Vaishnavism

Vaishnavism is one of the major traditions within Hinduism that centers on Vishnu and his avatars as the supreme being. Followers worship Vishnu directly or through his manifestations, such as Krishna and Rama, and emphasize bhakti, or loving devotion, as a path to moksha, or liberation, from the cycle of birth and death. Vishnu is commonly framed as the preserver and protector of the universe within a broader Hindu theological spectrum.

Historically, Vaishnavism developed within the broader currents of ancient and medieval India, becoming a prominent force in the bhakti movement. It diversified into regional and doctrinal schools that emphasize different aspects of the deity, philosophy, and practice, while sharing a commitment to devotion and temple worship. Key centers of Vaishnavism emerged across the Indian subcontinent, influencing art, music, and literature.

There are several major traditions within Vaishnavism. Sri Vaishnavism, associated with Ramanuja, teaches a qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita) and emphasizes devotion to Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, with important temples and liturgical texts such as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Gaudiya Vaishnavism, linked to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, focuses on devotion to Krishna as the original svayam bhagavan and highlights congregational singing and personal relationships with the divine. Dvaita Vaishnavism, founded by Madhva, upholds a doctrinal dualism between the individual soul and Vishnu, stressing ritual practice and guru lineage. Other traditions include Nimbarka’s Dvaitadvaita, Vallabha’s Pushtimarga, and the Swaminarayan movement, each with distinct theological interpretations and devotional practices.

Practices across Vaishnavism commonly include temple worship, ritual prayers, bhajans and kirtans, pilgrimage to holy sites, scriptural study, and the veneration of Vishnu’s avatars as paths to spiritual realization.