How Do You Spell VAISHNAVISM?
Pronunciation: [vˈe͡ɪʃne͡ɪvˌɪzəm] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [vˈe͡ɪʃne͡ɪvˌɪzəm] (IPA)
Vaishnavism is a prominent religious tradition within Hinduism that venerates Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. It is one of the major branches of Hinduism, characterized by its devotion and worship towards Vishnu and his avatars (incarnations), particularly Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Vaishnavism is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vaishnava," which means a follower or devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Central to Vaishnavism is the belief in Lord Vishnu as the ultimate reality and the supreme God who preserves and sustains the universe. Vaishnavas believe in the concept of avataravada, which suggests that Vishnu incarnates on Earth in different forms to correct imbalances, restore moral order, and guide humanity towards spiritual liberation.
Worship in Vaishnavism primarily involves bhakti, meaning devotion and love towards God. Devotees engage in a personal relationship with the deity through rituals, prayers, and acts of devotion such as chanting, singing hymns, and offering food, flowers, or other symbolic offerings. Vaishnavas also place great importance on scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, which contain teachings on moral principles, spiritual practices, and the life and deeds of Lord Vishnu.
Vaishnavism encompasses various schools and sects, with different philosophical interpretations and practices. The major sects include the Sri Vaishnavas, who follow the teachings of Ramanujacharya, and the Gaudiya Vaishnavas, who follow the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These sects may have distinct rituals, theological perspectives, and community practices, but all emphasize the central devotion and worship of Lord Vishnu as the primary deity
The word "Vaishnavism" has its roots in the Sanskrit language, specifically derived from the word "Vaishnava".
The term "Vaishnava" is composed of two elements: "Vishnu" and "anva". "Vishnu" refers to the preserver god in Hinduism, known for his role in maintaining the cosmic order and balance. On the other hand, "anva" means "following", "pursuing", or "one who practices".
Therefore, "Vaishnava" can be understood as "one who follows or practices Vishnu" or "one who is devoted to Vishnu". The suffix "-ism" is added to Vaishnava to refer to the religious or philosophical system or belief associated with it, thus forming the word "Vaishnavism".
