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The people of Gujarat
are divided into three major groups in terms of religion - the Hindus,
Jains and the Muslims, with the size of the communities divided in that
order.
HINDUISM
The major population of Gujarat comprises of Hindus. From earlier times,
'Vedic Dharma' was popular and from the remains found from the Indus
Valley Civilization, it is believed that worship of goddesses, Sun and
Shiva was followed. The temple of Somnath, one of the twelve
'jyotirlingas' of Shiva; the eleventh-century
Sun-Temple, at
Modhera; and the oldest
temple of Dwarkadhish
are some of the places sacred to the Hindus.
JAINISM
Jainism is widely followed in Gujarat for years.
The oldest temple is believed to be of Shankheshwar Parshvanath in North
Gujarat. Taranga temples were built during the Solanki period and they are
better preserved than the temples of Mount Abu, Girnar and Shatrunjay.
Palitana, is India's principal Jain pilgrimage site housing temples
antedating 5th century.
ISLAM
Through the sea-route, which was open for trade, the people from Iran and
Arabic countries started coming to Gujarat. The trade system was
established and the Indo-Islamic culture flourished. The famous mosques
are built during Mughal times. These include Sidi Sayyid's mosque, Jami
Masjid, of Ahmedabad
, Alif Khan's Mosque in Dholka, Jama Masjid of Bharuch, etc.
BUDDHISM
Buddhism also became popular about the same time as Jainism. There were
Buddhist temples also and the remains of the same are found all over
Gujarat. Ashokan Buddhist edicts engraved on a
rock, dating back to 3rd century BC, are near Junagadh.