• Dr.R.BALASUBRAMANIAN

Hinduism, a diverse ancient religion, has distinct sects, with Saivism focusing on Lord Shiva and Vaishnavism on Lord Vishnu. In the vast landscape of our ancient beliefs, Hinduism stands tall, wearing many colors. Within this vastness, two important parts are Saivism, where Lord Shiva takes the center stage, and Vaishnavism, where folks focus on Lord Vishnu. Now, Saivism is like saying, "Let's look at God as this big, formless power." It's all about knowing yourself deep down, like finding a treasure inside you. On the other side, Vaishnavism is more about having a close friendship with God. It's like saying, "Hey, God is like a friend who loves us a lot." It's about surrendering to this friend and showing love. When we compare these two, they're not exactly the same. They have different views on the big stuff – what's the real truth, what happens to our soul, and how we can be free. History tells us that saints and this thing called the Bhakti movement played a big part in shaping Saivism and Vaishnavism. It's like people long ago added their own spices to the cooking pot, making these traditions rich and full of flavor. This study is like taking a journey through these traditions, looking at where they started, what they believe, and why they matter today. How they use pictures and symbols to show deep ideas about God is excellent. Even though they seem different, these symbols remind us that underneath, it's like a big family where everyone is connected. In our world of fast internet and busy lives, Saivism and Vaishnavism haven't stayed stuck in the past. People in villages and towns still do their rituals in the old way, but now, they also gather on phones and computers to talk about God. It's like traditions growing new branches while keeping their roots strong. As we conclude about Saivism and Vaishnavism, let's remember that these traditions are not just old stories. They are like rivers flowing through time, adapting to the changing seasons. The study tells us that these traditions are not just old books; they're like friends inviting us to explore the mysteries of life and the divine.

Saivism, Vaishnavism, comparative analysis, rituals, contemporary relevance, iconography, philosophical synthesis, interconnected themes, global communities.

"EXPLORATION OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF SAIVISM AND VAISHNAVISM - A CRITICAL COMPARISON", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no.c238-c241, January-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2401225.pdf

"EXPLORATION OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF SAIVISM AND VAISHNAVISM - A CRITICAL COMPARISON", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no. ppc238-c241, January-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2401225.pdf