India history and geography

Source: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary study (history)

Animatism refers to one of the various systems of belief and worship that once existed in ancient Kashmir (Kaśmīra) as mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—Animatism is the belief which “endows inanimate and material objects with quasi-human consciousness and emotions and sometimes with a superhuman power and volition which suggest worship.” Animatism at a higher state becomes animism. The Nīlamata indicates the existence of such a belief. The rivers, the lakes, the mountains and the numerous sacred places are regarded as destroyers of sins. The earth, the water, the sky, the fire, the air, the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, the day, the month, the year, all are invoked like divinities. Even the weapons, the mount, the seat, the umbrella, the flag and the musical instrument are mentioned as objects of worship. Almost half of the Purāṇa deals with the worship of inanimate objects endowed with spirit or soul.

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The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Chetan, Cetana, Animism.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Animatism; (plurals include: Animatisms). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Vedic influence on the Sun-worship in the Puranas (by Goswami Mitali)

Part 5 - The principal theories deal with the origin and evolution of religion < [Chapter 1 - Vedic Concept of God and Religion]

Chapter 6 - Conclusion

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