Individuals across the globe are turning to artificial intelligence for spiritual guidance and religious counsel. Specialized chatbots, trained on sacred texts from various faiths, are providing a new way for people to engage with their beliefs, raising questions about the future role of technology in spirituality.
This trend is particularly visible in India, where users are interacting with AI models based on Hindu scriptures. These platforms offer instant, personalized advice, acting as a digital companion for those navigating life's challenges. However, this fusion of faith and technology is not without its complexities and risks.
Key Takeaways
- AI chatbots trained on religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible are gaining popularity worldwide.
- Users report feeling a sense of connection and find the AI provides non-judgmental, accessible guidance.
- Experts warn that these AI models can produce inaccurate or harmful information and reflect the biases of their creators.
- Hinduism's tradition of using physical representations of deities has created a unique environment for adopting robotic and AI technologies in worship.
A New Form of Spiritual Interaction
For many, seeking spiritual advice has traditionally involved consulting religious leaders or studying texts. Now, a growing number of people are turning to their smartphones. Vijay Meel, a 25-year-old student in Rajasthan, India, uses an AI called GitaGPT when facing personal difficulties.
GitaGPT is a chatbot trained on the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture. After facing disappointment in his banking exams, Meel sought advice from the AI. The chatbot responded with a well-known verse: "Focus on your actions and let go of the worry for its fruit."
"It wasn't a saying I was unaware of, but at that point, I needed someone to reiterate it to me," Meel explained. He said the interaction helped him reframe his thoughts and begin preparing again. He now interacts with the AI several times a week.
Global Trend in Religious AI
The development of religious AI is not limited to Hinduism. In 2023, an app called Text With Jesus allowed users to chat with AI versions of biblical figures. Similarly, a QuranGPT app reportedly crashed from high traffic shortly after its launch. These tools reflect a broader movement to use AI to make ancient religious teachings more accessible to a modern audience.
Technology and Faith in Modern India
Artificial intelligence is influencing nearly every aspect of human life, and religion is no exception. While AI spiritual guides are emerging across different faiths, the context of Hinduism offers a unique case study. The religion has a long history of embracing physical representations of deities, known as "murtis," which are believed to house divine energy.
Holly Walters, an anthropologist at Wellesley College in the US who studies ritual practices in South Asia, suggests this tradition makes the adoption of AI a natural progression. "People feel disconnected from community, from elders, from temples. For many, talking to an AI about God is a way of reaching for belonging, not just spirituality," Walters stated.
She believes the integration of AI into religious practice is inevitable because it is already happening. The use of technology is seen as another medium through which divine presence can be experienced in daily life.
Rapid User Adoption
Vikas Sahu, a developer of one GitaGPT application, reported that his service attracted 100,000 users within a few days of its launch. This rapid growth highlights the significant public interest in AI-driven spiritual tools.
From Animatronics to AI Chatbots
The use of technology in Hindu worship is not new. The Irinjadappilly Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala features a life-sized robotic elephant named Irinjadapilly Raman that performs rituals. Ten years ago, the Glory of India Temple in Delhi introduced fully animatronic figures of deities.
"These robotic deities talk and move. It's a bit uncanny from what I have seen, honestly, but for many, it's God. They do puja, they receive darshan," said Holly Walters.
This history of integrating technology into worship has paved the way for digital tools. Tanmay Shresth, a 23-year-old IT professional from New Delhi, uses a chatbot based on the Bhagavad Gita. "At times, it's hard to find someone to talk to about religious or existential subjects," Shresth commented. "AI is non-judgmental, accessible and yields thoughtful responses."
Major spiritual organizations are also embracing this shift. The Isha Foundation, founded by Indian guru Sadhguru, launched an app with AI features that reportedly surpassed one million downloads in its first 15 hours.
The Risks of Ungodly Behavior
While many users find value in these AI tools, experts caution about their potential downsides. AI chatbots can challenge the authority of traditional religious leaders and subtly influence beliefs in ways users may not recognize, according to Lyndon Drake, a research fellow at the University of Oxford studying AI and theological ethics.
A significant concern is the tendency for AI models to "hallucinate" or generate false information. Vikas Sahu noted that his GitaGPT once claimed that "killing in order to protect dharma is justified," prompting immediate criticism and requiring him to implement stronger safety measures.
This issue is not unique to one platform. In 2024, an evangelist group called Catholic Answers had to take its chatbot, "Father Justin," offline. The AI had reportedly claimed to be a real priest, offered to perform sacraments, and suggested it was acceptable to baptize a child with a sports drink.
Bias and Misinterpretation
Another critical issue is bias. AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, and their outputs reflect the biases present in that material and the views of their creators. "Interpretations of sacred texts have often been contested," Drake said, noting that AI chatbots can present a single, potentially skewed interpretation as authoritative.
In regions with a significant digital divide, the risks are amplified. Walters warns that users with limited technological literacy might perceive an AI's words not as an algorithmic output but as a genuine divine voice.
"That's the danger – when these tools are perceived as divine voices, their words can carry weight far beyond what they should," Walters concluded.
Despite these challenges, the appeal of instant, personalized spiritual guidance continues to grow. For users like Vijay Meel, the benefits are clear. "Even if one visits the temple often, it is rare you get into a deep conversation with a priest," he said. "So, bots like these bridge the gap by offering scripture-backed guidance at the distance of a hand."