Vishnuism

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Vishnuism is one of the branches of Vaishnavism,[1] a tradition of Hinduism, and is distinguished from other schools by its primary worship of Vishnu as original and the source of all avatars.[2] It is historically the first structured Vaishnava religion as the "Vishnuism, in a word, is the only cultivated native sectarian native religion of India."[3] However although its is usual to speak of Vishnu as the source of the avataras, this is only one of the names of god of Vaishnavism. His is also known as Narayana, Vasudeva and Krishna and behind each of those names is a devine figure with attributed supremacy in Vaishnavism and each associated tradition believed to be distinct historically.[4] It is distinct from Krishnaism, as in the revival of Bhakti, found in the Bhagavata it is referred as Vishnuism. [5] Where as other branches of Vaishnavism like Gaudiya Vaishnava, Nimbaraka and Vallabhacharya traditions prefer worship of Krishna as the Supreme form of God, Svayam bhagavan where as Vishnu followers will differ in that opinion.[6] It is principally monotheistic in its philosophy, but not exclusive.[7] It is believed to be originating further to Bhagavatism of early Gupta or Vedic period.[8]

The followers of Vaishnavism are referred to as Vaishnava(s) or Vaishnavites. According to recent statistics, a majority of Hindus are Vaishnavas,[9] with the vast majority living in India.

In his The Religions of India, Edward Washburn Hopkins presents an accepted distinction as to the assumption that Vishnuism is associated with Vedic brahmanism, and was part of brahmanism. Krishnaism was adopted much later, and it is for this reason, amongst others, that despite its modern iniquities Siva has appealed more to the brahmanas than Krishna. Its only later that Vishnuism merged with Krishnaism.[10]

Contents

[edit] Etymology

The term Vaishnavism and Vishnuism, entered the English language in the 19th century, and was formed by attaching the suffix -ism to Sanskrit Vaishnava or Vishnu (IAST: vaiṣṇava or viṣṇu), where first is the vriddhi form of the second meaning "relating, belonging, or sacred to Vishnu" or "a worshipper or follower of Vishnu".[11]

[edit] Principal beliefs

[edit] Vishnu: The Supreme

Vishnu, as commonly depicted in his four-armed form
Vishnu, as commonly depicted in his four-armed form

The principal belief of Vaishnavism is the identification of Vishnu or Narayana as the one Supreme God.

[edit] Worship

Within their worship Vaishnava devotees consider that Vishnu is within them, as the Antaryami or the God within and as the foundation of their being; which is a part of the definition of the name Narayana. Unlike other schools of Hinduism whose goal is liberation (moksha), or union with the Supreme Brahman, the ultimate goal of Vaishnava practice is an eternal life of bliss (ananda) in service to Vishnu, or one of his many avatars, in the spiritual realm of 'Vaikuntha'.

[edit] History of Vishnu-centered Vaishnavism

Temple dedicated to the worship of Vishnu as Venkateswara.
Temple dedicated to the worship of Vishnu as Venkateswara.

The monotheistic worship of Vishnu was already well developed in the period of the Itihasas.[12]

This form of Vaishnavism flourished in South India during the seventh to tenth centuries CE, and is still commonplace, especially in Tamil Nadu, as a result of the twelve Alvars, saints who spread the sect to the common people with their devotional himns. The temples which the Alvars visited or founded are now known as Divya Desams. Their poems in praise of Vishnu and Krishna in Tamil language are collectively known as Naalayira (Divya Prabandha).[13][14]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gonda, J. (1993). Aspects of Early Visnuism. Motilal Banarsidass Publ.. 
  2. ^ Goswami, B.K. (1965). The Bhakti Cult in Ancient India. Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office. 
  3. ^ Hopkins,The Religions of India, p.690
  4. ^ Matchett, Freda (2000). Krsna, Lord or Avatara? the relationship between Krsna and Visnu: in the context of the Avatara myth as presented by the Harivamsa, the Visnupurana and the Bhagavatapurana. Surrey: Routledge, 254. ISBN 0-7007-1281-X.  p. 4
  5. ^ Review: by Kenneth Scott Latourette India and Christendom: The Historical Connections between Their Religions. by Richard Garbe; Lydia Gillingham Robinson Pacific Affairs, Vol. 34, No. 3 (Autumn, 1961), pp. 317-318.
  6. ^ Page 1–Ramanuja and Sri Vaisnavism "In general, the Vaisnava Agamas describe Visnu is the Supreme Being and the foundation of all existence."
  7. ^ Mahony, W.K. (1987). "Perspectives on Krsna's Various Personalities". History of Religions 26 (3): 333-335. 
  8. ^ De, S.K.. "Bhagavatism and Sun-Worship". 
  9. ^ Major Branches - Hinduism from adherents.com
  10. ^ Hopkins,The Religions of India, p.530 "When, however, pantheism, nay, even Vishnuism, or still more, Krishnaism, was an accepted fact upon what, then, was the wisdom of the priest expended?"
  11. ^ Vaishnavism in Simpson, John (Ed); Weiner, Edmund (Ed.) (1989). Oxford English Dictionary, Second edition, USA: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198611862. 
  12. ^ britannica.com
  13. ^ Annangaracariyar, P.B. (1971). Nalayira tivviyap pirapantam. Kanci: VN Tevanatan. 
  14. ^ Seth, K.P. (1962). "Bhakti in Alvar Saints". The University Journal of Philosophy. 

[edit] External links