Menu

Vaishnava for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'vaɪʃnəvə

What does Vaishnava really mean?

34 1
34
Vaishnava is a word that comes from ancient Sanskrit, which is an old language from India. In simple terms, Vaishnava is a person who follows a particular spiritual tradition called Vaishnavism. Now, you might be wondering what exactly Vaishnavism is, right? Well, let me break it down for you.

Imagine a road that leads to a beautiful destination, and there are different paths you can take to reach that destination. Similarly, Vaishnavism is one of the many paths or spiritual traditions in Hinduism. It is focused on worshiping and devoting oneself to a deity called Vishnu, who is one of the major gods in Hinduism.

Now, you may be asking yourself, who is Vishnu? Well, Vishnu is often described as the preserver and protector of the world. He is believed to have appeared on Earth in different forms, known as avatars, to restore cosmic order and guide humanity towards righteousness and harmony. One well-known avatar of Vishnu is Lord Krishna, who is often depicted playing the flute and wearing a peacock feather in his hair.

So, a Vaishnava is someone who believes in and follows the teachings and practices associated with Vishnu and his avatars, especially Krishna. They believe that by worshipping and surrendering themselves to Vishnu, they can attain spiritual enlightenment, liberation, and ultimately, union with the divine.

In Vaishnavism, there are certain rituals, prayers, and practices that Vaishnavas engage in to express their devotion and seek a deeper connection with Vishnu. They might visit temples dedicated to Vishnu or his avatars, participate in religious ceremonies, chant sacred mantras or hymns, meditate, and lead a virtuous and compassionate life. Vaishnavas also believe in the importance of selfless service and helping others, as they see all beings as connected and part of a divine plan.

So, to sum it all up, a Vaishnava is a person who follows the spiritual tradition of Vaishnavism and worships Vishnu or his avatars, like Lord Krishna. They believe that by dedicating themselves to Vishnu and adhering to certain rituals and practices, they can attain spiritual enlightenment and experience a divine connection. It's like embarking on a journey towards a beautiful destination, with Vishnu as their guide and protector along the way.

Revised and Fact checked by Daniel Taylor on 2023-10-28 01:27:03

Vaishnava In a sentece

Learn how to use Vaishnava inside a sentece

  • A person who believes in and worships Lord Krishna is called a Vaishnava.
  • A Vaishnava follows the teachings and practices of the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita.
  • In the temple, you may see a Vaishnava offering flowers and prayers to the deities.
  • During the festival of Janmashtami, many Vaishnavas come together to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth.
  • A Vaishnava often chants the Hare Krishna mantra as a form of devotion.

Vaishnava Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Vaishnava Member Of

A group to which the original word belongs.