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Shaivism and other Sects: Diverse Paths in Hindu Theology

April 15, 2024 1246 0

Introduction

Shaivism, a prominent sect within Hinduism, venerates Shiva as the supreme deity. Alongside Vaishnavism and Shaktism, it forms one of the major branches of Hindu theology, each emphasizing different aspects of divine worship and spiritual practice.

About Shaivism

  • Panini refers to a group of Shiva- worshippers as Shiva-bhagavatas.
  • The Shiva movement in the South flourished because of activities of 63 Saints known as Nayanars.
    • Nayanars hailed from all castes, and their Tamil songs were called Tevaram Stotras, also known as Dravida Veda.

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Different Sects Under Shaivism

SECT FEATURES
Nathpanthi
  • They adhere to the teachings of Gorakhnath and Matseyndranath and worship Adinath, a form of Shiva.
  • They use the technique of Hatha Yoga; monks wear loin cloth and dhotis and also cover themselves with ashes.
  • They never stay in the same place for long and are a floating group of wanderers. When they stop walking, they keep a sacred fire called Dhuni.
  • It is also known as Siddha Siddanta.
Lingayatism
  • It is a distinct Shaivite tradition that believes in monotheism through worship of Lord Shiva in the form of Linga.
  • It was established in the 12th century AD by Basava.
  • It rejects the authority of the Vedas and the caste system.
  • It is also known as Veerashaivism.
  • They questioned the theory of rebirth [UPSC 2016].
Dashanami

 Sanyasis

They are associated with the Advaita Vedanta tradition and are the disciples of Adi Shankaracharya.They are also called “Dash Nam Sanyasi” as they are further divided into 10 groups.
Aghoris
  • They are the devotees of Shiva manifested as Bhairava.
  • They are monists who seek salvation from the cycle of reincarnation through sadhana on cremation grounds.
  • They believe in the removal of bonds from their life, which are sensual pleasure, anger, greed, obsession, fear and hatred.
  • They indulge in extreme tamasic ritual practices. 
Siddhars or

Siddhas

  • Siddhars were Saints, doctors, alchemists and mystics all in one from Tamilnadu.
  • They attain spiritual perfection through special secret rasayanas along with a form of pranayama which considerably reduces the number of breaths they take.
  • Siddhars are also believed to be the founders of Varmam, which is a martial art for self-defence and a medical treatment at the same time.
  • They were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. [UPSC 2016]

Other Minor Sects of Hinduism

  • Shaktism: It considers feminine and the Devi or goddess as supreme. It is known for its various sub-traditions of Tantra.
  • Smartism: It is based on the teachings of Puranas, and they believe in the domestic worship of five shrines with five deities all treated as equals: Shiva, Shakti, Ganesh, Vishnu and Surya.
  • Shrautism: It belongs to ultra orthodox Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala. 
  • They follow the “Purva-Mimamsa” school of philosophy and place importance on the performance of Yajna.
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Conclusion

  • Within the tapestry of Hinduism, Shaivism, along with other sects like Vaishnavism and Shaktism, offers diverse paths to spiritual realization. 
    • Together, they enrich the religious landscape, fostering devotion, wisdom, and transcendence in myriad ways.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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