Religion in Western Orissa

Religion is one of the earliest of Social institutions. Religion is verily a Universal feature of human culture, not because all societies foster a belief in spirit, but because all recognize it in some form or other. It is the awe-inspiring extra-ordinary manifestation of reality. At the root of all religions in the world, there has been a belief in an unseen power, which rules the universe. In Indian philosophy, it is Rta. This fact played an important role in the development of religion in the form of worship. The word Religion has no single definition. Philosopher, sociologist, historian, theologian defined religion in their own ways and for their own purposes. The present publication encompasses a remarkable research study on religion in western Orissa with special reference to Buddhism, Jainism, Saivism, Vaisnavism from Second century B. C. to Sixth century A. D. The book is a systematic study of religion in Nala dynasty during this period. The author draws his conclusion mainly on the basis of the study of a number of inscriptions. It can be useful for research scholars and academicians having interest on Indian religion and philosophy.