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What are the main scriptures followed in Vaishnavism?
Vaishnavism, also known as Vishnuism, is one of the major sects within Hinduism that focuses on the worship of Lord Vishnu and his avatars. It is believed that Lord Vishnu is the supreme deity and the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. Vaishnavism is a popular and widely practiced form of Hinduism, with millions of followers across India and other parts of the world.
The main scriptures followed in Vaishnavism are the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. These sacred texts are considered to be the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom in Vaishnavism and are revered by all followers of this sect.
The Vedas, which are the oldest Hindu scriptures, contain hymns, prayers, and rituals dedicated to various deities, including Lord Vishnu. The Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda are the four main Vedas that are considered to be the foundation of Vaishnavism.
The Upanishads, which are philosophical texts, are considered to be the essence of the Vedas. They contain the teachings and wisdom of ancient sages and are believed to reveal the true nature of the universe and the path to liberation. The most important Upanishads in Vaishnavism are the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the Chandogya Upanishad, and the Taittiriya Upanishad.
The Bhagavad Gita, also known as the Song of the Lord, is a part of the epic Mahabharata and is considered to be the most important scripture in Vaishnavism. It is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and contains the teachings of Lord Krishna on various aspects of life, including duty, devotion, and liberation.
Apart from these three main scriptures, Vaishnavism also places great importance on the Puranas, which are ancient Hindu texts that contain stories and legends about the various avatars of Lord Vishnu. The most important Puranas in Vaishnavism are the Vishnu Purana, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Narada Purana.
In addition to these scriptures, Vaishnavism also has a rich tradition of devotional poetry and literature, with the works of famous saints and poets like Jayadeva, Tulsidas, and Surdas being highly revered by followers of this sect.
In conclusion, the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita are the main scriptures followed in Vaishnavism. These texts contain the teachings and wisdom that guide the beliefs and practices of Vaishnavites and are considered to be the ultimate source of knowledge and spiritual guidance for followers of this sect.