Vaishnavism is one of the major branches of Hinduism. It is focused on the worship of Vishnu and his incarnations. Some key beliefs and practices of Vaishnavism include:
Beliefs
– Vishnu as the Supreme God: Vaishnavites believe that Vishnu is the supreme God, the ultimate reality and source of all existence. The other major Hindu deities like Brahma and Shiva are viewed as subordinate to Vishnu.
– Avataras: Vaishnavism believes that Vishnu incarnates on earth from time to time to restore dharma. These incarnations or avataras include Rama, Krishna, Narasimha and others. The stories of the avataras are important scriptures for Vaishnavites.
– Vishishtadvaita: This is the predominant philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism, one of the main sub-sects of Vaishnavism. Vishishtadvaita means “qualified non-dualism”. It states that soul and matter are distinct from the Supreme Lord Vishnu, yet they are not completely separate and have unity in Vishnu.
– Dvaita: This dualist philosophy was founded by Madhvacharya. It states that God, souls and matter are eternally separate entities. God Vishnu alone is independent reality, souls are dependent on God, matter is dependent on souls.
– Importance of bhakti: Vaishnavism emphasizes bhakti (loving devotion) to Vishnu as the path to liberation. Chanting the names of Vishnu, worshipping his forms and hearing about his lilas (divine plays) are important.
Scriptures and Texts
Some key scriptures of Vaishnavism include:
– The Vedas and Upanishads: These are foundational Hindu texts which Vaishnavism upholds. Vedic mantras are used in worship.
– Bhagavad Gita: This sacred text is considered among the most important scriptures of Vaishnavism. Krishna reveals his divine form and teachings here.
– Bhagavata Purana: This details the legend of Krishna and is the main text for Krishna-centered Vaishnavism. It promotes bhakti yoga and love towards Krishna.
– Ramayana: Rama’s life story is depicted here. It is an influential text for Rama-worshipping Vaishnavites.
– Pancharatra Agamas: These ritual and theological texts are important for temple worship traditions in Vaishnavism.
– Divya Prabandha: Collection of 4000 Tamil verses by Alvar saints, an essential part of Sri Vaishnavism. Promotes surrender to Vishnu.
Main Sects
Vaishnavism has several sub-traditions with some distinct practices:
– Sri Vaishnavism: Originated in South India. Follows Vishishtadvaita philosophy. Worships Lakshmi as Vishnu’s shakti. Promotes pancharatra rituals.
– Madhva Vaishnavism: Founded by Madhvacharya in Karnataka. Follows Dvaita dualist theology. Emphasizes bhakti and prapatti (self-surrender).
– Gaudiya Vaishnavism: Formed in Bengal by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Worships Radha-Krishna. Promotes ecstatic devotion to Krishna, the supreme God.
– Swaminarayan Vaishnavism: A recent sect started in Gujarat by Swaminarayan. Very temple-focused tradition with pilgrimages and social service.
Main Deities and their Significance
– Vishnu: The supreme God of Vaishnavism. Called Narayana, Vasudeva, Hari. Associated with attributes of omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience.
– Lakshmi: Vishnu’s shakti or divine consort, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. She is worshipped together with Vishnu.
– Rama: Hero of the Ramayana. Considered ideal man and avatar of Vishnu. Embodiment of dharma and righteousness.
– Krishna: Central figure of the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. Seen as svayam bhagavan – source of all avatars. Associated with love, charm, playfulness.
– Narasimha: Man-lion avatar of Vishnu who embodies courage and protection. Killed demon Hiranyakashipu to save devotee Prahlada.
– Venkateswara (Balaji): Form of Vishnu worshipped at Tirupati. Extremely popular deity, represents Lord’s kindness towards devotees.
Forms of Worship
– Temple worship: Elaborate rituals, puja and offerings to Vishnu’s image at temples. Festivals like Janmashtami involve decorated shrines and processions.
– Bhakti: Chanting the names of Vishnu, singing devotional hymns and songs like the Azhvars’ verses, expressing love for God through emotion.
– Pilgrimages: Many Vaishnava followers visit shrines and sites associated with Vishnu and his avataras, like Venkateswara temple at Tirupati.
– Mantra meditation: Chanting the thousand names of Vishnu and the sacred mantra “Om Namo Narayanaya”. Focussing on the sound vibration and meaning of mantras.
– Kirtanas: Devotional gatherings with music, dance and discourses about Lord Vishnu, especially among Gaudiya Vaishnavas.
– Yoga: Some traditions like Swaminarayan practice asana, pranayama as part of devotion to realize the inner Self and God within.
– Academic study: Analyzing Vaishnava philosophy, scriptures and Vedanta through scholars and gurus to gain intellectual insight.
Major Festivals and Celebrations
– Janmashtami: Krishna’s birthday celebration. Fasting, night vigils, offering fruits and sweets, elaborate temple decorations.
– Ram Navami: Birthday of Rama celebrated with non-stop recitals of the Ramayana for 9 days in temples.
– Navaratri: Nine nights dedicated to worship of feminine deity in her different forms including Lakshmi and Durga.
– Dussehra: Rama’s victory over Ravana is celebrated by enacting scenes from the Ramayana.
– Ekadashi: Fasting from grains on the 11th moon day of each lunar fortnight, considered dear to Vishnu.
– Pancharatra festivals: Different utsavam rituals at Vishnu temples on important days like Pallaki utsavam, Brahmotsavam.
– Swaminarayan festivals: Celebrations of holy days associated with Swaminarayan and his life. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday is a major occasion.
Major Pilgrimage Sites
– Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati: Most famous Vaishnava site in Tirumala hills. About 50-100k pilgrims visit daily for darshan.
– Srirangam Temple, Trichy: Largest functioning Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. Hub of Sri Vaishnava culture.
– Jagannath Temple, Puri: Massive temple where Krishna is worshipped as Jagannatha along with siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra.
– Nathdwara Temple: Important Krishna shrine in Rajasthan housing the deity of Shrinathji, form of infant Krishna lifting Govardhana hill.
– Pandharpur: Major pilgrimage for devotees of Vithoba, a form of Krishna, along with Rakhumai in Maharashtra.
– Guruvayur Temple, Kerala: Ancient Krishna temple housing beautiful idol of child Krishna. Hub for Gaudiya Vaishnava pilgrims too.
– Dakor, Gujarat: Main temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Houses Ranchhodrai idol, believed to be manifest form of Narayana.
Major Vaishnava Philosophers, Acharyas and Saints
– Ramanujacharya: 11th century philosopher, founder of Sri Vaishnavism, proponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta system.
– Madhvacharya: 13th century scholar, founder of Dvaita philosophy and important Vaishnava theologian based in Udupi, Karnataka.
– Nimbarkacharya: Teached Dvaitadvaita philosophy in 13th century, propagated worship of Radha-Krishna.
– Vallabhacharya: 16th century philosopher who founded the Pushti sect focused on grace of Shrinathji Krishna.
– Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Great devotee of Krishna, popularized sankirtana and Gaudiya Vaishnavism across India in the 16th century.
– Mirabai: Famous Krishna bhakta and poet-saint of Rajasthan in 16th century, composed many bhajans.
– Surdas: Blind poet saint in Braj during 16th century. Wrote poetry dedicated to Krishna, most known work being the Sursagar.
– Tyagaraja: 18th-19th century poet and composer who wrote thousands of devotional kritis praising Rama in Telugu language.
– Swaminarayan: Born Ghanshyam Pande in 18th century, travelled across India preaching devotion to Krishna or Narayana and established the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
Prominent Vaishnava Sects and their Locations
– Sri Vaishnavism: Mainly located in South India, especially Tamil Nadu. Followers are Iyengars.
– Madhva Vaishnavism: Based in Udupi, Karnataka and also has following in adjacent regions. Followers are Madhvas.
– Gaudiya Vaishnavism: Originated in Nabadwip, West Bengal and now spread worldwide through ISKCON. Followers are Gaudiya Vaishnavas.
– Swaminarayan Vaishnavism: Headquartered in Gujarat, where majority of followers live, but also has global presence. Followers are called Swaminarayan.
– Nimbarka Sampradaya: Followers of Nimbarkacharya’s teachings, mainly residing near Mathura-Vrindavan region and parts of Rajasthan.
– Ramanandi Sampraday: Devotees of Rama located mainly in North and Eastern parts of India like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
– Varkari Sampraday: Followers of Vithoba and other forms of Krishna centered around Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
– Bhagavat Sampraday: Group propagating teachings of Vallabhacharya. Mainly in North India, especially Braj region.
Comparison with other Hindu Denominations
– Shaivism: Shaivites worship Shiva as supreme. Vaishnavas worship Vishnu and his avatars as supreme.
– Shaktism: Shaktas worship Devi or Shakti as supreme. Vaishnavas worship Vishnu’s consort Lakshmi but consider Vishnu higher.
– Smarta: Smartas worship panchayatana – Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha and Surya. Vaishnavas focus on Vishnu mainly.
– Advaita Vedanta: Advaitins see Brahman without attributes as absolute reality. Vaishnavism believes in saguna brahman, God with qualities.
– ISKCON: ISKCON followers believe Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada represents Krishna directly. Other Gaudiya maths don’t hold this belief.
– Shaiva Siddhanta: Shaiva Siddhantins reject Vedas and believe Shiva alone is supreme. Vaishnavas base philosophy on Vedas and consider Vishnu supreme.
