Can AI Truly Connect Us with the Divine?
In an age where technology and spirituality collide, individuals are using artificial intelligence as a means to communicate with the divine. This intriguing phenomenon has stirred up discussions about faith and the nature of worship, prompting us to consider what it means when machines take on roles traditionally held by spiritual intermediaries.
Take for example Vijay Meel, a 25-year-old student from Rajasthan, India. In moments of uncertainty, particularly during his struggles with banking exams, he found himself at a loss. In his quest for guidance, he didn’t just reach out to spiritual leaders; he turned to GitaGPT, a chatbot that’s specifically designed to offer insights drawn from the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture in Hinduism consisting of 700 verses exchanged between the deity Krishna and his disciple Arjuna.
When Meel encountered setbacks in his studies, he felt hopeless. However, after discovering GitaGPT, he shared his feelings of despair with the AI, asking for advice. The AI responded with a quote that resonated deeply: "Focus on your actions and let go of the worry for its fruit." This advice wasn't new to him, yet it served as a much-needed reaffirmation. "I needed someone to echo what I already knew," Meel reflected, noting how this interaction rejuvenated his motivation and prompted him to prepare for his exams anew. Today, GitaGPT has become his regular confidant, with whom he converses about his personal struggles on a weekly basis.
Interestingly, these AI entities not only engage users in conversations but also embody more storied aspects of divinity. This blending of technology and faith is quite unconventional, though increasingly common. It should be noted that such ventures aren't just limited to Hinduism; people from various faiths are exploring the capabilities of AI chatbots. However, Hinduism stands out due to its historical integration of spiritual symbols into life—making it a unique testing ground for these technological advances.
"Many individuals today feel isolated from their spiritual communities, elders, and places of worship. Engaging with an AI about spirituality might be their way of re-establishing connection—not solely in terms of faith but in a broader sense of belonging," explains Holly Walters, an expert in anthropology and ritual practices focused on South Asia. She also asserts that the integration of AI into religious contexts is not merely a trend; it’s an ongoing evolution that is already unfolding.
Are AI-Enabled Spiritual Connections the Future?
The last several years have witnessed countless innovative experiments at the intersection of AI and religion. A notable example from 2023 is the app "Text With Jesus," which sparked significant controversy and accusations of blasphemy as users engaged in conversations with AI representations of biblical figures, including Jesus.
Similarly, the launch of QuranGPT—a gateway for users to engage with the Quran—resulted in such high traffic that it crashed soon after its release. The availability of chatbots mimicking other influential spiritual figures, like Confucius and Martin Luther, continues to expand, alongside even newer religions emerging solely based on artificial intelligence, such as the Way of the Future church. This group aspires to develop and propagate a god shaped by AI, founded by former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski.
Hindu practices, where divine forms often take on physical manifestations, allow AI to serve as an additional conduit through which believers can experience the sacred. Sacred statues, known as murtis, embody divine energies and often serve as focal points during religious rituals. These rituals include puja, a practice involving offerings alongside chants, and darshan, the act of viewing holy images or figures and receiving blessings in return.
While some dismiss the advancements in AI as mere trends, Walters argues that they signify something much more profound, stating that this merger of technology and spirituality transcends novelty.
As the excitement surrounding AI and its applications mushroomed, numerous developers, including Vikas Sahu, were inspired to create chatbots that connect users directly with Hindu teachings. Sahu’s version of GitaGPT was initially anticipated to gain traction slowly, but in mere days, it attracted over 100,000 users. His vision is for this platform to evolve into a comprehensive resource for exploring the teachings of all Hindu deities, prompting him to forgo his MBA to pursue the project full-time.
Another user, Tanmay Shresth from New Delhi, engages with a different Gita-based chatbot, describing it as a steady source of support amid a constantly changing world. "It's often challenging to find someone who can discuss religious matters deeply. AI offers a non-judgmental space and valuable insights," he shares.
Both Krishna and Shiva aren’t relegated to just traditional worship; they are part of AI’s modern iterations as well. Platforms such as Character.AI have chatbots that explore the teachings of spiritual leaders like Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, facilitating tens of thousands of interactions.
Leading spiritual organizations have also embraced these new developments. In 2025, acclaimed Indian guru Sadhguru launched the "Miracle of Mind" meditation app featuring AI components. “We harness AI to present ancient wisdom in a manner relatable to today’s audience. The aim is to enhance personal and authentic experiences,” noted Swami Harsha from the Isha Foundation, which curated content derived from decades of Sadhguru’s teachings.
Noteworthy too is how technology has transformed the Maha Kumbh Mela, often heralded as the world’s largest religious gathering. In a bid to enhance the pilgrimage experience, AI systems were introduced to provide assistance through chatbots like Kumbh Sah'AI'yak, which offered multilingual support for travel and lodging information. Moreover, innovative digital experiences allowed devotees to engage in rituals via video calls, enabling them to partake in virtual darshan and even participate in ceremonial bathing from afar.
AI technologies have also proven beneficial in academic research, as a recent study utilizing a large language model revealed substantive thematic similarities between the Bhagavad Gita and older Hindu scriptures known as the Upanishads. Such analyses could unveil intricate themes that rigorous manual reading might overlook, ultimately fostering deeper understandings of sacred texts.
Yet, we tread a fine line as society advances towards this technological frontier. "The underlying concern is that when AI is perceived as conveyors of divine will, their outputs hold a significance that could be misleading," Walters warns. This puts particular pressure on maintaining an awareness of AI’s role in religious discourse and the wider implications it has on belief systems.
In centuries past, religious engagements often revolved around interactions with priests or scholars; however, the rise of AI chatbots introduces a shift that may challenge conventional authority structures within religious frameworks. This raises new questions about the challenges and opportunities that these AI technologies bring in shaping belief and practice.
Nevertheless, caution is warranted. While many chatbots strive to foster insightful dialogues, they are not without flaws. Instances have emerged where chatbots have made controversial statements or offered misleading guidance, prompting creators to revise the AIs for improved reliability.
Despite these risks, the allure of accessible, scripture-based advice is not lost on users. Often, individuals find it difficult to engage in profound discussions during temple visits, but AI serves as a bridge, providing immediate access to teachings that can guide their lives.
As we navigate through these evolving landscapes of faith and technology, what are your thoughts? Do you believe that AI can serve as a meaningful channel for spiritual conversations, or does its presence dilute the sanctity of religious practices? Share your thoughts in the comments!
