Religion in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is the second most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religions and communities. At the 2011 census, out of the 11.24 Crore population, around 9 crores (79.83%) have returned themselves as followers of the Hindu religion; 1.30 crores (11.54%) as Muslims or followers of Islam; 65.31 Lakhs (5.81%) as Buddhist; 14 lakhs (1.25%) as Jain; 10.80 lakhs (0.96%) are Christians; and 2.24 Lakhs (0.20%) as Sikh. In addition, 0.25% Stated no religion & 0.16% are other religions.
Religion in Maharashtra by Percentage
| # | Religion | Estimated Pop. 2024 | Percent % (2011) |
| 1 | Hindu | 100,893,146 | 79.83% |
| 2 | Muslim | 14,584,829 | 11.54% |
| 3 | Buddhist | 7,342,969 | 5.81% |
| 4 | Jain | 1,579,813 | 1.25% |
| 5 | Christian | 1,213,296 | 0.96% |
| 6 | Sikh | 252,770 | 0.20% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 202,216 | 0.16% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 315,963 | 0.25% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Maharashtra – Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 53,986,028 | 87.70% |
| 2 | Muslim | 3,496,807 | 5.68% |
| 3 | Buddhist | 3,412,078 | 5.54% |
| 4 | Jain | 269,959 | 0.44% |
| 5 | Religion not stated | 156,133 | 0.25% |
| 6 | Christian | 114,972 | 0.19% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 93,647 | 0.15% |
| 8 | Sikh | 26,450 | 0.04% |
| Total | 61,556,074 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Maharashtra – Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 35,717,029 | 70.28% |
| 2 | Muslim | 9,474,345 | 18.64% |
| 3 | Buddhist | 3,119,122 | 6.14% |
| 4 | Jain | 1,130,390 | 2.22% |
| 5 | Christian | 965,101 | 1.90% |
| 6 | Sikh | 196,797 | 0.39% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 130,157 | 0.26% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 85,318 | 0.17% |
| Total | 50,818,259 |