a. Separation of Church and State in Hinduism

The concept of “separation of Church and State” is largely irrelevant to Hinduism, because Hinduism does not have a centralized church, formal authority, or singular governing body. Instead, it encompasses diverse schools of philosophy—including theistic, atheistic, and agnostic traditions—without any one group exercising control over others.

Hindu practice is primarily focused on inward spiritual pursuits rather than rigid outward observances, which naturally fosters acceptance of multiple paths to the Divine. Since all such paths are considered valid, the question of institutional religious power interfering in state affairs never arose in the Hindu worldview.

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

Location of this document (31a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/separation-of-church-and-state-in-hinduism/