When1: 1
Who: Shaivism or Saivism
What: religion
Where: India
Detail: Shaivism Hinduism is an old Hindu school and is mystical, devotional, and pantheistic. Shiva is highest god. Ganesa, Ganesha, Lord of Hosts, Ganapati, or Lord of the Ganas was Shiva's and Parvati's (Sakti's) son. Ganas are followers of Shiva.
Devotees are Saivas or Saivites. They can worship Siva as lingam (light) universe symbol. They can worship Siva Nataraja, Lord of the Dance. Tamils of south India and Sri Lanka are often Saivas. Benares is holy city. The twelve Jyotirling or Golden Lingam (Golden Lights) shrines are famous. A Saivite temple is at Chidambaram in south India. In Middle Ages, Nayanars or Nayanmars saints from south India developed Saivism. By tradition, the legendary sage Agastya spread Saivism and Tamil language.
Social Sciences>Religion>History>Hinduism
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Date Modified: 2022.0224