Hinduism is frequently referred to as the oldest of all the religions that exist today. The creation of the Rig Veda (which is thought to have occurred somewhere in modern-day Afghanistan) in the 2nd millennium before Christ gave birth to India’s principal religion. Since then, Hinduism has travelled a long way to become what it is today. To begin with, the conflict between Aryans and local Dravidians finally culminated in a synthesis of the two cultures, which had a significant impact on the newly developed Vedic religion.

Following that, significant events such as the emergence of Upanishads, the rise of Jainism & Buddhism, the influence of Islam with the arrival of Muslims, the emergence of Bhakti & Sufi movements, the birth of Sikhism, the entry of liberal western education and ideas (along with the British rulers), and strong socio-cultural reformations carried out in Hinduism (by tall leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dayananda Saraswati, and others

While Hinduism has always been and continues to be about synthesis and assimilation, there have been a number of elements that have caused divisiveness over the millennia. One of the pre-existing differences in Hinduism is that between Shaivism and Vaishnavism. While Vaishnavites (followers of Vaishnavism) worship Lord Vishnu (or his two reincarnations, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna) as the principal deity, Shaivites (followers of Shaivism) revere Lord Shiva the most.

Origin Of Shaivism And Vaishnavism

The split between Vaishnavism and Shaivism has existed for a long time, possibly as long as Hinduism itself. Lord Vishnu is widely regarded as an Aryan God, whereas Lord Shiva is thought to have been worshipped by Dravidians long before the arrival of Aryans.

Vishnu Appeals More To Householders, Shiva To Renunciants

Lord Vishnu (which includes Lord Rama and Lord Krishna) represents preservation and propagation, whereas Lord Shiva represents destruction and dissolution (and sometimes also creation). Thus, it is believed that Lord Vishnu is more appealing to householders, those who are married and caring for their family members, but Lord Shiva is more appealing to renunciants, seekers, sadhus, sanyasis, or in other words, people who are earnestly seeking spirituality. It is a well-known fact that the majority of Sadhus are Shiva devotees.

Lord Shiva Combines Renunciation And Involvement

Lord Shiva, on the other hand, is about both involvement and renunciation. He is a devout family guy who lives with his wife, Parvati, and two kids, Ganesha and Kartikeya, in the frigid Himalayas. At the same time, he is unattached to earthly possessions and is frequently engaged in meditation or other forms of penance. Lord Vishnu, on the other hand, is more actively involved in earthly operations than Lord Shiva. Are you having difficulties in your life? Use the services of a personal astrologer.

Vaishnavites Are Strong Vegetarians, Not All Shaivties Are

Nonviolence and vegetarianism are very important in Vaishnavism. In most parts of the country, a practising Vaishnav must be a vegetarian. In many situations, Shaivites are vegetarians as well, however not all Shaivites place a high value on vegetarianism. Certain Shaivism factions even permit the ingestion of non-vegetarian foods.

Shiva Is Also About Tantra

Lord Shiva and, in some situations, certain Goddesses are frequently invoked in Hindu occultist (tantra) traditions. Shiva is regarded as the God who, more than any other god, preside over a wide range of occult energies. Worshippers of Lord Vishnu, on the other hand, are more devoted to bhakti (devotion).

Types Of Vaishnavas

Pure Vishnu devotion, on the other hand, is becoming less popular. Many people revere Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, his two reincarnations (who are considered to be his seventh and eighth reincarnations respectively). Shiva, on the other hand, has not had any notable reincarnations, thus he is worshipped in a variety of different forms (regional variations).

Regional Distribution

According to religious statistics, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are more popular in the Northern parts of India, whilst Lord Shiva is more popular in the Southern sections of the country.

The Venue Of Rameshwaram: The Symbol Of Vaishnav – Shaiv Unity

It is stated that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram (in modern-day Tamil Nadu) after winning the Sita rescue battle against Ravana, the king of Lanka. In fact, even Lord Shiva had responded to Lord Rama with lots of warmth and respect. Thus, the Shiva temple at this venue is considered to be a symbol of Vaishnav-Shaiv unity.

Similarities Between Vaishnavism And Shaivism

Today, the differences between Vaishnavism and Shaivism are much lesser. Most Hindus worship both Vishnu and Shiva. Both the gods are part of Hinduism and many of the rituals to worship them are quite similar.