Vaishnava

Part of speech: noun, adjective, proper noun

Definitions

1. A member of a sect that worships the deity Vishnu, venerating him as the supreme being
2. An adherent of a tradition within Hinduism that emphasizes devotion to Vishnu and his incarnations
3. One who follows the teachings and practices associated with the worship of Vishnu, focusing on love and devotion in spirituality

Etymology: Within the name sits Vishnu, the god, plus a Sanskrit suffix, "-a," that turns a name into an adjective meaning "belonging to" or "devoted to." A Vaishnava is, literally, someone who belongs to Vishnu. The god's name is traditionally linked to the Sanskrit root "viś," meaning "to pervade," so Vishnu is the all-pervading one, a fitting title for a deity said to sustain the universe. The tradition's central emphasis is bhakti, loving devotion, directed at Vishnu and at his avatars, or descents into the world, especially Rama and Krishna. Devotees may worship Vishnu directly or through these incarnations, and the tradition has produced many distinct schools with different theologies.

Synonyms: Vishnu devotee, Vaishnavism follower

Antonyms: Shaivite, Shakta