Significance of Vaishnava
Synonyms: Vaishnavite, Follower of vishnu, Vishnu devotee, Worshiper of vishnu, Hindu, Devotee, Follower, Believer
In Dutch: Vaishnava; In German: Vaishnava; In Finnish: Vaishnava; In Spanish: Vaishnava
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Vaishnava'
Vaishnava in Buddhism, as seen through the example of Ramacharana Thakur, signifies a religious affiliation linked to the study of Shankaradeva. This connection suggests a focus on Vaishnavism within the context of Buddhist scholarship.
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Vaishnava is the religious affiliation to which the Assamese intellectual Ramacharana Thakur belonged and is related to the study of Shankaradeva.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Vaishnava'
In Hinduism, Vaishnava refers to devotees and followers of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. They adhere to specific traditions, teachings, and practices within the Vaishnavism tradition, emphasizing devotion (bhakti) as a path to spiritual fulfillment. They are often viewed as highly respected individuals.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) When a name-giving ceremony is conducted at the house of a Vaishnava, brahmanas typically recite sacred scriptures.[2] (2) Blaspheming Vaishnavas renders the education, high birth, and austerities of a sinful person completely useless.[3] (3) A designation for a devotee, which is attributed to Advaita, and to not accept Advaita as this is considered an offense.[4] (4) Topmost paramahamsa Vaishnavas might be considered inferior by foolish people who cannot understand their exalted position beyond the symbols of renunciation they may or may not carry.[5] (5) The text implicitly refers to Vaishnava principles by emphasizing the supreme importance of sankirtana and chanting the holy names in devotional service.[6]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Vaishnavas are considered eternal and transcendental beings within the Nimbarka system. Their existence is beyond the limitations of the material world.[7] (2) Vaishnavas, opposed by atheists in Nabadwip, eschewed worldly pleasures and practiced uttering the Name of Hari loudly, marking them as distinct from the prevailing society.[8] (3) It is the custom of the Vaishnavas not to eat anything on the day of ekadasi, but this does not apply to the Lord Himself, and this showcases a specific religious practice.[9] (4) The text mentions that philanthropists, who profess to be Vaishnavas, suppose that everyone has a right ab initio of realizing the Form, Quality and Activity of Krishna.[10] (5) Haridas had been the recipient of the mercy of this type of person and had already made extraordinary progress on the path of pure devotion.[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Vaishnavas are devotees of Vishnu, and offenses against them can be nullified by the mercy of other Vaishnavas, like Prahlada.[12] (2) These individuals state that wherever sattva-guna, the mode of goodness, is present, Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, also resides.[13] (3) The best of the Vaishnavas, who are considered topmost devotees, have described the attainment of self-satisfaction without bhakti as a great quality of bhakti.[14] (4) Vaishnavas are devotees of Vishnu with whom one can associate, and in whose company, one can hear the Puranas and experience bliss.[15] (5) The brothers of the king are described as advanced Vaishnavas, highlighting their devotion and spiritual progress within the described context.[16]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) These devotees were present in the four directions, chanting Lord Hari’s holy names and assembled around Keshava Bharati during the naming ceremony.[17] (2) A Vaishnava is someone from whom one can hear confidential truths of spiritual life, and rendering service to a Vaishnava is crucial for spiritual advancement.[18] (3) It refers to individuals who became blissful hearing Shrivasa's words, embracing each other and gazing at Lord Vishvambhara’s feet.[19] (4) The homes of the Vaishnavas became like barren deserts, with their dwellings seemingly spaced far apart.[20] (5) Devotees of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna who experience profound bliss and participate in the ecstatic pastimes described.[21]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) These devotees are likened to wish-fulfilling trees, are an ocean of mercy, and are responsible for delivering fallen souls.[22] (2) These are people who think that Krishna and His body are the same, according to the text.[23] (3) Individuals to whom maha-prasadam is distributed during festivals managed by disciples.[24] (4) This refers to a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and Sajjana-sevaka Brahmacari was endowed with all the good qualities befitting one, and the members of the Gaudiya Vaishnava society considered him an encyclopedia of verses.[25] (5) Prayers were offered to this group, along with Krishna and gurudeva, to receive the power to preach a mission.[26]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A Vaishnava's body is considered non-different from Shri Krishna’s body, indicating a close spiritual connection and identity between the devotee and the divine.[27] (2) The provided text explains that by receiving the mercy of Vaishnavas and a pure nishkincana, maha-bhagavata guru and practising spiritual life under their guidance, one will become free from the influence of aparadhas and anarthas.[28] (3) Devotees of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, whose teachings and practices are central to understanding surrender.[29] (4) Devotees of Lord Vishnu or followers of the Vaishnava tradition.[30] (5) a devotee of Shri Krishna or Shri Vishnu.[31]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A "Vaishnava" is someone devoted to Vishnu, as exemplified by Miliakalvan, who rejoiced at being recognized as such, showcasing his religious devotion.[32] (2) A devotee of Lord Vishnu, embodying the divine traits of compassion and selflessness inherited from the Lord.[33] (3) The ardent devotees of the Lord, who embody deep devotion and serve as a model for spiritual pursuit.[34] (4) Devotees of Lord Vishnu.[35]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The spiritual note clarifies that 'children' in this context refers to devotees of Vishnu.[36]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This is a person whose body is marked with conch and disc, who has tulasi manjaris on their head, and whose limbs are smeared with gopi-candana, as indicated by the text.[37] (2) Devotees of Lord Vishnu, characterized by specific rituals and symbols as described in sacred texts.[38] (3) A follower of the deity Vishnu, regarded with respect and included in the list of entities worthy of worship.[39] (4) Devotees of Lord Vishnu or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, held in high regard based on their dedication and spiritual practices.[40] (5) A devotee of Vishnu or a follower of the devotional tradition that worships Vishnu/Krishna.[41]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Devotees of Lord Vishnu, known for their deep devotion and commitment to spiritual practices.[42]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Vaishnava is listed among the eighteen Puranas, and its essential aspects are generally found to be consistent across various current copies.[43] (2) It is one of the deities to which one of the five parts of the Bhavishya Purana is dedicated.[44] (3) Referring to the tradition that worships Vishnu, which permeates the Uttara Khanda, emphasizing devotion and reverence.[45] (4) The designation for that which encompasses the exposition of duties by Parashara in the Vishnu Purana.[46]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Vaishnavas say that the slayer of Madhu entered the wombs of Kaushalya and Devaki of his own free will.[47] (2) Vaishnavas are those who regard all things from Brahma down to a blade of grass as very trifling, indicating their priorities.[48] (3) Vaishnavas are those who are real and do not see the servants of Yama, according to the provided text, along with those of wisdom and knowledge.[49] (4) The ones, amongst whom Narada is the highest.[50] (5) A devotee of Vishnu or Krishna who practices devotion and ritual in honor of the divine.[51]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Vaishnavas, identified as devotees of Vishnu, were present and eulogized the Ganga, signifying their devotion alongside other sages and deities.[52] (2) The second holy centre mentioned in the text, associated with worship of Lord Vishnu.[53] (3) A term used to denote the sect of followers devoted to Vishnu, also referring to the associated holy center.[54] (4) Relating to Vishnu; one of the two primary sects of Hindu worship centered around devotion to the deity.[55]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A follower of a particular sect of Hinduism, like Vasishtha, who might revile a black goddess as a Rakshasi, contrasting with the views of Kaulas.[56] (2) Adherents of the worship of Vishnu and the belief in his various incarnations and forms.[57]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) One of the eighteen Puranas enumerated. It belongs to the collection of texts spoken by the Forefather.[58]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The name of a particular sacrifice, praised for its significance and connection to Lord Vishnu.[59]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Devotees of Vishnu or the forms and avatars of Vishnu, who hold the Brihaddharma Purana in high regard.[60]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A devotee of Vishnu who embodies the teachings of loving devotion and spiritual service.[61]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Referring to a sacrifice dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also part of Meghanada's undertakings.[62]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A Vaishnava seeking purity may sprinkle water from a holy place over himself for one or three days.[63] (2) One of the prominent classes of texts within the Hindu system, focusing on a particular deity chosen for worship and service in the path to salvation.[64] (3) This relates to a tradition where sacred texts, known as agamas, are divided into two classes, Pancaratra and Vaikhanasa, differing in worship rituals.[65] (4) A Vaishnava is someone who gains the highly beneficial beatitude by worship (yajna) through the proper order in the institution of worship.[66] (5) A person devoted to the worship of Vishnu, often referenced in the context of facing death and seeking knowledge of vital airs.[67]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The Vaishnava school of thought, which encompasses the Pancharatra system, is cited as one of the schools regarded as different from the Vedic religion according to references found in ancient literature.[68]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Involves having the feet a certain distance apart, with one foot in a natural posture and the other obliquely placed with a bent shank.[69]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) A specific formation categorized within the twenty-seven Combined Hands.[70]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The most important of the five classes of the followers of Tantra or Agama are Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta, and the Vaishnava Pancaratra Agama describes the creative process in terms of the Vyuhas.[71]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The Vaishnavas are followers who call a particular location Paramapurusha, indicating their devotion to Vishnu as the Supreme Lord.[72]
Jain concept of 'Vaishnava'
In Jainism, "Vaishnava" identifies King Harivahana's religious allegiance. It significantly shaped his behavior, particularly his willingness to fulfill the ascetic's requests. This suggests Vaishnavism played a role in the king's decisions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) This term describes King Harivahana's religious affiliation, and it also influenced his actions, such as agreeing to the ascetic's demands.[73]
The concept of Vaishnava in local and regional sources
Vaishnava, within the provided text, signifies followers of Vishnu and his avatars, primarily within Hinduism. They are characterized by devotion, humility, and spiritual focus. Vaishnavas are often associated with specific practices, sects, and roles in religious narratives and historical contexts, particularly in medieval India.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A religious denomination to which Chaitanya belonged, characterized by passionate devotional faith focused on Krishna and Radha.[74] (2) Vaishnava ideas led the late Mr. C. R. Das to see the divine music of the sea as communion with Krishna or Hari, the Absolute according to Hindu religious ideas.[75] (3) They are the people for whom this translation is a must, according to the review.[76] (4) The founder of Goda Grandshamala, doing signal service to the Hindu religion, richly deserves the praise of all in particular.[77] (5) The Vaishnava is much smaller in range and compass, and is made up of the Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agamas.[78]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A noble devotee, like Narsi Meheta, into which form the tiger was reborn, signifying a spiritual progression.[79] (2) When encountering a Vaishnava, one should show reverence with a prostrate namaskar, but it is advised not to engage in worldly business transactions with them.[80] (3) A group of religious individuals with whom a woman gathers and sings without shame, leading to criticism from others.[81] (4) Devotees who are exclusively devoted to Vishnu and his various forms, considering him as their supreme Lord.[82] (5) Devotees of Vishnu who, along with saints and Mahants, gathered to listen to the kirtan.[83]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the person who the Buddhists say that if their ideal, their aim and goal is to go to the place called Vaikuntha where God lives, it is better to commit suicide than do that.[84] (2) The term is used to describe the disciple, and it is implied that the disciple is being playfully teased by Swami Nirmalananda.[85] (3) A religious affiliation adhered to by Pavhari Baba, indicating his orthodox beliefs, while also demonstrating an openness to those with different perspectives.[86] (4) An adherent of the Vaishnava tradition, an orthodox follower, and the religious affiliation of Pavhari Baba, indicating a specific set of beliefs and practices adhered to.[87]
The concept of Vaishnava in scientific sources
Vaishnava practices are demonstrated by recreating Antal's offering of akkara aticil while reciting Tirumoli verses. This shows devotion to Lord Visnu, which defines Vaishnavism.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Vaisnava traditions were looked down upon, but Rasmani, a lifelong Vaisnava, built a Kali temple complex that included a Visnu temple, asserting her family’s legacy.[88] (2) This is a tradition influenced by ´Sridhara Svami's commentary, particularly the Caitanya school, prompting examination of theological standpoint and impact on later commentators, despite possible non-dualistic leanings.[89] (3) Vaisnava refers to a follower of Vaisnavism, a religious tradition centered on the worship of Vishnu, and the Mayamara Vaisnavas are a specific sect within this broader tradition.[90]
