Shaivism is a prominent sect within Hinduism that focuses on the worship of Shiva as the supreme deity. It is one of the oldest and most widespread Hindu sects, with a rich history and diverse practices. While Shaivism shares many beliefs and practices with other Hindu sects, there are also distinct differences that set it apart.

One of the main differences between Shaivism and other Hindu sects is its emphasis on the worship of Shiva as the ultimate deity. Unlike other sects that may worship multiple deities, Shaivism places Shiva at the center of its worship. Shiva is seen as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe, and is believed to be the source of all existence. This focus on Shiva as the supreme being sets Shaivism apart from other sects that may have a more diverse pantheon of deities.

Another key difference is the concept of Shiva as the ultimate reality. In Shaivism, Shiva is not just a deity to be worshipped, but also the ultimate reality that encompasses everything. This belief is known as Shaiva Siddhanta and is a central tenet of Shaivism. Other Hindu sects may also recognize the importance of Shiva, but they may not view him as the ultimate reality in the same way that Shaivism does.

The practice of yoga is also an important aspect of Shaivism that sets it apart from other sects. Shaivism places a strong emphasis on the practice of yoga as a means of spiritual growth and connecting with Shiva. This includes physical postures, breath control, and meditation, all of which are seen as ways to unite the individual soul with the universal soul of Shiva. Other Hindu sects may also practice yoga, but it may not be as central to their beliefs and practices as it is in Shaivism.

Additionally, Shaivism has a unique set of scriptures and texts that are considered sacred. The most important of these is the Shiva Purana, which contains stories and teachings about Shiva and his manifestations. Other texts, such as the Shaiva Agamas and the Tirumurai, are also considered sacred in Shaivism. These texts provide guidance for spiritual practices and rituals specific to Shaivism, setting it apart from other sects that may have different sacred texts.

In conclusion, Shaivism is a distinct sect within Hinduism that sets itself apart through its focus on the worship of Shiva as the supreme deity, the concept of Shiva as the ultimate reality, the practice of yoga, and its unique set of sacred texts. While it shares many beliefs and practices with other Hindu sects, these differences make Shaivism a unique and diverse tradition within the larger umbrella of Hinduism.