The Hindu religion may be divided into two large groups : orthodox or traditional Hinduism which claims to find its source in the Shruti tradition – i.e., in the Vedic literature – and cultic or Sectarian Hinduism which, while not neglecting Shruti, contend that the great body of Smriti literature must be added to the Vedic ideas and practices.  The Bhagavata religion with its Bhagavad Gita is the foundation of the large  collection of religions sub-totalled under the general heading of Vaishnavism with a common devotion to Vishnu.  The second largest body of sectarian form of Hinduism is Shaivism, the worship of Shiva or of gods associated with Shiva.  Shaivism also takes its origin from the area of the western end of the Ganges watershed, and it also arose as challenge and reaction to Shranta sacerdotalism and intellectualism.

	Vaishanavism
	Shivaism

 

VAISHNAVISM 

          There have always been differences between Vaishnavism and Shaivism, the two major divisions of modern Hinduism.  Vaishnavism is more sophisticated, urbane, and moderate in its approach to the Hindu motif.  Shaivism is more primitive, rural and extreme.  Vaishnative priests tend to be persuasive Brahmins who bring to their priestly functions the dignity of a high tradition.  Shaivite priests, who are seldom Brahmins, bring to their office the zeal and enthusiasm of personal experience and dedication.  The ascetic Hindu Sadhus one sees in India today are almost without exception Shaivites.  The two great sects of Hinduism reflect the nature of their gods.  Vishnu was an orderly god who could establish himself in each of the three realms : celestial, atmospheric and terrestrial.  He became the god experienced through love similar to human love.  Among all the “incarnations” (avatars) of Vishnu, ten are important.  The concept of Vishnu (as evident from the avatars), like its cult, is a composite of diverse elements.

 

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SHIVAISM

           Rudra-Shiva was a taboo god to whom prayer was made that he accept the oblation and spare the lives of his worshippers.  Whereas love was the principal emotion of the worshippers of Vishnu, the worshippers of Shiva stood in awe, fear and dread of their god.  Shiva in other words, is a god of mystery; one does not easily understand this god, nor readily lay hold of his power.  Shaivites, however, love to dwell on the theme that Shiva comes to man uninvited and unannounced.  Thus Shiva is a god who comes to man on his own initiative, not when appealed to by man.

Shaivism is the dominant form of Hinduism in South India.  It has lost its hold in North India where the followers of Vishnu (Vaishnavites) form the most powerful sect.  In south and other parts of India fearful struggle took place between Vaishnavites and Shaivites as each sought to win the favour of ruling monarchs.  Bitter quarrels also broke jout between them either over the sacred literature and temple rituals or over ownership and administration of temples, temple lands and temple incomes.  Although the gulf between Vaishnavism and Shaivism widened during these centuries, there were some attempts to bring the two sects together but without any tangible success.

 

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