Shrivaishnavism

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Shrivaishnavism, also called Shrivaishnava, is one of the prominent sects of Vaishnavism, a principal division of Hinduism.

1 The name
2 The origin
3 The schools
4 See also
5 Reference

[edit] The name

Shrivaishnavism is basically composed of two words of Sanskrit, namely, Sri and Vishnu. The term derives its name from prominence of goddess Sri and her position in this particular sect of Vaishnavism. A major portion of its theology is based on the role played by devi Sri.

[edit] The origin

It originated in the devotional hymns and songs of the Alvars, a group of saints of south India, and its origin date back to around 10th century. All such hymns and songs were organized by Nathamuni who is considered as the first teacher (guru) of Shrivaishnavism. His work was continued to be consolidated and expanded by Yamunacharya, who is believed to one of the grandsons of Nathamuni. Thereafter, Ramanuja continued to perfect and fine tune the theology of Shrivaishnavism. The theology basically centers around the belief that devotion to Vishnu is sole way to salvation, but Sri is the link or medium between the devotees and the god Vishnu, and if humans can win the compassion of Sri, the goddess shall be able to secure salvation and forgiveness for the devotees.

[edit] The schools

After continuing as a single sect for over three hundred years, the sect split into two major branches in the 14th century. One of them followed the classical tradition and was headquartered at Kanchipuram (Tamilnadu state, India), one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus. This branch or school is also known as Markatanyaya, that is, the school of monkey, as the school believes that as the young monkeys cling to the bodies of their mothers for safety, human beings endeavoring to seek god’s blessings should likewise actively cooperate and strive to come closer to the God.

The second school is known as the Marjaranyaya, that is, the school of the cats. The school maintains that as the mother cats carries the kitten around, the god, of its own volition, shall shower his benevolence and blessings on the devotees without any active action on the part of the devotees.