sanskrit word Buddhi that is related to intellect or understanding.

Flashback

Siddhartha was the Prince of Sakya Tribe of Nepal. At the age of 20 he left the comforts of the Palace and entered a new life where he underwent six years of arduous yogic training . He sat in mindful meditation beneath a Bodhi Tree and achieved enlightenment. Thus on the full moon day in the month of May, with the rising of the moon star Siddhartha came to be known to the world as Buddha - THE ENLIGHTENED ONE.

Buddha worked on four Noble Truths - Suffering Exists, Suffering arises from attachment of desires, Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases and freedom from suffering is possible by practising the Eight Fold Path. All the people who practice Buddhism work on these ideologies.
Customs of Buddhism :

Buddha has preached a doctrine of Buddhism which inculcates three thoughts - Theravada, Hinayana and Mahayana.

Threvada : Threvada means the Elder Monks of the Sangha or the Sect. After the death of Gautam Buddha, Buddhism was divided into various schools - eighteen in number. Theravada is considered to be the oldest one. Threvada works on the concept of the elder to realise nirvana through the triple course of ethical conduct, mental discipline and higher knowledge or wisdom.

Hinayana : Hinayana means Lesser Vehicle of emancipation. The aim of Hinayana is to achieve enlightenment by self realization but is never supposed to guide others. Although Hinaya is considered to be low aim it is an important part of Buddhism. Hinayana is also called Vehicle of Disciples or vehicle of followers.


Places of Pilgrimage

Kapil Vastu - Born in Lumbini (Nepal), Buddha spent his childhood and yong age in the premises of this place called Kapil Vastu (Uttar Pradesh). Kapil Vastu is the Palace of the father of Gautam Buddha. It is here where Gautam Buddha saw suffering, pain, disease and death. At the young age of 29 years he left the Palace to achieve enlightenment. He came back to Kapil Vastu after 12 years when he had achieved enlightenmement. At the time of his return he was already knoen as Gautam Buddha and not Prince Siddhartha ( his earlier name).

Bodh Gaya - It was here in this cool and calm village of Bihar, under the Peepal Tree, that the Prince Siddhartha/Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is here that he became - THE BUDDHA for the world. The Peepal tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment still stands - glowing with radiant aura.

Sarnath - About 10 kms from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is the place called Sarnath. It is in Sarnath where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Today these sermons, told before five disciples are known as Dharmachakra Pravartan.

Rajgir - It was the famous Chinese Traveller Fa Hein, who travelled all over the world to reach Rajgir to listen to the sermons of Gautam Buddha, famed this place as the religious hunt of Buddhism. Today this place, which once was the capital of Mighty Magadhan Empire in the 4th century B.C., is known for the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha. Rajgir being in Bihar State is near to Bodh Gaya which too is in Bihar.

Not to be Missed

Kushinagar- A visit to Kushinagar is a must. It is the place where Bhagvan Gautam Buddha took his last breath. The large Reclining Buddha Statue lies here, telling the tale of the last moments of Buddha.


Our Suggestions
• Buddhist are peaceful people. Conduct properly while you are visiting any of the religious places of Buddha.
• Buddhists are non - meat eaters. Keeping there values and customs intact, take ony vegetarian food in front of them.
• All the places mentioned above have high temperatures in the summer season - March - June end. So its best to visit them in the winters i.e. - October to February end.
• When you are visiting Bihar, move only with your Tour Operator or its guide. Do not believe strangers.
• Wear simple, long clad, cotton clothes to have a comfortable journey in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Have your food in the Hotel your are staying or get it packed while you are visiting the pilgrimes. Avoid eating from the road side or small restaurants.
• Direct trains will take you to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, From there you have to hire a cab to reach the preferred destination. For further details contact us.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.






Islamism

Islamism is the Monotheistic Religion - believing in one God. The word Islam is derived from the word Salam meaning peace. But it also means Submission. The people who follow Islam consider that who follows Islam agrees to abide by both body and mind by the will of God. Those following this path are known as Muslims. Islam is one of the latest originated religions - one which came into picture after Christianity. Muslims believe that the Gods Message to the Mankind has been a series of PROPHETS. Prophet Muhammed is the main Ideologist and Apostle of God.

Flashback

Muhammed who is considered to be the main Prophet of Muslims, was the son of Abdulla and Amna and was born on 20 th April of 571 B.C. His parents died at a young age and he was brought up by his Uncle Abu Talib. On attaining maturity, he took up his Uncles business of Carvan. During one such business Trip he married a widow girl ( 15 years of age ) named Kjadija. After some years, he began to loose interest in life. For seclusion, he used to go cave in the outskirts of Meccan. One day as he was praying in Mount Hira, a angel came and asked him to : Proclaim". This was the beginning of the Prophet Mohammed. Slowly and gradually, in the city of Madina, on July 16th, 622 A.D., he established himself as the Prophet of God.

By the time, Muhammed died in 632 A.D., he has virtually all the Arab under his Garb. The teachings and Sayings of Muhammed are revered as the Sacred Teachings of Muhammed all over the world.
Customs of Islamism :

There are three main customs of Mulims:

Bismillah : As soon the child reaches the age of four, he undergoes the ceremony of Bismillah. In this ceremony, the child is dressed in colorful dress and then given the first reading of Quran. The Child repeats the lines with his teacher and beguns his formal education.

Nikah or Marriage Ceremony : In this Ceremony, the bride and the bride groom exchange views in front of their parents, relatives and friends. Generally a Quazi asks for the consent of the to be husband and wife in the presence of witness.

Death Ceremony : Once a person passes away, he is bathed and then dressed in white. After reading the congregational prayers, he/ she is buried in the grave. People reciting the Quranic verse fill the grave with earth and again read the solmanisation prayers. After this food is distributed among the poor for the soul of the deceased.


Places of Pilgrimage

Moti Masjid- Situated in Agra, this Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1658 - 65 A.D. It took seven years to built this Mosque.

Jami Masjid- This Masjid is situated in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. It was built in the year 1571 A.D.

Jama Masjid - Situated in Old Delhi, it is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Its a must see for all those who visit Delhi.

Not to be Missed

Ajmere Sharif- Situated in Ajmer, it is the most sought after place. Its the place where people go to ask for fulling their desires.


Our Suggestions
• If you are visiting any of the Masjids, be clad in fully covered dress - be it men or women. Muslims take serious offense against who are skimly dressed.
• While visiting any of the Muslims religious places, its good to take the guidance of your operator.
• Try to keep silence while you are seeing the Masjid or any of the other religious places. Maintain the decorum.
• Keep you belongings in the safe locker of your hotel or keep them with you. Do not give it to strangers.
• Mosques can found in every state of India, but the best ones are a few. As your tour operator, if you wish to see them or to know more about them.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.








Christianity

Unlike other Religions, Christianity does not believe in thousand Gods. It is a Monotheist Religion, which believes in only one God. However there are three Groups of Christians - Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. As per the Christian ideology, the God himself incarnated in the form of Jesus Christ. The Crucifixion of Jesus is thought of as his resurrection.
Flashback

JESUS was born as the son of God in and redeemer of human kind at Bethlehem of Judea and brought up in Nazareth of Galilee. Caesar Augutus was the ruler of Judea at the time Jesus was born. Mother Mary and Father Joseph were the foster parents. They were the living artistants. Before Jesus grew up as a young lad, his father Joseph died. Mary - the head of the family took care of Jesus.

When Jesus turned thirty, John the Bapist, conducted a religious and moral revival. The baptism marked the beginning of the Jesus's public ministry in Galiliee and the surrounding areas. It was here that Jesus first heard the voice of the God and the people looked upon him as Prophet . But the trained and so called learned leaders of Jewish law took him as their enemy -as his teachings would ward them away. Their bitterness lead to the arrest of the Jesus Christ at the Jewish Festival of Passover. The Governor Pontius Pilate blamed him the guilt of claiming to be the King of Jews and adjudged him to Crucifixion. Jesus died with a few hours of Crucifixation.

Customs of Christianity :

There are three main Customs of Christianity :

Baptism : After 40 days of Birth, a Christian Child receives its first sacranment. This rite called the Churching is performed by the priest in the presence of the child, hi parents and his entire family. In this ceremony, the childs feet are dipped in the holy water and thus the child is admitted to Christianity.

First Holy Communion : In this Ceremony, the child of the age ten years takes the responsibility that he mature enough and takes the responsibility of his religion. If the child is Catholic, he receives religious instructions for at least a month before the ceremony and is orally tested for his knowledge on Christianity. After this the child is given the Sacrament of being a Christian by the Bishop.

Marriage : In Christian Marriage, the bride and the bridegroom, meet the Parish Priest a month before the actual marriage ceremony to learn about their responsibilities. On the Marriage day, the bride and the bridegroom exchange vows and wedding rings to solmenize their wedding.


Places of Pilgrimage

Bom Jesus Church - The Bom Jesus which is in Old Goa has the body of St. Francis Xaviers lying in Calm and Peace. The Duke of Tuscancy donated four beautiful bronze panels depicting the Saints life Scenes. An Italian Lady Fransesca de Sopranis, donated a costly silver statue of the Saint which too lies here. People from world over come here to visit this Pilgrimage of Goa.

Begum Samrus Church - St. Marys Church Sardhana, is known as Begum Samrus Church. The Church is named after its builder - Begum Samru who constructed it in the year 1822. The Church has a beautiful marble monument of the Begum Samru lying at the entrance of the Church.

St Marys Church - The first English Church in India - the St. Marys Church was built in the year 1680 A.D.in Chennai. This Protestant Church is one of the many churches in Indian which epitomes the legend of Mother Mary rather than Jesus Christ.

Not to be Missed

Apostle Thomas Church - The most important and sacred Church which also has a Historical Value is situated in Chennai - Tamil Nadu. St. Mount Thomas is the site of death of the Apostle Thomas. The Church walls have the references to the work and writings of the St. Thomas.


Our Suggestions
• It is important to maintain peace and silence in the Churches. So whenever you are visiting any of the Churches in India, keep silence. Should you need to ask anything, seek the help of your tour guide.
• Whenever you visit a Church, look for the mass Candle Light place. Light a candle here and pray for the peace and goodness of others.
• Most of the Churches are dedicated to Jesus Christ, but some of them are also dedicated to Mother Mary. In any case give due respect to both.
• If you wish to the ceremony of Christians (except baptism - in which only invitees are there), take prior permission from the Church else ask the tour operator to arrange one for you - if possible.
• The best Churches in Indian can be found in Goa - Old Goa. So if you want to visit a range of them, go for Old Goa.
• The Customs and Religion of Protestants and Catholic Christians differ a bit. Be known to them when you visit a Church or just be a Spectator. Do not comment on their religion.
• There are direct Trains for South India and Goa. If you are going to Goa from Bombay/Mumbai - you can go by road, as its only a 5-6 hrs of Journey.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.



Jainism

Jainism is one of the oldest living faiths of India and worldwide. Jainism believes and preaches on conquering of self eternal enemies that is Attachment (Raghav) and Aversion (Dvesha). Jainism is a belief indigenous to India. It works on self realization and salvation through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. Jainism prescribes severe discipline, self control and renunciation. An orthodox Jain is not supposed to eat or drink anything that has life.

Jainism aims at eradicating the follies of a man - anger, vanity, greed, and deceit. The faith called Jainism prescribes to it followers a moral system which believes in non - injury, non - thieving, truthfulness, chastity and detachment from temptations

Flashback

Thirthankaras are the people behind the birth of the clan called the Jainism. As per Jainism, this ideology flows with the thinking of Vedas - the Hindu Inscriptions. The School of thought of Jainism is based upon the stories of these Tirthankaras - the last Tirthankaras being in the 6th century, B.C. Mahavira is supposed to be the prophet of Jainism.

As per Jainism, a unit of cosmic time is called Kalchakra - Circle of Time which is divided into two parts - The Avasarpini (Descending) and the Utsarpini (Ascending). Both of them have six divisions called Arras. For Avasarpini these are - first (happy - happy), second - (happy), third - (happy - unhappy), fourth - (unhappy-happy), fifth ( unhappy) and sixth (unhappy - unhappy) arras. At the end of the sixth arra, the cycle reverses and then it is called the Utsarpini. And thus the process goes on endless and is known as AD INFINITUM.

Customs of Jainism :

There are two main Customs of Jainism :

Entering into Religion : In Jainism, it is upto an Individual to take the guided path of a guru. If a Jain is Devout or revers a particular Guru/ Teacher, he can become a member of the that Guru by performing the Samana Ceremony which is done especially for this purpose.

Marriage : Jain Marriages are simple ones - without the pomp and show. The partners are selected by the parents by means of matching the horoscope. In the Marriage, the hands of both the partners are tied together with a string in front of the God Fire. Then some vows are exchanged in front of a monk and thus the marriage is solmenised.


Places of Pilgrimage

Mount Parsarvnath - Situated in Hazari Bagh District of Jharkhand, this place has unequalled sanctity. It is the place where 20 of the 24 Thirthanakras left for their heavenly adobe and achieved Moksha. The mountains here lead to the peaceful Temples which are made in the memory of these Tirthanakras. The most beautiful of all of them is in the South East, having five fluted domes and an image in black Marble of the 23rd Tirthankara - Parsvanath who died in 1765 A.D.

Khajuraho - Situated near Jabalpur District in Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho Temples are world famous for their architecture and beauty. The Khajuraho temples comprise of Adinatha, Santinatha and Parshvanatha Temples besides the old and modern shrines. These also come under the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Halebid - Sixty four miles away from the Sravana Belgola are situated the famous Jain Temples of Halebid. The Parashvanatah, the largest and the most important of the three Tirthankaras was built in 1133 A.D. This Jain Temple has the Statue of Parashvanath containing 14 pillars. Its known for the beautiful architecture it has.

Not to be Missed

Dilwara Temple - Situated in Rajasthan in Mount Abu, the Dilwara Temples are a must see. Known for their architectural beauty, the two out of the five temples here are made out of pure marble at a height of more than twelve hundred mts above the sea level. Mount Abu is also one of the beautiful Hill Stations India has.


Our Suggestions
• Jainism and its followers are the most peaceful clan found to date. The most Orthodox of them do not even believe in even killing an ant. So if you are meeting them pay do respect to the religion and its people.
• Maintain silence as you enter a typical Jain Temple. These people usually maintain complete silence; so avoid talking while inside the temple. However, one can talk in the premises of the Temple.
• Anything long and mostly covered is welcome as a dress in the Jain Temples. Skimply dressed people are usually not allowed inside; so be properly dressed when visiting a Jain Temple.
• Jains are purely vegetarian with no exceptions. They even avoid eating anything which grows down earth like Onions and Carrots. So be prepared to have a simple food when you are visiting any Jain Home.
• Try to have food in your own hotel or any of the good places suggested by your Guide. Avoid eating from road side nooks.
• Cottons and Semi - Cottons are the best for all time Indian Seasons and Weather.
• Keep your belongings with you. Do not disclose your Passport Details with strangers - even your guide.
• Pre Book your Hotel Room and make Pre Reservations before travelling.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.


Zoroastrianism

Prophet Spitaman Zarathushtra was the founder of the religion called Zoroastrianism. He was also known as the Zoroaster of Ancient Iran ( c.1500 B.C.). Though Zoroastrians can be found all over the World, still a large part of the community can be found in India and its land of Origin - Iran.

Flashback

The History of Zoroastrians goes back to the pre age, before Christ was born. At that time, about one thousand and five hundred years ago a Prophet was born whom the people of Iran called the Messenger of God. Zoroasters father was Pourushaspa and mother Dughdova. At his birth, the whole of the village was filled with light and he was smiling. At the age of 20. Spitaman left his home and stayed in the mountains for 20 years. On his return he began to preach on a new philosophy which later on came to be known as Zoroastrianism. The Zoroaster proclaimed to the world one God - Ahura Mazda, the LORD OF WISDOM.

Kai Vishtasp, the King of Iran was the first one to adopt the Zoroastrian Religion and thus it became a custom, tradition and religion of the people of Iran


Customs of Zoroastrians :

The customs of Zoroastrians include :

Ceremony : The General Term used for Ceremony is Avestan/ Yasna. The word Yasna compounds to the Sanskrit word meaning - Yagna - Sacrifice or Worship. The Zoroastrians ceremonies generally include : Purificatory Rituals, Initiation and Marriage Ceremonies, Thanksgiving, Invocatory and Dedicatory Ceremonies, Ceremonies for departed persons and ceremonies for consecrational of places of worship.

Funeral Ceremony : Zoroastrians believe that the soul of the departed person keeps revolving around the body till three days of its death to re - enter the body. For this they Zoroastrians keep the bodies in Tower of Silence, where they are eaten away by the Vultures and other Carnivores birds. But this is practiced only in India and Iran.

Our Suggestions
• Zoroastrians do not allow people inside their Temple of Fire or Worship. The only people who are allowed inside are the Zoroastrians themselves.
• If you wish to know more about Zoroastrians culture and tradition, then it is best to stay at a Parsis Home in India. For this you may ask your tour operator.
• Mumbai City has a vast majority of Parsis/ Zoroastrians living - so this is the city to be in if you want to know Parsis better..
• Keep you belongings in the safe locker of your hotel or keep them with you. Do not give it to strangers.
• There are direct trains from all over the country to take you to Mumbai. If you are in Goa, you can even cover the distance by road. Its hardly 5-6 hrs of drive.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.