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Shaivism
(redirected from Shaivite)

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Shaivism

 or Saivism

One of three main forms of modern Hinduism, centred on the worship of Shiva. The earliest of the cults devoted to Shiva date from the 4th century BC. Texts written by devotees of Shiva in the 3rd century AD are the basis of Tantra in Hinduism and other Indian religions. Today Shaivism includes diverse movements, both religious and secular, all of which take Shiva as the supreme and all-powerful deity and teacher and view gaining the nature of Shiva as the ultimate goal of existence. This is believed to be brought about by the performance of complex rituals. See also Shaktism; Vaishnavism.



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One thing you should know about Deshasth (Marathi) Brahmins is that they can either be Vaishnavas or Shaivites.
While asceticism is the primary focus of some renunciant orders, especially those that follow the Shaivite path, bhakti is integral to almost all forms of vairagi religious practice.
 
 
 
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