The Essence of Hinduism: A Way of Life Beyond Rituals

The Supreme Court of India emphasized that Hinduism is a way of life, where it's not mandatory to visit a temple or perform rituals to be considered a Hindu. Lighting a lamp in one's home suffices. The statement came amid discussions on religious freedom and gender equality in places of worship.

The Supreme Court of India, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, highlighted Hinduism as a way of life, requiring no obligatory temple visits or rituals to maintain one's faith. Lighting a lamp at home is considered sufficient evidence of belief, the court observed on Wednesday.

This statement emerged as the court proceeded with petitions concerning gender discrimination in religious spaces, particularly noting the ongoing debate at the Kerala Sabarimala temple. The bench, comprising nine judges, focused on the scope of religious freedom across various faiths, including beliefs practiced by the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Justice B V Nagarathna echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the autonomy of faith expression within Hinduism. The discussion also touched upon the landmark 2018 ruling that deemed the traditional ban on women of certain ages in the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple unconstitutional, further illustrating the evolving interpretations of religious practices in India.