When we discuss secularism today, it often appears as a modern political ideal — the separation of religion from the state, and the equal treatment of all religious groups. Yet, long before the concept became politically formalized, Hinduism had already embraced a spirit of secularism through its very structure and philosophy. Hinduism is inherently pluralistic, and because of this, Hindus are naturally secular — by belief, by tradition, and by cultural instinct.
Freedom of Worship
Unlike many other major world religions, Hinduism does not bind its followers to a single way of worship or to a single conception of God. It recognizes that human beings are diverse — in temperament, emotion, understanding, and cultural background — and thus offers multiple paths to connect with the divine. Whether one chooses to worship Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Durga, Kali, or even the formless Brahman, Hinduism accepts and honors each choice.
This freedom is formalized in the concept of Ishta Devata — the idea that each individual may choose their personal deity or form of the divine based on their own inclination. The multiplicity of gods and goddesses is not a sign of polytheistic confusion but an affirmation of diversity under a deeper unity: that all forms are ultimately expressions of one supreme reality.
Belief in One Supreme Reality
At its philosophical core, Hinduism affirms the existence of a singular, supreme reality — called Brahman — that transcends all forms and attributes. Different deities, forms, and paths are seen as various ways to understand and approach this ultimate reality. Thus, even in its diversity, Hinduism teaches an underlying unity. This spiritual philosophy naturally respects differences, encouraging understanding rather than imposing uniformity.
Reverence for the Feminine
One of the most beautiful aspects of Hinduism is the prominent role of the feminine divine. Goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali are revered as supreme beings in their own right. The Shakta tradition even holds the Goddess (Devi) as the ultimate reality — the source from which all existence springs. This deep reverence for the feminine is rare in many other religious traditions, where the divine is often exclusively male and the worship of the feminine can be frowned upon. In Hinduism, the worship of women as goddesses is not only accepted but celebrated as a central aspect of religious life.
Acceptance of Non-Believers
Hinduism is unique in its acceptance of atheists, agnostics, skeptics, and even critics of religious belief. Ancient Hindu philosophy includes schools such as Charvaka, which openly rejected the authority of the Vedas and the concept of an afterlife. Despite their radical departure from religious norms, such schools were not violently suppressed or excommunicated; instead, they were engaged with philosophically and intellectually.
This attitude reflects a deep-seated respect for freedom of thought. In Hinduism, belief is not enforced by external authority but arises from personal realization and experience. As a result, there is no rigid division between believers and non-believers — an individual’s spiritual journey is their own, and the tradition accommodates a wide range of views.
By-Default Secularism
Because Hinduism is built on the acceptance of multiple paths, multiple deities, and even non-belief, Hindus naturally develop a secular outlook. They are taught from an early age to accept that others may worship differently, think differently, or not worship at all. The idea that different people can have different truths is embedded in the famous Sanskrit verse:
“Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti” — “Truth is one; sages call it by various names.”
In contrast to religions that require exclusivity of belief or strict loyalty to a single prophet or text, Hinduism’s flexibility fosters an environment where diversity is the norm, not the exception. As a result, Hindus are by-default seculars — not because secularism was imposed upon them, but because it arises naturally from their spiritual philosophy.
Final Thoughts
Hinduism is perhaps one of the world’s oldest examples of secularism in action. Its acceptance of diverse ways of worship, its reverence for both masculine and feminine aspects of the divine, its respect for non-believers, and its belief in a singular underlying reality all contribute to a worldview that naturally embraces pluralism. Hindus have been practicing this spirit of secularism for thousands of years, long before it became a political ideal. In today’s world, where religious intolerance often creates conflict, Hinduism’s inherent secularism stands as a timeless example of how spiritual depth and human diversity can coexist in harmony.