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**Frodogzzz** · 10-09-2008, 06:22 AM

Dear il_guy,

Actually Hinduism was not the same as it is known now. It was only 'Sanatana Dharma' in good old days. Its origin is not certain, because nobody knows its true age.
('Ival endru pirandaval endru unaradha iyalbinalam engal thai' - Mother Bharath - said, Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi)

Later, it subsumed Buddhism and Jainism also in it, which fact is borne out by the fact that 'vegetarianism' was the direct influence of these two 'ahimsa' paths.

During the last 3000 years, it underwent so many other changes, some are just cosmetic in nature, some are revolutionary and sweeping and others structural or procedural.

During Adi Sankara's period, he only codified Hinduism, by dividing it into 6 major
divisions/paths. They are 1. Saivism (worship of Siva), 2. Saktham (worship of Sakthi- consort of Siva), 3. Gaanaapatyam (worship of Ganapathi), 4. Kaumaram
(worship of Kumara - Murugan), 5. Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu) and 6. Sauram
(worship of Sun - Surya).

Of these, Sauram is common and acceptable to all, which is evidenced by the importance gained by 'Gayathri Mantra', that eulogises the attributes and benevolence of Surya. Hence it is called 'Surya Gayathri'. (Gayathri Mantra is basically a small verse/hymn, containing 18 letters/aksharas and on different deities, different Gayathri
mantras are in vogue). But, 'Sauram' has lost its place/importance to be called as a separate branch by itself.

For staunch Vaishnavites of yesteryears, the first 4 were not acceptable, as all of them belong to one family (?) - of Siva. Hence these 4 branches were frowned upon by them. Incidentally, 'Saivites' worship Hari/Narayana too, without any reservations.

Between 'Saivites' and 'Vaishnavites', there are small differences in mantras or slokas
meant for various rituals. In 'Vaishnava Sampradaya', references to Siva or his
family will not find a place and they will be substituted by references to Vishnu or Lakshmi.

'Smarthas' are usually those who are other than 'Vaishnavites' and 'Madhvas'. (Usually,
'Smarthas' are brahmins those who worship Siva) . As far as I know, these are the terms more in use in South only.

One surprising thing about 'Vinayaka' or 'Ganapathi'. He is known as 'Vishwaksena' -
meaning Chietain of Vishnu's army and finds a small place in a corner of any Perumal
Kovil. But, it is more an exception than a rule. (In Tamil, 'Ganapathi' is sometimes
referred to as 'Thumbikkai Alwar', by the Vaishnavites).

Whatever said and done, 'Hari' and 'Hara' are one and the same - called by different people by different names. That's all. (Ariyum, Sivanum onnu; Idhai ariyadhavan
vaayile mannu)

We the Hindus of the present generation, shall avoid divisions amongst ourselves and
must remain united, with freedom to choose and adopt any path/branch, as per one's
liking and attraction.

10-09-2008, 06:22 AM	#4
Frodogzzz Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 535 Senior Member	Dear il_guy, Actually Hinduism was not the same as it is known now. It was only 'Sanatana Dharma' in good old days. Its origin is not certain, because nobody knows its true age. ('Ival endru pirandaval endru unaradha iyalbinalam engal thai' - Mother Bharath - said, Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi) Later, it subsumed Buddhism and Jainism also in it, which fact is borne out by the fact that 'vegetarianism' was the direct influence of these two 'ahimsa' paths. During the last 3000 years, it underwent so many other changes, some are just cosmetic in nature, some are revolutionary and sweeping and others structural or procedural. During Adi Sankara's period, he only codified Hinduism, by dividing it into 6 major divisions/paths. They are 1. Saivism (worship of Siva), 2. Saktham (worship of Sakthi- consort of Siva), 3. Gaanaapatyam (worship of Ganapathi), 4. Kaumaram (worship of Kumara - Murugan), 5. Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu) and 6. Sauram (worship of Sun - Surya). Of these, Sauram is common and acceptable to all, which is evidenced by the importance gained by 'Gayathri Mantra', that eulogises the attributes and benevolence of Surya. Hence it is called 'Surya Gayathri'. (Gayathri Mantra is basically a small verse/hymn, containing 18 letters/aksharas and on different deities, different Gayathri mantras are in vogue). But, 'Sauram' has lost its place/importance to be called as a separate branch by itself. For staunch Vaishnavites of yesteryears, the first 4 were not acceptable, as all of them belong to one family (?) - of Siva. Hence these 4 branches were frowned upon by them. Incidentally, 'Saivites' worship Hari/Narayana too, without any reservations. Between 'Saivites' and 'Vaishnavites', there are small differences in mantras or slokas meant for various rituals. In 'Vaishnava Sampradaya', references to Siva or his family will not find a place and they will be substituted by references to Vishnu or Lakshmi. 'Smarthas' are usually those who are other than 'Vaishnavites' and 'Madhvas'. (Usually, 'Smarthas' are brahmins those who worship Siva) . As far as I know, these are the terms more in use in South only. One surprising thing about 'Vinayaka' or 'Ganapathi'. He is known as 'Vishwaksena' - meaning Chietain of Vishnu's army and finds a small place in a corner of any Perumal Kovil. *But, it is more an exception than a rule.* (In Tamil, 'Ganapathi' is sometimes referred to as 'Thumbikkai Alwar', by the Vaishnavites). Whatever said and done, 'Hari' and 'Hara' are one and the same - called by different people by different names. That's all. (Ariyum, Sivanum onnu; Idhai ariyadhavan vaayile mannu) We the Hindus of the present generation, shall avoid divisions amongst ourselves and must remain united, with freedom to choose and adopt any path/branch, as per one's liking and attraction.
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