'India is not only the Italy of Asia. It is not only the Land of Romance, of art and beauty. It is in Religion earth's central shrine. India is Religion', So Cramb concludes.
Religion adorns the pivotal position on the atlas of Indian life. It forms the firm foundation of Indian culture and living. It has been the Mariner's compass to steer unscathed her civilization through the teeth of time. Like an unruffled rock it has withstood rampant ravages, had subsumed several shocks and yet has sustained its sanctity unsoiled. All the power and pelf, craft and cunning of the inveigling invaders could not insulate the filaments (roots) of her undying culture nor could it induct its adherents to their enticing fold, inspite of their incessant efforts. It has earned the approbation of the elite and won the acclamation of the world. Nothing succeeds like success.
The religious scenario unrolls a rare phenomenon of a strange fusion of different races and cultures in course of time. The exceptional tolerance and catholicity of outlook of the Indian genius that harboured many faiths and received without recoil alien elements reared a rich synthesis much to the wonder of the world. This imposing unity amidst the bewildering variety, the hall-mark of her comprehensive culture finds its exuberant expression in the excellence of its arts and the beauty of its architecture, literature and philosophy.
Its philosophy is divorced of Religion in the west, it stands wedded to life (Religion) in India. It is not dry metaphysics nor is it mere intellectual gymnastics (exercise) but is the way of life and Vision of Truth. Philosophy is inbuilt in her living Religion. It is vitally related to Life. Her Vedanta is 'Philosophy in plain cloths'. It aims at Moksha, the perfection of life attained with unconditional surrender of Life. Thomas Arnold was right when he said, "The aids to nobler life are within".
Pilgrimages for the Indians from an integral part of their religious exercise. It is a major item an their life's agenda. They have firm faith in the famous Kshetras and Tirthas ranging from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwaraka to Puri, specifically earmarked sanctified spots that claim a special religious sanction of their own. A visit to the Kshetras and an ablution in the Tirthas and the performance of sraddhas there, will singe their sins, lift their parents to the land of bliss and thus please the Gods and manes and add to their merit.
Vedas (1184)
Upanishads (497)
Puranas (627)
Ramayana (742)
Mahabharata (357)
Dharmasastras (164)
Goddess (499)
Bhakti (243)
Saints (1510)
Gods (1289)
Shiva (372)
Journal (184)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (360)
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