Abstract:

Karnataka is one of the most important southern states of India. It has gained prominence politically, socio-economically, philosophically and in many other ways. It is a meeting place of many religious philosophies and a melting point helping to achieve the synthesis of the teaching of many religious reforms. Sufism is a mystic religion. It is an offshoot of Islam. Sufi saints are the followers of ALLAH and the practice of peace, benevolence and tolerance. They promulgated a religion based on the concept of love, the love with the fellow being and the love with the ultimate or the creator. Sufi saints and Sufism are an existing reality in Indian socio-religious fold and it has contributed for a healthy and amicable social order. It has lead to a new social set-up full of values, and discipline. Sufism as a religion of the teaming millions became the practicing system among the people of India as well as Karnataka. This study of Sufi Saints in Karnataka is thus an inspired attempt to portray this religion of the soul and heart. Much emphasis is laid on the concepts and special aspects of Sufism, along with various practices found in it. I was always attracted by its spiritual significance and practical essence and also its profound influence on the general public. Hence, my little attempt to explain the same through the life stories of some of the great Sufi saints in Karnataka

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