As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, religious practice is undergoing a profound transformation. This project investigates the rise of AI-powered tools, informally known as 'godbots,' that interpret sacred texts, generate personalized prayers, and offer ethical guidance. Focusing on Hindu communities in India and among the Hindu diaspora in Finland, the research examines how these technologies are reshaping religious authority, tradition, and spiritual experience in digitally mediated environments. By comparing local and transnational contexts, the project explores how AI-driven innovations are received, adapted, and contested across different cultural landscapes. It also considers the broader social, technological, and institutional factors that influence the development and acceptance of these tools. In doing so, the study sheds light on the evolving interplay between religion and technology in a rapidly changing world.

2025

2029