The Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing between approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE, is one of the oldest known urban civilizations in ancient history. Despite its advanced urban planning, trade networks, and sophisticated architecture, our understanding of its religious beliefs, including the concept of a supreme god, remains elusive due to the lack of deciphered written records.
Archaeological excavations of the Indus Valley sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have unearthed numerous artifacts, seals, and figurines, hinting at a complex religious and spiritual life. One of the most enigmatic discoveries is the Pashupati Seal, depicting a figure seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals, possibly suggesting a deity associated with animals and fertility.
Scholars have proposed various theories regarding religious practices in the Indus Valley Civilization. Some suggest that the people worshiped a mother goddess, often represented by terracotta figurines with exaggerated features. Others propose the worship of fertility gods or a male deity akin to Shiva, based on iconographic similarities.
The absence of deciphered texts means we rely heavily on interpretations of archaeological findings and comparative studies with later Indian religious traditions. It is plausible that the Indus Valley people believed in a pantheon of deities or a single supreme god overseeing cosmic order and fertility, reflected in their reverence for nature and animals.
In conclusion, while our knowledge of the religious beliefs of the Indus Valley Civilization remains speculative, ongoing research and archaeological discoveries continue to provide new insights into their spiritual practices and the possible existence of a supreme deity in this ancient and influential civilization.