The Gupta period witnessed a significant transformation in the sphere of religion, marked by the dominance of Brahmanism and the decline of other religious traditions. 

Dominance of Brahmanism During the Gupta Period

• Brahmanism emerged as the dominant religious force during the Gupta period, with two main branches: Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
• Most Gupta kings were ardent Vaishnavites, promoting the worship of Vishnu and related traditions.
• The rise of Brahmanism led to the marginalization of other religions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
• The Gupta kings provided generous land grants to Brahmans, temples, viharas, and mathas, ensuring the functioning of educational institutions and social welfare activities.
• These land grants to Brahmans are recorded in texts such as the Narada Smriti.

Decline of Buddhism During the Gupta Period

• The decline of Buddhism in the Gangetic valley during this period is documented by the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien.
• Despite the general neglect, a few Buddhist scholars, such as Vasubandhu, received royal patronage from the Gupta rulers.

Flourishing of Jainism During the Gupta Period

• Jainism thrived in western and southern India during the Gupta era.
• A significant event for Jainism was the Great Jain Council held at Vallabhi, where the Jain Canon of the Swetambaras was compiled and documented.

Religious Literature and Temples During the Gupta Period

• The Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were finalized and attained their present form during the Gupta period.
• The period also witnessed the composition of the Puranas, which served as a significant repository of Hindu mythology and philosophy.
• Numerous Hindu temples and shrines were constructed across the Gupta empire, showcasing the architectural and artistic advancements of the time.

Education and Religious Institutions During the Gupta Period

• Education was given special attention by the Gupta kings and was facilitated through Brahmanical agraharas and Buddhist monasteries.
• Centers of Brahmanical learning such as Varanasi, Nasik, and Kanchi became prominent during this period.
• Several universities flourished under Gupta patronage, offering a wide range of knowledge and skills.
• Nalanda University, the legendary Buddhist institution, became renowned for its excellence in various fields such as art, philosophy, grammar, humanities, and astrology.