Hinduism: With its roots going beyond 100 BC, Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and there is a belief that we go through a series of reincarnations and our rebirths are determined by our karmas, until we attain moksha. The central figures in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma the Creater, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Vishnu the Preserver is believed to have come to earth in ten incarnations – the popular ones beings Rama and Krishna, the heroes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These are the two major sources of Hindu belief and observance and are based on historical legends, myths and folklore. Of equal importance to Hindus are Vedas, the oldest written religious texts in the world, the Upanishad and the Puranas. These form the basis of the Hindu religion.

Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklore. Custom which had to do with social welfare was promoted and kept alive over the years in the form of rituals and is still religiously followed. Several folk heroes are worshipped and one can see hundreds of simple shrines in every village. Stones are painted and established in tiny temples under trees and near wells. Folk heroes like pabuji, Gogaji, Baba Ramdeo, Harbhuji, and Mehaji are revered. All forms of nature are worshipped and each area has its own local deity.

Some of the major temples and important religious centers like Pushkar, Nathdwara, Deshnok, Amer exist in this state.

Jainism: Founded by Lord Rishabh and reorganised by Lord Mahaveer (born in 599 B. C. ) it is one of the oldest living religions of the world. The fundamental principles of Jainism are Ahinsa, Apariaraha, Anekant and the law of Karma. The jains have built some of the most exquisite temples in Ranakpura, Mount Abu, Shri Mahaveerji, Osian, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh and parts of Rajasthan.

Islam: The largest minority in India, Muslims are followers of the prophet Mohammad who was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 AD. The world’s greatest Sufi shrine – that of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti – lies in Ajmer. Another pilgrimage center is the Atarki Dargah, the tomb of Hamiuddin Nagori at Nagpur.

The followers of these religions and the ruler, over the period, were instrumental in constructing a number of very important temples, mosques, churches which were built in different parts of the state. Some of the most exquisite carvings on marble, stone and wood were created by the believers and exist to this day as a living proof of the creative genius which continues to fascinate by its sheer brilliance. Other than the structure themselves, the very surrounding of these holy places can give the visitor a sense of peace and calm...
There is also a large majority of Sikhs and Christians who have merged with other communities to give Rajasthan a cosmopolitan flavor.