Examine the Religious Nature of the Indus valley Civilization ?

The people of the Harappan society were deeply religious in nature. In the absence of ruins of any temple, altar or statue of gods, Based on Archaeological evidences  which  rely only on figurines and seals of religious significance to have an idea regarding their religious belief. The abundance of material remains from the Harappan sites help us to form ideas about the practical aspect of their religious faith.

 Worship of Mother Goddess:

 One of the most important aspects of Harappan religion was worship of Mother Goddess. A large number of terracotta figurines in various postures have been unearthed from the ruins. These statues are believed to be of Mother Goddess. Most of these images are shown wearing elaborate headdresses.

Worship of a Male God:

 Another prominent religious belief among the Harappans was the worship of a male god. In one particular seal we find a male figure seated cross-legged, ithyphallic, his two arms touching the pair of knees. The figure has a prominent and trident-shaped head-gear and is shown with at least three faces. Several animals surround him. This explains to a certain extent the later concept of the master of animals known as Pasupatin. Hence he is often identified with a proto-Shiva deity. 

Another seal describes the picture of a god in the same yogic posture with a Naga kneeling in prayer before him with uplifted hands on either side, probably representing the worship of the same deity.

 Veneration of Animals 

Animal worship was another typical feature of Harappan religious belief. Worship of certain common animals like elephants, rhinoceros, tigers and bulls was quite prevalent. Worship of the Naga deity or serpent worship was equally in vogue. But among all animals, bull worship was most prominent. However, the absence of cow on the seals is very conspicuous. There is also the image of an imaginary unicorn in some seals. The unicorn resembles a humpless bull with a single horn shown coming out of its forehead.

 Worship of Trees and Plants :

The Harappan people followed the practice of the worship of stones, trees and animals because they believed that these were the abode of various spirits, good or bad. The Harappan belief system certainly includes the veneration for the Pipal tree and the Pipal leaf. Pipal leaf designs are commonly applied on pottery too.

 Some Other Aspects of Religious Beliefs:

 The existence of the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro, the profusion of wells in Harappan cities in general and the regular presence of baths in residential houses cannot but impress upon the importance of water for purification and ablution. The remains of a few oval structures containing ash were found at Kalibangan. These structures were made on a series of high brick platforms constructed in the citadel area. A well and bathing places also stood close by. This complex probably was a civic ritual centre where animal sacrifice, ritual ablution and some sort of fire ritual were practiced