Freemasonry has intriguing connections with ancient Indian traditions, particularly through the concept of Mysteries and initiation rites. According to Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma, the inhabitants of India originally practiced a form of Patriarchal religion, which included festive worship and social gatherings. The Indian Mysteries, celebrated in subterranean caverns, involved initiation ceremonies that taught primitive truths through allegories. The initiate was invested with a cord called 'zennar', which is reminiscent of the Masonic cable-tow, symbolizing a triune deity. These ceremonies were deeply spiritual, focusing on the worship of a singular source of light, akin to the Masonic pursuit of enlightenment.
Furthermore, J.D. Buck in The Symbolism of Freemasonry emphasizes that the ancient wisdom and esoteric teachings of India significantly influenced the development of Freemasonry. He notes that the Vedas, which contain allegorical forms of ancient wisdom, were created by the Rishis, who were regarded as sublime masters. This ancient knowledge, which included the understanding of the unity of the divine and the immortality of the soul, parallels the moral and philosophical teachings found in Freemasonry.
Thus, the connection between Freemasonry and ancient India lies in shared themes of initiation, spiritual enlightenment, and the preservation of ancient wisdom through symbolic teachings.