10 Major Religions of the World – Must Know Facts

Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by Gautam Buddha (563-483 BC) in 528 BC. He was born in Lumbini of Nepal as Siddhartha. Buddhism is followed in countries like China, Tibet, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Japan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Bhutan, and Vietnam. Tripitakas are the sacred text for Buddhists, It is a collection of Buddha’s teachings also called Sutras. In Bodh Gaya (Bihar) he received enlightenment, in Saranath (UP) he gave his first sermon, and in Kushinagar (UP) he attained nirvana. In Buddhism Chaitya is a place of worship and Vihara is a place where Monks reside.

Confucianism

King Fu Tsu, better known as Confucius (551-479 BC) born in the State of Lu in China founded Confucianism in 500 BC. It is followed in countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, Nauru, and Vietnam. The Analects is the sacred text of Confucianism. Peking (Beijing) is considered as a sacred place. There is no particular place of worship in Confucianism.

Christianity

Two centuries ago Jesus Christ founded the Christianity. He was born in 5 BC in Judea and died in 35 AD. It is followed all across the world. Its secret text Holy Bible consisting of the Old Testament (before Christ) and the New Testament (during and after Christ). Jerusalem is a Sacred place where Christ lived and preached. A church is its place of worship. Two important sects are Catholics and Protestants.

Hinduism

Hinduism started in 1500 BC. There is no person regarded as the founder of Hinduism as it is considered of divine origin. Most followers of Hinduism is concentrated in India and Nepal, and also found in Bhutan, Fiji, Guyana, Indonesia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Bali. Sacred texts of Hinduism are the Vedas, the Upnishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Its place of worship is known as Mandir (Temple).

Islam

Prophet Mohammed (570-632 AD) born in Mecca (Saudi Arabia). He founded Islam in 622 AD. Islam is followed in West coast of Africa which includes Tanzania, Middle East, Southern part of Russia and China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia and also Part of North Africa. Sacred texts are Quran – words of God, and Hadis – collection of Prophet’s saying. Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia is a sacred place for Muslims. Their place of worship is called Masjid (mosque). Two important sects are Sunni and Shia.

You may also like reading Sources of Islamic History

Judaism

Judaism is religion of Hebrews. It was founded in 1300 BC by Moses. He was born in Egypt. Followers of Judaism are worldwide mainly in Israel and United States. Sacred texts are Hals, found particularly in the five books of the Bible, commentary on Torah known as Talmud and Midrash. Jerusalem is sacred place for Judaism. Place of worship is called Synagogue.

Shintoism

Shintoism began with Japanese culture and developed out of tradition and ancestor worship. There is no specific time of its beginning as it was founded in antiquity and there is no particular founder or specific text. It if followed in Japan. Central Shrine of Isa in central Japan and the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo are sacred places for followers of Shintoism.

Sikhism

Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) found Sikhism in 1500 AD. Followers of Sikhism is concentrated in India and also found in Canada. Guru Granth Saheb is sacred text of Sikhism. Golden temple of Amritsar is sacred place for Sikhs. Gurudwara is the place of worship.

You may also like reading Sikhism – An Introduction to Sikh Religion

Taoism

Taoism was established by Lao-tse, a Chinese philosopher in 6th century BC. Followers of Taoism are found in China, Taiwan, Nauru, Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam. Tao-te-Ching is known as a sacred text of Taoism.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is the Parsi Religion. Its founder Zoroaster was born in Medea (modern Iran) about 660 BC. Zoroastrianism was founded in 500 BC. Most of its followers are concentrated in Iran and North-West India. The Zoroastrians who fled to India during the eighth century are the ancestors of the present Parsi Community in India. Zend Avesta is the sacred text of Zoroastrianism and its place of worship is known as Fire temple.

You may like reading Zoroastrianism-Introduction to Persian Religion

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