Saivaite

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A Saivaite is a word used in English to refer to worshippers of Lord Siva or Lord Shiva. This is a sect within hinduism. Many people have the misconception that the following sects of Hindus are also saivaites 1. People of Shakti Cult who worship shakti as the highest ideal 2. People with animist beliefs 3. Tantric and other worshippers who do not consider Shiva as the highest ideal 4. Smarthas

They are first and foremost the worshippers of Shiva. They might worship other deities, but do not give as much importance to them. They might also worship other saivaites deities along with shivas such as ganesha,skanda,parvati etc. Saivaites worship Siva in the form of Linga, which they believe is the form of the universe itself. There are many saivaite sects which have contradictory practices. It may not be uncommon to find 1. Saivaites who emphasize on austerity, cleanliness,vegetarianism and asbtinence from alcohol. Such sects are polular among common people. Prominent among this group are groups such as lingayats ,saivaite brahmins such as gurukkals and Chidambaram dikshitars, saiva pillais. So much is the word of saiva assosciated with purity that in Tamil Language the word saivam has becoe synonymous with vegetarianism. They also are lead by gurus who advise them on spiritual matters. 2. Saivaite sects which indulge in worship of Siva in ways not acceptable to common people. Some of these sects might indulge in violence,use intoxicants and drugs which induce hallucinations, practice worship in cremation grounds etc. Members of this sect are usually recluses and do not lead regular family life. They might be claiming magical powers and people sometimes are scared of them. 3. Saivaite sects such as siddhas, who are mystical group of Saivaites and are considered highly evolved yogis who worship Siva in remote places and are believed to possess mystical powers which they are considered to use for the benefit of society.