11.6 Growth-of-Vaishnava-and-Saiva-Religion
Growth of Vaishnava and Saiva Religion
2020-04-27 12:02:38
Vaishnavism
- 10 incarnations was standardised
- Krishna emerged as major focus of devotional worship
- Harivamsha Purana, Bhagvata Purana, Krishna-charita are some imp texts of this period
- Depiction of love of Krishna and Gopis represents relation b/w God and Devotees
- Gita Govinda of Jayadeva brought Radha into limelight and later by Brahmavaivarta Purana
- Durga Temple at Aihole
- Goddesses like Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Bhudevi are associated with him
Shaivism
Agamas
- are authoritative texts of followers of Shaiva Siddhanta, Kashmir Shaivaism, Virashaivism
- considered to be words of Shiva himself
- Composed in Tamil regions b/w 400-800 CE
- Prime importance to Bhakti
- Also recognise imp of knowledge, ritual and yogic practices
Shaiva Siddhanta
- Eternal principle of God, Universe and Souls
- Creator of the world
- Interprets Vedic tradition through perspective of Shaiva Bhakti
Kashmir Shaivism
- Associated with monistic and non-dualistic philosophy
- Atman and world were identical to Shiva
- Shakti is feminine aspect
- Shivasutra is imp text
Kapalikas/Kalamukhas
- No text survive, only inscriptions
- Had mathas and well organised priesthood
- Tantric shaivites
- Performing penances, animal and human sacrifice, self-mutilation