How is Hinduism divided?
Hinduism as it is commonly known can be subdivided into a number of major currents. Classified by primary deity or deities, four major Hinduism modern currents are Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti) and Smartism (five deities treated as same).
How many Hindus are Vaishnavas?
641 million
According to a 2010 estimate by Johnson and Grim, the Vaishnava tradition is the largest group within Hinduism, constituting about 641 million or 67.6\% of Hindus. It is also called Vishnuism since it considers Vishnu as the Supreme Being, i.e. Mahavishnu.
What is the difference between Hinduism and Vaishnavism?
They also take for granted that the soul is caught in a cycle of life and death. Unlike other forms of Hinduism, however, Vaishnavas believe that it is devotion to Vishnu that will save them from endless rebirth.
What are the two main denominations of Vishnavism?
This complex history is reflected in the two main historical denominations of Vishnavism. The Bhagavats, worship Vāsudeva-Krsna, and are followers of brahmanic Vaishnavism, while the Pacaratrins regard Narayana as their founder, and are followers of Tantric Vaishnavism.
What is the origin of Vaishnava religion?
Devotion to Vishnu seen in the Vedas and later Sanskrit literature, amalgamated with the worship of many local deities and texts, eventually gave rise to the Vaishnava faith. Vaishnavas also worship Vishnu’s many incarnations, especially his appearances as Rama and as Krishna, as well as his manifestations in iconic form in several temples.
Was Vishnu a part of the Vedic religion?
The ancient emergence of Vaishnavism is unclear, the evidence inconsistent and scanty. Although Vishnu was a Vedic solar deity, he is mentioned less often compared to Agni, Indra, and other Vedic deities, thereby suggesting that he had a minor position in the Vedic religion.