There are many sects among Hindus. A discussion of the two sects of belief known throughout India viz. Vishudharma and Shaivism is presented here.
One. Hinduism and Shaivism
Vishwadharma: Vishwa is a deity of Hinduism. His name is mentioned in the Vedas. Members of this sect consider Visva to be the creator of the entire universe and possessing all the attributes of Brahma. They believe that he keeps them safe from all dangers. The characteristic of the believers in this doctrine is that they consider the worship of Vistura as the best work. Over time the followers of Binnu started worshiping Krishna. They think that Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu. Because Vishnu manifests himself in different human forms at different times for the benefit of people. According to them, Vishnu appeared in a total of 10 incarnations. Among them Rama and Krishna are better known. Followers of this party observe two festivals. Dashahra in memory of Rama and Krishna Janmashtami in memory of Krishna. Sects of Hindus .
Followers of this group have many shrines across India, where idols of Lord Vishnu are installed for worship.
Two. Important teachings of Vishnu
1. God’s will is done in all things.
2. Apart from entering the third and fourth levels of human life, the liberation of the soul can be attained only in the second level, the Garha Ashram.
3. He who can control himself, can control others. Sects of Hindus .
4. The same soul pervades all creation.
Shaivism: In the Indus region the followers of Shiva are better known in this doctrine. He is mentioned in the Rigveda as Budra, who later adopted the name ‘Shiva’. He is given the title of ‘Mahadeva’ as he is ‘destroying’ and ‘skilled in destruction’ and ‘mighty’. He is other gods in strength; And gained victory over other saints and sages in Gnangarima. Sects of Hindus .
Believers in this doctrine place faith in Shiva. They think that there is no existence or non-existence of Shiva; Rather He pervades everything.
They prefer being hungry to being satisfied. If ever there is a need for food, it eats in the human skull. They are used to living in solitude. Apart from this, they also like to spend some time in crematoriums. Sects of Hindus.
The followers of this doctrine are more prevalent in India than elsewhere. They have several temples across India, some of which date back to BC.
The Chinese traveler Hiun Xianese visited India in the 6th century. He observed that Shiva is worshiped more than any other deity throughout India. At the same time, we have also seen in the discussion of Hindu historians, they looked upon Shiva with more respect and preferred the worship of Shiva over the worship of others. Later, during the period of the famous traveler Alberuni, he saw that Shiva’s place was occupied by gods like Shakti, Surya, Brahma, Indra, Agni and Kabira.
Three. Idolatry ( Sects of Hindus
It cannot be said with certainty when idol worship started in India. Archaeological researchers have found numerous statues from the archaeological excavations of the Mohenjodaro and Harappan civilizations. Most of these idols were naked and unclothed, which indicates that the worshipers of these idols believed that as long as people are fond of worldly life, attracted to delicious food and clothes, they will not be freed.
Again attractive clothes and decorated idols are also seen at different places. Undoubtedly, these idols belong to the followers of Visvadharma, who emphasize the adoption of outward adornment to attract people to their doctrine. Similarly Linga and Yonipuja were also in vogue. Because the portraits of Shiva and his wife Parvati are linganga and yoni. The world was created as a result of the meeting of these two fears. So naturally the inhabitants of India indulged in the worship of Linga and Yoni, which initiated creation and continues to this day.
A number of linga and vagina-shaped stones have been found in the archaeological remains of Mohenjo-daro.
Historian Mr. Varth (Mr. Varth) said, ‘Since ancient times, Hindus have been looking for their gods and goddesses in nature. At one point they came across linga and vagina-shaped stones. Then they started worshiping Linga and Yoni. For this reason it was not unusual for followers of Hinduism—who did not hesitate to worship human and bovine gods—to worship lingas and vagina-shaped stone blocks. It suited their taste to worship it like other natural elements.” But the Aryas did not forget to criticize it in their discussion of Linga-puja in their sacred Vedas.
In the Rigveda it is said, ‘He is Indra, who performs skillfully on the battlefield. He took away the war booty from his enemy Satri Devi, though these were secured at Shatadwara. He drove away the evil spirits who worshiped the Linga.’ Similarly in the Ramayana there is a discussion of gender
goes King Ravana of Lanka always kept a linga made of gold with him.
Archaeologist Sir John Marshall has written a book detailing the measurements and metal carvings of several of the lingam-shaped figurines.
’Mother Goddess’ or ‘Soil of the Country’ is one of the most popular idols across India. Apart from this, some idols of Mother Goddess are found in Balochistan region.
The Vedic texts describe the greatness of its worship as ‘Bhumi’. Because the earth is the first shelter of the human child and it is the last resting place of the human being. So it was very natural for Hindus to accept this mother goddess as their deity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_denominations
Archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-daro have also yielded several images of Shiva, which have three faces. It can be seen that he is sitting in yoga posture with his hands on his waist while thinking in Kashtasana. There are also statues of several animals beside him. Some images of Shiva are carved with snakes, as if draped over his shoulders. Hence, Hindus consider it as an animal of God.
Theologians think that the Aryans were not aware of idolatry. After mixing with the Indians, the Aryans began to make idols of their gods in imitation of them. Thus a new religion emerged in the amalgamation of ancient Indian civilization and Aryan civilization, which is known as ‘Hindu Dharma’. At that time, it was seen that the gods like Indra, Varuna and Agni of the Aryas were often preferred over the gods like Vishnu and Shiva of the Indians; Sometimes the gods and goddesses of the people of India were respected more than the gods and goddesses of the Aryans.
This trend continued until the arrival of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira Swami in the fifth century BC. Both of them were able to exert considerable influence on Hinduism. Since then, Hinduism has become a combination of Aryan beliefs, Indian superstitions, Gautama Buddha’s teachings and Mahavira Swami’s religious practices.
Four. cow worship
Gavi has a very high status and respect in Hindu society. Because it was the most valuable asset of the Aryas. So they were obliged to nurture it and be kind to it. Through this they would get many benefits. For this reason, they have revealed some verses in their holy scriptures in its honor. It is said in the Rigveda,
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The cow is the mother of all heroes who vanquish enemies. She is the daughter of God and the sister of the sons of God Aditya. It is the source of life. So I appeal to men of self-respect not to slaughter it.”
One who tramples the cow will be considered worthy of peace.
We have made the cow the reservoir of knowledge; And the cows will serve Indra.”
Various verses in honor of cows are found in the Vedas. Hence Hindus worship it and consider its dung as sacred.
The Hindu Mahapurusha named Kriya was very fond of cows. He used to take care of cows. Hence he is given the title of Go-Pal or the breeder of cows.
Cow-donation is considered a special act of charity in Hindu society. Even in religious festivals including weddings, donating cows is considered the most sacred donation.
Indian Hindu leader Gandhi was one of the proponents of cow worship. He considered it very sacred and forbade even Muslims to slaughter it. He awakened the consciousness of Hinduism and said, ‘Hinduism will remain on earth as long as Hindus protect the cows.’
But if Gandhi had been asked, ‘Would you agree to make beds out of cow hides and weapons out of its bones, as the Aryans did?’100
I don’t think he would have agreed to that. Because, he considered Go-mata better than his own mother in various ways.
