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Revision as of 14:33, 11 October 2004 by 67.106.157.231 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Vaishnavism is the branch of Hinduism in which Vishnu or one of his avatars (i.e., incarnations) is worshipped as the supreme God.
Major branches of Vaishnavism include Srivaishnavism, (espoused by Ramunjacharaya), (please see web site: http://sriramanujar.tripod.com/vaishnavism.html);Dvaita (espoused by Madhvacharya)(please see web site: http://www.tatvavada.org/eng/ and Gaudiya Vaishnavism (espoused by Shri Chaityana.)(please see web site, http://www.gaudiya.com/index.php?topic=theology.)
The Hare Krishna movement or ISKCON adheres to Gaudiya Vaishnavism school.
For a brief discussion about these branches and Hinduism in general, please see Swami Sivananda's book, "All about Hinduism" at http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.htm#_VPID_96. Also, for an excellent overview of Vaishnavism and basic beliefs, please see the following web site, http://www.hinduism-today.com/archives/2003/10-12/44-49_four_sects.shtml.
The distinction between this branch and others is made by those who study religion. However it may not always be clear to practising Hindus who often take freely from the practices of the different branches. It is likely that a majority (75-80%) of today's Hindus would consider themselves Vaishnava, if pressed to make a distinction. Of the remainder, most would probably consider themselves Saivites.
Vishnu and Shiva are sometimes visualized as a single divinity named Harihara.
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