Veshnavah

Veshnavah

Veshnavah (also spelled Vaishnava) is a follower or devotee of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Vaishnavism is one of the major Hindu denominations, alongside Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. The term "Veshnavah" refers to an individual who adheres to the beliefs and practices centered on the worship of Vishnu as the Supreme Being.

Vaishnavas typically believe that Vishnu incarnates in various forms (avatars) to restore cosmic balance and righteousness in the world. Prominent avatars include Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, and many others. Devotion (bhakti) is a central aspect of Vaishnavism, and Vaishnavas engage in various devotional practices such as chanting mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), performing pujas (ritual worship), and studying scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, the Vishnu Purana, and the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Different schools and lineages (sampradayas) exist within Vaishnavism, each with its own philosophical interpretations and practices. Some notable Vaishnava sampradayas include Sri Vaishnavism, Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Ramanandi Vaishnavism, and Vallabha Vaishnavism. These sampradayas often differ in their specific emphasis on certain aspects of Vishnu's nature, the means of attaining liberation (moksha), and the relationship between the individual soul (atman) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatman).

Dietary practices are often important to Vaishnavas, with many adhering to a vegetarian diet and avoiding certain ingredients like garlic and onions, which are believed to stimulate the senses and hinder spiritual progress. Vaishnavas often wear tilaka markings on their foreheads, which signify their affiliation with Vishnu. The specific design of the tilaka can vary depending on the particular sampradaya.