Religious developments in Bengal
Religious Developments of Hindu Bengalis
By Dr.K.K.Debnath (drkkdebnath@gmail.com)
Introduction:
It is a historical truth that development of a civilization in the World has been taken place over a long period of time. Because this needs a continuous and gradual developmental process and in the process, the most adoptable and adaptable practices duly supported by nature can only survive. During the process of this continual change, the original shape, its basic design and principle may also get changed. It may get even a new revised brand name. Hinduism in Hindustan is such an outstanding living civilization in the World.
Religion is a part of any civilization and it has primarily two components. The first one is spirituality and deals with its philosophical aspect while the other one is called temporal as deals with social aspects, which get changed in accordance with time depending on the needs of the civic society.
This article shows how Indians with an example of Bengali Hindu civilization combined both the philosophical and temporal aspect of various religions (both Vedic and non Vedic); originated in Hindustan to make it a thriving and most dynamic religion.
Before going to the religious developments of Bengalis let us look at the religion and philosophy of Aryans (Foreign Invaders and settlers in Hindustan).
Aryan Religion:
Aryans were worshipers of multiple Gods. Their main God was Lord Indra. More than 10% of verses of Rig-Veda were dedicated in his honour. The other prominent deities were Surya. Chandra, Mitra, Varuna etc. Linga worship was severely criticized and censured in Rig-Veda. All the prominent Gods of Vedas were of male characters. The main ritual was known as yagna. They used to sacrifice animals during the yagnas, followed by great feast. During yagnas they used to prey to their gods primarily to obtain cows, women and wealth. They were not worshipers of any idols.
They were not aware of any spirit or Atma and most of the Rig-Veda slokas which are considered as original by historians and researchers, were found to be directed for material gain, and this indicates that the Aryans were basically materialistic.
During the post-Vedic time, Rudra and Vishnu became prominent and Rudra became synonymous with Shiva. Prajapati also appeared as a God during this period.
Vishnu was not described as fair and Siva was a tribal hence, both Vishnu and Siva was probably from Non-Aryan race.
Pre-Aryan religions:
Modern researchers and historians now opine that
1. Sramanic religion (primitive Jainism) was in existence prior to Vedic and Mahen-jo-daro civilizations.
2 Linga worship was in existence from the time of Neolithic and copper age period.
3. Mother Goddess was the chief deity of Pre-Aryan civilization.
4. Sun God worship was also probably in existence prior to Aryan invasion.
5. They were believers of spirit and used to cultivate spirituality,
As far as religion of Bengalis is concerned, historians opine that the earliest religion of Bengalis was probably Jainism.
Religious Development of Bengal
Historians, Researchers opine that it is in this Bengal where twenty-three Tirthamkar out of a total of twenty-four Tirtharnkaras of Jainism left their human body in this Bengal. Again the last and twenty-fourth Tirthamkar Lord Mahavir spent eighteen years of his spiritual life and preached Jainism in Banga Desha.
Two Tirthankars, viz the 19th, Lord Malli Natha and the 21st Tirthamkar took birth at Mithila. 20th Muni Subrata Nath was born at Rajagriha. 24h Muni Bardhaman was born at Vaishali (Mujaffar pur). Tirthankars viz. Atit Nath, Sambaba Nath, Abhinanda Nath Sumit Nath, Padma Prabha Nath, Supraharsha Nath, Pushpadanta Nath, Sitala Nath, Amsu Nath, Bimal Nath, Nimi Nath and 23rd Tirthamkar Parshva Nath left their physical body at the hill of Parshva Nath near present city of Ranchi. 2nd Muni Vasupujya Nath expired at Campa City of Anga and the last 24th Muni Mahavir left his body at Apapa Puri of Magadha. As per Jaina literature, the Jaina religion originated at Eastern India. All the Jaina Munis were Vratyas and not Aryans. They were never addressed as Munis and not addressed as Rishis of Aryan /Vedic style.
The founder or first Tirthamkar of Jainism was Adi Nath. He was also called Brishav Nath. In modern Hinduism Adi Nath or Brishav Nath is none other than Lord Siva himself. His period was earlier than Vedic period, probably at a later stage Lord Siva was mapped with Adi Nath or Brishav Nath and it is quite possible that a group from Jainism came out from Jainism under the leadership of Lord Siva who was named as Adi Nath or Brishav Nath. Thus the primitive Jainism at Bengal or eastern part of India was merged or modified and amalgamated to form Saivaism. This may be the reason for perishment of Jainism in eastern region of India. Jain literature also indicates towards this aspect.
Probably at this stage, the Upanisadic philosophy was developed, as we could observe that during Upanisadic period, the main Vedic rituals of sacrifice were totally discarded and this was in line Jaina philosophy of "Ahimsa". The new concept of 'Atma' or 'spirit' was defined for the first time and documented in Brihadaryanka Upanishad. According to Swami Adidevananda of Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai; Atma or Spirit appeared in the Upanishads towards the end of Vedic Age, i.e., towards the end of 5th century BC,. Thus, the Upanisadic Philosophy is not as old as we think or assume. On the other hand, Jaina and Yoga philosophies etc. were in existence even earlier to this period. That is the reason Lord Mahavir is not called as the founder of Jainism. He was known as a reformer of Jainism. The concept of 'Atma' or 'Spirit' was neither developed nor available in Rig-Veda. In fact this concept was in existence among Jains, prior to Vedic period at this Eastern part of India.
Further to this, the meditation, control of body and mind together in a synergic procedure for achieving salvation, energizing the individual soul to the highest level is the principle of Jainism. This highest level of soul was defined as the universal soul in Upanishads, which was nothing but the state of Siva or Bramha. From this only, the principle of Upanishad was derived as "TAT TWAM ASI' or ''AHAM BRAMMASMI" and the syllable "OUM". This gradually became a fundamental source of all Indian philosophies and religions.
In Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Yajur-Veda or even in Atharvana-Veda there is no mention of Atma or sprit or "OUM". Even during Mahabharata period the concept of Atma was not evolved. The culture of spirit in our own body and elevation of same to the highest level was the basis of Vratya religions. This was flourished in this eastern part of India. From this part of India the spiritual concept was spread to North and rest of India.
Further we could observe that during Upanisadic period, most of the spiritual leaders were kings and princes. Janaka was the king of Mithila (Dwar Banga) of Banga Desha, Pravahana was the prince of Panchala (Allahabad & Kanpur Area) region; Jabala was also not born to a Vedic Brahmin family. It is also interesting to note that most of the Jaina Tirthankars were born at Royal families, but lived in austerity by ignoring and leaving the material gain and pleasure. Whereas the Vedic Rishis and Kings of Rig-Vedic places of Rig-Veda period were found to be fond of material gain and pleasure and worked for the achievement of the same as it is evident from Riga Veda Verses that most of the Verses were dedicated to their Lords/Kings for material gains and pleasure.
Great and famous ladies Maithreyi and Gargi, appeared in religious discourses during Upanisadic period were from this eastern part of India, Which is in contradiction to the Rig-Vedic rules. The entire Rig-Veda Samhita describes about prayer of Aryan/Vedic Rishis to their Aryan leaders (Indra, Mitra, Varuna etc) for material gains, where as in Upanishads the Kings, Princes of Eastern India were found to lead a life of austerity for spiritual gains. Almost 95% of Upanisadic philosophy is found to be traced to this Vratya philosophy and except Yagnas nothing could be traced regarding the influence of Veda in Upanishads. Even Janaka who was the king of Mithila used to be living like a Sanyasi and not like the Aryan/Vedic kings and Rishis who were very much materialistic as noticed from Rig-Vedic literatures. Thus in Upanishads, the fusion of Aryan Vedic religion and Non-Aryan Vratya religion could be noticed. Similar fusion of religions occurred at a later date. Buddhism was merged with Vedic Brahmanism and finally popular modern Hinduism was developed.
The primitive form of Jainism was followed by Saivaism, Buddhism and Ajeebakism in Bengal. These religions never recognized the Authority of Vedas. Saivas and Ajeebaks philosophies never recognized Veda as a superior one. Buddha and Mahavir, both were Vratyas and their philosophies were also known as Vratya Philosophies. Siddha Kapila was another great spiritual leader who was honoured as Greatest Siddhas in Sreemad Bhagavata Gita. He was credited as the founder of Samkhya Dharshana. The philosophy of Veda was not recognized by Samkhya philosophy.
Ajeebaks and Saivas at a later stage became known as Pasupatas, Kalamukhas, Aghories, Kapalikas and Nathas (or Nath Koulas or simply Koulas), Nath-Koula-Kulas (or simply Kula/Kulins/Koulins) and Vaishnavas. They were also equally against the authority of Vedas.
The state Bihar got its name from huge population of Buddhist Bihars constructed in the region as noticed by foreign invaders from Ariana regions. There was no state known as Bihar Prior to invasion of Aryan Muslim Lords of Vedic/Aryan places, The same way Cooch Bihar got the name from Vihars. The district Bardhaman was named after the 24th Jaina Muni Bardhaman Mahavir.
These Buddhists and Nathas (Saivas) were found to be very influential and powerful up to 11th Century AD until the arrival of Senas in Bengal. Historians opine that Sakta religion was originated, developed and flourished at Assam, Bengal and Bihar from Nathism and Buddhism.
It may be observed that more than 50% of Shakti Peethas out of 51 Shakti Peethas are located in this eastern part of India. And more than 10 Shakti Peethas are located in Bardhaman and Birbhum districts of West Bengal and surrounding areas. It is interesting to note that all most all Kulin Brahmins are native of these districts. It is also of very much of interest is that Upaddhyas were ranked highest in the Buddhist social order and not in Vedic social order. However, these Kulin Brahmins (Upaddhyas) of Bengal are also ranked highest in the Hindu social order, regularized by Sena Kings. This also indicates their origin towards Buddhism.
The Shakti worship is a part and parcel of the life of Bengalis. It may be observed that the primary aim of Bengalis is to establish a Kali Bari, wherever they are found to be settled, anywhere in the world. This Shakti Puja was the greatest contribution of Nathism in the modern Hindu religion. Lord Gorokhsha Natha was known as the founder of famous Kalighat temple of Kolkata. The other famous Shakti Peetha Kamakhya temple of Kamroop was founded by Matsendra Nath the Guru of Lord Gorokhsha Natha. The practice of Shakti Puja or Devi Puja or worship of Mother Goddess was not a part of Aryan or Vedic religion. It was a pure Non Aryan and Non-Vedic culture, which was prevailing in India from Pre-Vedic time.
It is interesting to note that, historically that all the four Adi Shakti Peethas like Vimala Devi of Puri Jagan Nath temple, Tara Tarini of Rajpura, Orissa, Kamakhya of Kamroop in Assam were originally Buddhist Tantra Peethas and Kalika of Kalighat , Kolkata was Nath-Kula Peetha.
It is only in this part of India, where women are highly respected and they are probably ranked higher in status than men; where as in places dominated by Aryans, the status of women was found to be inferior to men and even to days period also found to be similar as that of Rig-Vedic period.
Historians also opined that Tantra and Mantra was first developed in Buddhism and modern Hinduism borrowed it from Buddhism. Tantra was developed in eastern India at Bengal, Bihar and Assam. Even today Assam is known as a country of Tantra and Mantra. The Jaina religion which was originated and flourished in Vanga Desha now totally perished from Bengal. This religion is now found at most parts of present western and northern parts of India.
Buddhism also more or less vanished from India. In Karnataka, the reformed version of Saiva, Kalamukhas, Nathism etc are known as Lingaits and Goudas or Gowdas. Gowdas of south are follower of reformed Nathism. The spiritual leaders of Goudas of south, viz. their Mathadhipatis of Adi-chun-chun-Giri matha and Chikbalapur matha are still Nath Mahantas. The Lingaits are still against Vedic Brahmanism as far as religion is considered and many prominent Lingaits are now declaring that they do not belong to Hinduism.
Buddhism and Nathism fought bitterly against casteism and glamorous religious activities like Yagnas and rituals. However, this attitude was not liked by elite people and they were converted by various reformers to follow the Vedic social system and destroyed all the records and documents of this religion and in course of time people have forgotten their names.
Now the intellectual peoples are trying to trace out the lost literature by re-translating the same from Tibetan and Chinese language, which the Tibetan and Chinese Sramans/monks translated from original manuscripts of Indian languages during their visit to this country in ancient period.
From various historical records, it is observed by historians that any religion which preached equality or Samya and basically against the policy of casteism had been crushed by Brahmanism. The probable reason for acceptance of Aryan-religion and Aryan social system was that there are intrinsic benefits for Elites and intellectuals in Vedic social system. The elite/influential people of any society were categorized as high caste and majority was ruled by these minority groups by dividing the weaker section into various sub section of various grades. This feature is mentioned in entire Vedic literature and preaches the philosophy of living/propagate casteism in the name of peaceful and harmonious living for the benefit of the society..
The probable success of the spread of Brahminic religion (Vedic religion) were mainly attributed to the following reasons
These were some of the major critical factors for the success of Vedic Brahminic religion or Vedic religion over Non-Aryan Vratya religions. Even though the Bengali elites adopted the Brahmanism for their own benefit, they maintained their ancient important rituals of worships and made further improvement to make it more pleasant and attractive and acceptable. These are Kali Puja. Durga Puja, Jagadhatri Puja Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, Manasa Puja. Sitala Puja etc. All these are the worship of mother goddess in various forms and a primary part of Vratya/ Non-Vedic religion and culture.
At present, almost all Bengalis are found to be Smartas, even though their main deities are Kali and Durga.
Thus, it is very clear that Bengalis are the worshiper of Mother Goddess from ancient time. This is a pre-Aryan and Pre-Vedic religion. This is not available in Aryan/Vedic religion, which was purely male dominated.
It is also noticed that as far as religion is considered there are two sides of any religion known as spiritual aspect and temporal aspect. Spiritual aspect deals with the philosophical issues while the other one deals with the social system. The social system is liable to change according to time and corresponding developments, but the spiritual aspect remains same.
It may be observed that spiritually Bengalis are more close to Non-Aryan or Vratya religion than that of Aryan (Vedic), whereas on the social front they adopted Vedic Brahmanism due to its intrinsic benefits and advantages in social life (temporal or Yuga Dharma) for Elites and intellectuals. Thus by doing this, Bengalis beautifully amalgamated the Vedic and non Vedic religion and made Hinduism as the unique religion of Bengalis
End
By Dr.K.K.Debnath (drkkdebnath@gmail.com)
Introduction:
It is a historical truth that development of a civilization in the World has been taken place over a long period of time. Because this needs a continuous and gradual developmental process and in the process, the most adoptable and adaptable practices duly supported by nature can only survive. During the process of this continual change, the original shape, its basic design and principle may also get changed. It may get even a new revised brand name. Hinduism in Hindustan is such an outstanding living civilization in the World.
Religion is a part of any civilization and it has primarily two components. The first one is spirituality and deals with its philosophical aspect while the other one is called temporal as deals with social aspects, which get changed in accordance with time depending on the needs of the civic society.
This article shows how Indians with an example of Bengali Hindu civilization combined both the philosophical and temporal aspect of various religions (both Vedic and non Vedic); originated in Hindustan to make it a thriving and most dynamic religion.
Before going to the religious developments of Bengalis let us look at the religion and philosophy of Aryans (Foreign Invaders and settlers in Hindustan).
Aryan Religion:
Aryans were worshipers of multiple Gods. Their main God was Lord Indra. More than 10% of verses of Rig-Veda were dedicated in his honour. The other prominent deities were Surya. Chandra, Mitra, Varuna etc. Linga worship was severely criticized and censured in Rig-Veda. All the prominent Gods of Vedas were of male characters. The main ritual was known as yagna. They used to sacrifice animals during the yagnas, followed by great feast. During yagnas they used to prey to their gods primarily to obtain cows, women and wealth. They were not worshipers of any idols.
They were not aware of any spirit or Atma and most of the Rig-Veda slokas which are considered as original by historians and researchers, were found to be directed for material gain, and this indicates that the Aryans were basically materialistic.
During the post-Vedic time, Rudra and Vishnu became prominent and Rudra became synonymous with Shiva. Prajapati also appeared as a God during this period.
Vishnu was not described as fair and Siva was a tribal hence, both Vishnu and Siva was probably from Non-Aryan race.
Pre-Aryan religions:
Modern researchers and historians now opine that
1. Sramanic religion (primitive Jainism) was in existence prior to Vedic and Mahen-jo-daro civilizations.
2 Linga worship was in existence from the time of Neolithic and copper age period.
3. Mother Goddess was the chief deity of Pre-Aryan civilization.
4. Sun God worship was also probably in existence prior to Aryan invasion.
5. They were believers of spirit and used to cultivate spirituality,
As far as religion of Bengalis is concerned, historians opine that the earliest religion of Bengalis was probably Jainism.
Religious Development of Bengal
Historians, Researchers opine that it is in this Bengal where twenty-three Tirthamkar out of a total of twenty-four Tirtharnkaras of Jainism left their human body in this Bengal. Again the last and twenty-fourth Tirthamkar Lord Mahavir spent eighteen years of his spiritual life and preached Jainism in Banga Desha.
Two Tirthankars, viz the 19th, Lord Malli Natha and the 21st Tirthamkar took birth at Mithila. 20th Muni Subrata Nath was born at Rajagriha. 24h Muni Bardhaman was born at Vaishali (Mujaffar pur). Tirthankars viz. Atit Nath, Sambaba Nath, Abhinanda Nath Sumit Nath, Padma Prabha Nath, Supraharsha Nath, Pushpadanta Nath, Sitala Nath, Amsu Nath, Bimal Nath, Nimi Nath and 23rd Tirthamkar Parshva Nath left their physical body at the hill of Parshva Nath near present city of Ranchi. 2nd Muni Vasupujya Nath expired at Campa City of Anga and the last 24th Muni Mahavir left his body at Apapa Puri of Magadha. As per Jaina literature, the Jaina religion originated at Eastern India. All the Jaina Munis were Vratyas and not Aryans. They were never addressed as Munis and not addressed as Rishis of Aryan /Vedic style.
The founder or first Tirthamkar of Jainism was Adi Nath. He was also called Brishav Nath. In modern Hinduism Adi Nath or Brishav Nath is none other than Lord Siva himself. His period was earlier than Vedic period, probably at a later stage Lord Siva was mapped with Adi Nath or Brishav Nath and it is quite possible that a group from Jainism came out from Jainism under the leadership of Lord Siva who was named as Adi Nath or Brishav Nath. Thus the primitive Jainism at Bengal or eastern part of India was merged or modified and amalgamated to form Saivaism. This may be the reason for perishment of Jainism in eastern region of India. Jain literature also indicates towards this aspect.
Probably at this stage, the Upanisadic philosophy was developed, as we could observe that during Upanisadic period, the main Vedic rituals of sacrifice were totally discarded and this was in line Jaina philosophy of "Ahimsa". The new concept of 'Atma' or 'spirit' was defined for the first time and documented in Brihadaryanka Upanishad. According to Swami Adidevananda of Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai; Atma or Spirit appeared in the Upanishads towards the end of Vedic Age, i.e., towards the end of 5th century BC,. Thus, the Upanisadic Philosophy is not as old as we think or assume. On the other hand, Jaina and Yoga philosophies etc. were in existence even earlier to this period. That is the reason Lord Mahavir is not called as the founder of Jainism. He was known as a reformer of Jainism. The concept of 'Atma' or 'Spirit' was neither developed nor available in Rig-Veda. In fact this concept was in existence among Jains, prior to Vedic period at this Eastern part of India.
Further to this, the meditation, control of body and mind together in a synergic procedure for achieving salvation, energizing the individual soul to the highest level is the principle of Jainism. This highest level of soul was defined as the universal soul in Upanishads, which was nothing but the state of Siva or Bramha. From this only, the principle of Upanishad was derived as "TAT TWAM ASI' or ''AHAM BRAMMASMI" and the syllable "OUM". This gradually became a fundamental source of all Indian philosophies and religions.
In Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Yajur-Veda or even in Atharvana-Veda there is no mention of Atma or sprit or "OUM". Even during Mahabharata period the concept of Atma was not evolved. The culture of spirit in our own body and elevation of same to the highest level was the basis of Vratya religions. This was flourished in this eastern part of India. From this part of India the spiritual concept was spread to North and rest of India.
Further we could observe that during Upanisadic period, most of the spiritual leaders were kings and princes. Janaka was the king of Mithila (Dwar Banga) of Banga Desha, Pravahana was the prince of Panchala (Allahabad & Kanpur Area) region; Jabala was also not born to a Vedic Brahmin family. It is also interesting to note that most of the Jaina Tirthankars were born at Royal families, but lived in austerity by ignoring and leaving the material gain and pleasure. Whereas the Vedic Rishis and Kings of Rig-Vedic places of Rig-Veda period were found to be fond of material gain and pleasure and worked for the achievement of the same as it is evident from Riga Veda Verses that most of the Verses were dedicated to their Lords/Kings for material gains and pleasure.
Great and famous ladies Maithreyi and Gargi, appeared in religious discourses during Upanisadic period were from this eastern part of India, Which is in contradiction to the Rig-Vedic rules. The entire Rig-Veda Samhita describes about prayer of Aryan/Vedic Rishis to their Aryan leaders (Indra, Mitra, Varuna etc) for material gains, where as in Upanishads the Kings, Princes of Eastern India were found to lead a life of austerity for spiritual gains. Almost 95% of Upanisadic philosophy is found to be traced to this Vratya philosophy and except Yagnas nothing could be traced regarding the influence of Veda in Upanishads. Even Janaka who was the king of Mithila used to be living like a Sanyasi and not like the Aryan/Vedic kings and Rishis who were very much materialistic as noticed from Rig-Vedic literatures. Thus in Upanishads, the fusion of Aryan Vedic religion and Non-Aryan Vratya religion could be noticed. Similar fusion of religions occurred at a later date. Buddhism was merged with Vedic Brahmanism and finally popular modern Hinduism was developed.
The primitive form of Jainism was followed by Saivaism, Buddhism and Ajeebakism in Bengal. These religions never recognized the Authority of Vedas. Saivas and Ajeebaks philosophies never recognized Veda as a superior one. Buddha and Mahavir, both were Vratyas and their philosophies were also known as Vratya Philosophies. Siddha Kapila was another great spiritual leader who was honoured as Greatest Siddhas in Sreemad Bhagavata Gita. He was credited as the founder of Samkhya Dharshana. The philosophy of Veda was not recognized by Samkhya philosophy.
Ajeebaks and Saivas at a later stage became known as Pasupatas, Kalamukhas, Aghories, Kapalikas and Nathas (or Nath Koulas or simply Koulas), Nath-Koula-Kulas (or simply Kula/Kulins/Koulins) and Vaishnavas. They were also equally against the authority of Vedas.
The state Bihar got its name from huge population of Buddhist Bihars constructed in the region as noticed by foreign invaders from Ariana regions. There was no state known as Bihar Prior to invasion of Aryan Muslim Lords of Vedic/Aryan places, The same way Cooch Bihar got the name from Vihars. The district Bardhaman was named after the 24th Jaina Muni Bardhaman Mahavir.
These Buddhists and Nathas (Saivas) were found to be very influential and powerful up to 11th Century AD until the arrival of Senas in Bengal. Historians opine that Sakta religion was originated, developed and flourished at Assam, Bengal and Bihar from Nathism and Buddhism.
It may be observed that more than 50% of Shakti Peethas out of 51 Shakti Peethas are located in this eastern part of India. And more than 10 Shakti Peethas are located in Bardhaman and Birbhum districts of West Bengal and surrounding areas. It is interesting to note that all most all Kulin Brahmins are native of these districts. It is also of very much of interest is that Upaddhyas were ranked highest in the Buddhist social order and not in Vedic social order. However, these Kulin Brahmins (Upaddhyas) of Bengal are also ranked highest in the Hindu social order, regularized by Sena Kings. This also indicates their origin towards Buddhism.
The Shakti worship is a part and parcel of the life of Bengalis. It may be observed that the primary aim of Bengalis is to establish a Kali Bari, wherever they are found to be settled, anywhere in the world. This Shakti Puja was the greatest contribution of Nathism in the modern Hindu religion. Lord Gorokhsha Natha was known as the founder of famous Kalighat temple of Kolkata. The other famous Shakti Peetha Kamakhya temple of Kamroop was founded by Matsendra Nath the Guru of Lord Gorokhsha Natha. The practice of Shakti Puja or Devi Puja or worship of Mother Goddess was not a part of Aryan or Vedic religion. It was a pure Non Aryan and Non-Vedic culture, which was prevailing in India from Pre-Vedic time.
It is interesting to note that, historically that all the four Adi Shakti Peethas like Vimala Devi of Puri Jagan Nath temple, Tara Tarini of Rajpura, Orissa, Kamakhya of Kamroop in Assam were originally Buddhist Tantra Peethas and Kalika of Kalighat , Kolkata was Nath-Kula Peetha.
It is only in this part of India, where women are highly respected and they are probably ranked higher in status than men; where as in places dominated by Aryans, the status of women was found to be inferior to men and even to days period also found to be similar as that of Rig-Vedic period.
Historians also opined that Tantra and Mantra was first developed in Buddhism and modern Hinduism borrowed it from Buddhism. Tantra was developed in eastern India at Bengal, Bihar and Assam. Even today Assam is known as a country of Tantra and Mantra. The Jaina religion which was originated and flourished in Vanga Desha now totally perished from Bengal. This religion is now found at most parts of present western and northern parts of India.
Buddhism also more or less vanished from India. In Karnataka, the reformed version of Saiva, Kalamukhas, Nathism etc are known as Lingaits and Goudas or Gowdas. Gowdas of south are follower of reformed Nathism. The spiritual leaders of Goudas of south, viz. their Mathadhipatis of Adi-chun-chun-Giri matha and Chikbalapur matha are still Nath Mahantas. The Lingaits are still against Vedic Brahmanism as far as religion is considered and many prominent Lingaits are now declaring that they do not belong to Hinduism.
Buddhism and Nathism fought bitterly against casteism and glamorous religious activities like Yagnas and rituals. However, this attitude was not liked by elite people and they were converted by various reformers to follow the Vedic social system and destroyed all the records and documents of this religion and in course of time people have forgotten their names.
Now the intellectual peoples are trying to trace out the lost literature by re-translating the same from Tibetan and Chinese language, which the Tibetan and Chinese Sramans/monks translated from original manuscripts of Indian languages during their visit to this country in ancient period.
From various historical records, it is observed by historians that any religion which preached equality or Samya and basically against the policy of casteism had been crushed by Brahmanism. The probable reason for acceptance of Aryan-religion and Aryan social system was that there are intrinsic benefits for Elites and intellectuals in Vedic social system. The elite/influential people of any society were categorized as high caste and majority was ruled by these minority groups by dividing the weaker section into various sub section of various grades. This feature is mentioned in entire Vedic literature and preaches the philosophy of living/propagate casteism in the name of peaceful and harmonious living for the benefit of the society..
The probable success of the spread of Brahminic religion (Vedic religion) were mainly attributed to the following reasons
- Serving of only elite and powerful groups of people of the society.
- All benefits were accorded to the elite people and rules were made to provide the benefits for themselves and further to their descendents.
- Divide and rule policy (As per Rig-Veda, Lord Indra was very famous for this policy).
- From Rig-Veda it is observed that they were very much materialistic. Most of the slokas were addressed to various leaders of Vedic society commonly referred as Gods, for obtaining material gains, like cow wealth and women. Hardly any verses are found for achieving heights in spirituality.
- Almost all the Non-Vedic/Non Aryan religions were found to be on reversal side of the social life. These religions give more thrust on the spirituality and salvation for self and encourage people to become Sanyasi by leaving the family life from the society. On the other hand, the Aryan of Vedic religion gave more thrust on the materialistic gains; their ideas were more realistic and practicable for the society for their survival. All Smriti literatures propagate the same and worked only for the rich and influential and powerful people of the society. The poor and ordinary people were neglected and ignored.
- Basically Aryan religion preaches the basis of capitalism where as the non Aryan or non Vedic religion preaches communism.
- The Vedic religion found to be very dynamic, adjustable, adoptable and adaptable by compromising with others whenever need arises. On the other hand, the Non-Vedic religions were found to be opposite and their leaders were found to be Hathi or Arrogant and never tried for any adjustments to a workable solution and as a result internal quarrels or infighting was more. Thus in course of time, the Non-Aryan religions were divided into various subgroups or cults and became weak.
- All the social and intellectual leaders of Aryan society were defined as Rishis, They were all family man and enjoyed the family life and worked for the prosperity not only for them, but also in the interest of their descendent. Whereas practically there were no social leaders in Non-Aryan religion and almost all of them rejected and neglected social life and became Sanyasi or lived like a Sanyasi.
- Aryan religion and their rituals of Yagnas were very glamorous and attractive, whereas the Non-Aryan religion and their rituals were found to be non-glamorous and very dry.
- Vedic system is very strong in social science, whereas it is just opposite in Non Vedic system.
These were some of the major critical factors for the success of Vedic Brahminic religion or Vedic religion over Non-Aryan Vratya religions. Even though the Bengali elites adopted the Brahmanism for their own benefit, they maintained their ancient important rituals of worships and made further improvement to make it more pleasant and attractive and acceptable. These are Kali Puja. Durga Puja, Jagadhatri Puja Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, Manasa Puja. Sitala Puja etc. All these are the worship of mother goddess in various forms and a primary part of Vratya/ Non-Vedic religion and culture.
At present, almost all Bengalis are found to be Smartas, even though their main deities are Kali and Durga.
Thus, it is very clear that Bengalis are the worshiper of Mother Goddess from ancient time. This is a pre-Aryan and Pre-Vedic religion. This is not available in Aryan/Vedic religion, which was purely male dominated.
It is also noticed that as far as religion is considered there are two sides of any religion known as spiritual aspect and temporal aspect. Spiritual aspect deals with the philosophical issues while the other one deals with the social system. The social system is liable to change according to time and corresponding developments, but the spiritual aspect remains same.
It may be observed that spiritually Bengalis are more close to Non-Aryan or Vratya religion than that of Aryan (Vedic), whereas on the social front they adopted Vedic Brahmanism due to its intrinsic benefits and advantages in social life (temporal or Yuga Dharma) for Elites and intellectuals. Thus by doing this, Bengalis beautifully amalgamated the Vedic and non Vedic religion and made Hinduism as the unique religion of Bengalis
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