Hindu Religion In Ancient Indian History The predominant religion in ancient India was Hinduism. The roots of Hindu religion can be traced back to the Vedic period. Hinduism is believed to be the oldest of major religions and originated in northern India.
Vaishnavism: The Bhagwat Dharma
The development of Vaishnava religion came from Bhagwat Dharma, whose originator was Vasudev Krishna. Bhagwat, a devotee who considered Ishtav as Ishtava, called ‘Vaishnava’. The ten incarnations of Vishnu are mentioned in Matsyapuraan.In Vaishnavism, the highest importance is given to “Bhakti” for attaining God.The center of Vaishnavism in Maharashtra was Pankarpur.
Shaivism : The Origin and Growth
In Rig Veda, the word “Rudra” is used for Shiva. In WamanPuran, the number of Shaiv sects is mentioned 4 which is as follows –- Animal Breeding
- Community sect
- Blackish sect
- Lingayat sect
People of Lingayat sect worship Shiva Linga. This community is prevalent in the south.In the eleventh century, there is a Kalam sect, which manages to eat in the skull and consume the pyre on his body. In South India Shai vadharma remained the most popular during the rule of Chalukya, Rashtrakut, Pallava and Cholas. ]]>