Vaishnavite

Vaishnavite, or Vaishnavist, denotes a follower of Vaishnavism, a major tradition within Hinduism that recognizes Vishnu and his avatars as the supreme being and the source of creation, sustenance, and dissolution. Vaishnavism emphasizes bhakti (devotion) to Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, or other avatars, and tends to center on temple worship, liturgical recitation, and communal song and prayer. Practices and theology vary among lineages, but common themes include a personal relationship with the divine, ethical living, and devotion expressed through the memory of the divine deeds (lila).

Origins and development: Vaishnavism has ancient roots in Vedic literature and evolved through various schools and reform movements. The tradition includes regional lineages such as Sri Vaishnavism in South India, which systematized Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita, as well as Madhva’s Dvaita Vedanta, Nimbarka’s Dvaitadvaita, Vallabha’s Pushtimarg, and Gaudiya Vaishnavism associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Liturgical and doctrinal bases are drawn from texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Vishnu Purana, with Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa traditions influencing temple practice.

Beliefs and scripture: Vaishnavism holds Vishnu or Narayana as the supreme deity, with countless avatars who descend to uphold dharma. Bhakti, or loving devotion, is central, expressed through worship, singing of hymns (kirtan or bhajan), ritual service, and ethical living. The preferred scriptures and philosophical interpretations vary by sub-tradition, but all center on a personal relationship with the divine.

Major affiliations: Notable Vaishnava traditions include Sri Vaishnavism, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Madhva’s Dvaita, Nimbarka’s tradition, Vallabha’s Pushtimarg, and the Ramanandi Sampradaya, among others. Today Vaishnavism has a wide global presence, with adherents in India and diaspora communities worldwide.