Monotheism: 1 definition

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Monotheism means something in the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

India history and geography

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

Monotheism refers to one of the various systems of belief and worship that once existed in ancient Kashmir (Kaśmīra) as mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—Dr. Radhakrishnan is not far from truth when he points out that “henotheism is an unconscious groping towards monotheism”. The plurality of the gods is a characteristic feature of the Purāṇic religion but the attempts of bringing out an essential unity even out of this endless multiplicity of the gods and the goddesses are not lacking. While praising a god as the highest of all, the devotee often identifies him with other deities and this identification is a step towards monotheism only. The doctrine is easily perceptible in the Nīlamata where Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva, all are, turn by turn, described as creators, preservers and destroyers of the world.

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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.

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