Shaivism and Vaishnavism

Shaivism and Vaishnavism are the two most important facets of Hinduism. Shaivism is a branch which believes Lord Shiva as the supreme deity and Vaishnavism believes Lord Vishnu as the Supreme deity.

There are great saints in both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. They are spread throughout the length and breadth of the Indian sub-continent. The Nayanmars of Shaivism and the Alwars of Vaishnavism have made enormous contribution to the cause of the Hindu faith.

The three most prolific of the Nayanars are Thirunavukkarasar Nayanar Thirugnana Sambandar and Sundaramurthi Nayanar. Their hymns make up the Thevaram. It serves as the primary liturgical scripture for Tamil Shaivites. Nambi Andar Nambi is said to have compiled the songs of all of the Nayanars, adding to them the works of several other famous poet-saints, including Manikkavasakar, to form the basis of the Tirumurai, the basic Tamil Shaivite sacred canon.

The Alwars are famous for their poetry in praise of Lord Vishnu. The collection of their 4000 poems is known as the “Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam”.

Pilgrimages known as Tirtha Yatras have been an integral part of Sanatana Dharma. They are considered as a matter of ritualistic importance. In that context, there are a few places which are considered as sacred and held at high esteem by the ardent devotees. They are called as ‘Kshetrams’. There are 108 of such Kshetrams in the vaishnavaite tradition known as ‘Divya Desams’.