Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is a prominent tradition within Hinduism that centers on the worship of Vishnu, who is regarded as the supreme deity and the preserver of the universe. Originating between 500 BCE and 500 CE, this tradition evolved from earlier Vedic practices of sacrificial worship to a more devotional form known as puja. Vaishnavas believe in Vishnu's multiple incarnations, including his well-known forms as Krishna and Rama, and consider him to be a personal god who returns to restore cosmic balance when necessary. The tradition emphasizes the importance of devotional practices, or bhakti, which include chanting the names of Vishnu's avatars and surrendering to his will.
Sacred texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Srimad Bhagavatam play a vital role in imparting the teachings and stories central to Vaishnavism. Followers also embrace the concept of karma, understanding that their actions influence their spiritual journey and ultimate liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, known as samsara. While Vaishnavism is fundamentally monotheistic, it also accommodates the worship of other deities. As a major branch of Hinduism, Vaishnavism is deeply rooted in cultural practices and rituals, fostering a rich spiritual heritage that continues to resonate with millions of adherents, particularly in India.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism, the worship of Vishnu, is one of the four main traditions in the Hindu faith, along with Saivism (worship of Siva), Shaktism (worship of Shakti or Devi), and Smartism (considered a nonsectarian form of worship). Followers of Vaishnavism consider Vishnu, also known as Krishna or Rama, to be the supreme deity and source of life. The tradition's beginnings may be traced back to the Vedic age, from about 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. It is characterized by dualistic beliefs and a deeply devotional form of worship. The world's Hindu population is over one billion, with the largest concentration in India. However, because censuses in most countries do not ask which tradition a person follows, a reliable estimate of the number of Hindus who follow Vaishnavism is unavailable.
Background
During the Vedic period, when the Vedas (sacred Hindu scriptures) were written, worship in southern Asia began to coalesce around several devas, or gods. Worship in the form of animal sacrifices or offerings of food items, such as milk or butter, were common. Among the gods worshipped were Soma, Agni, and Brhaspati, collectively known as the earth gods; Indra, Vayu, the Maruts, and Rudra, collectively known as the atmosphere gods; and Dyaus, Varuna, Mitra, Pushan, and Vishnu, collectively known as the sky gods.
Vaishnavism, or the worship of Vishnu, developed between about 500 BCE and 500 CE as people moved away from sacrificial worship toward puja, or devotional worship. New sacred texts, including sutras and shastras, were written during this time, and temple worship began to develop.
The next thousand years saw devotional practices progress and become more established. Temples dedicated to specific deities were constructed, and poet-saints and gurus wrote and codified the beliefs and revelations of those deities. Two philosophers, Ramanuja in the eleventh or twelfth century and Madhva in the thirteenth century, further expanded theological writings to make Vishnu a more personal god than in previous centuries. Sacred writings known as tantras, which established many rituals, also were developed and were thought to supplant or fulfill the Vedas. By this time, most of the core beliefs and practices of Vaishnavism had formed.
Vaishnavism revolves around Vishnu, who, according to Hindu beliefs, is one of three gods in the Trimurti, which collects three gods into a single three-faced being. The other parts of the Trimurti are Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Shiva, the destroyer. Vishnu is considered the preserver and protector of the universe who returns when good and evil are imbalanced. Vaishnavas, or followers of Vishnu, believe that Vishnu has already been reincarnated, or returned to earthly life, several times. This belief explains why Vishnu has multiple names, including Krishna and Rama. Although it is possible for Vishnu to return many more times, Vaishnavas believe that he will certainly return at least once more at the end of time. Vishnu's various incarnations, or avatars, may take many forms, and Vishnu is believed to have returned as a fish, a turtle, a pig, and a dwarf and as his two most renowned incarnations, the warrior Rama and the wise Krishna.
Vishnu is most commonly depicted as a human-like figure with blue skin and four arms. In his hands, he carries objects that represent the various aspects of the universe for which he is responsible. He is frequently shown standing in a lotus flower or with his consort, Lakshmi, also known as Radharani, nearby.
Overview
Vaishnavas practice a belief in one supreme god, Vishnu. Although Vishnu may be viewed as multiple gods as a result of his various incarnations, Vaishnavism is considered a monotheistic religion. Vishnu is considered the highest god, who cares for his people and rewards and punishes them according to their behavior. Hindus believe in karma, or the concept of rewards for good actions and punishments for bad actions. Vaishnavas believe that they can please Vishnu through worship and obedience. According to the traditions of Vaishnavism, each person has a soul, and the purpose of that soul is to worship Vishnu.
In addition to the Vedas, sutras, shastras, and tantras, several other sacred works are important to followers of Vishnu. Among these are the Mahabharata (including the episode "Bhagavadgita," which stresses the dualism between matter and spirit), the Ramayana, and the Srimad Bhagavatam. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are epic poems. The Mahabharata shares the story of an ancient war between the Kurus and the Panchalas, two neighboring kingdoms who fought in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The Ramayana details Vishnu's reincarnation as Rama, a prince who is exiled for fourteen years and sets out to rescue his true love, Sita, after she is carried off by a rival king. Their return is celebrated as the holiday Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The Srimad Bhagavatam describes the incarnations and activities of Krishna.
While Vaishnavas principally follow Vishnu, their religion does allow for the veneration of other lesser deities. Followers of Vaishnavism believe that they can best express their faith by performing bhakti sadhanas, or devotional disciplines. They also believe that gods and goddesses will bless them if they meditate on an icon or image of the god or goddess. Vaishnavas' principal focus in practicing their faith, however, is chanting the names of Vishnu's avatars and offering total surrender, or parapatti, to Vishnu. Followers of Vaishnavism believe that through these practices, they can be freed from the continual cycle of reincarnation, known as samsara, and attain a more perfect and permanent form of life.
Bibliography
Bhatia, Varuni. Unforgetting Chaitanya: Vaishnavism and Cultures of Devotion in Colonial Bengal. Oxford UP, 2017.
Dwarka, Iskcon. "What Is Vaishnavism, and Who Is a Vaishnava?" ISKCON, 5 Aug. 2024, iskcondwarka.org/blogs/what-is-vaishnavism-and-who-is-a-vaishnava. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Flood, Gavin. "History of Hinduism?" British Broadcasting Corporation, 24 Aug. 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/history‗1.shtml. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
"Hindus." Pew Research Center, 18 Dec. 2012, www.pewresearch.org/religion/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-hindu. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
"Shaivism and Vaishnavism." BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zvrsv9q/revision/5. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
"Vaishnavism." Yogapedia, 21 Dec. 2023, www.yogapedia.com/definition/6904/vaishnavism. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
"Vishnu." British Broadcasting Corporation, 24 Aug. 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/vishnu.shtml. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
"What Is Vaishnavism?" International Society for Krishna Consciousness, www.iskcon.org/about-us/vaishnavism.php. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.