Vaishnavite Movement

Vaishnavite movement, a religious movement led across India between the 12th and 15th centuries. Sri Chaitanya introduced the social and religious movement between 1486-1533, intending to remove the myths about caste and the religious system. However, Nathamuni initially originated Vaishnavism before Sri Chaitanya through Vaishnava lyrics. Chandidas and Vidyapati wrote the lyrics in the 14th century; after that, Chaitanya introduced new dimensions to the revolutionary movement through his leadership at the time. Although, the movement called its name Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Let’s discuss more of the revolution and the changes it brought to the world. 

The Gaudiya Vaishnavism Movement 

1. Vaishnavism’s revolution already has its existence in Hinduism, based on devotion and love for the divine. However, Chaitanya converted it into a new religion by introducing new ideas about social equality and liberal humanism derived from Sufi philosophy. First, he accepted the concept of Jivatma and Paramatma and then put on the idea of diversity and unity of God and soul. 
2. His concept states that the goddess Radha is the essence of Lord Krishna’s heaven. Therefore, it means they are two individuals in physical form but one in adherence to the soul. Their Love expresses their devotion toward each other and teaches the world that a human soul can unify if they walk on the path of Love.
3. The Vaishnavites formed kirtan as a significant part of the Vaishnava religion. The term Vaishnavism mainly refers to the worship of Lord Vishnu, defining the supreme manifestation of the divine. Although, Vedas and Brahmas describe Lord Vishnu as the creator of the pervasiveness and far-extending motion. He is the God of the Universe, known for his sacrifices. 
4. Also, the followers of Vaishnavism defined the Gaudiya Vaishnavism movement as the worship of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu. It mainly focused on the divine incarnations of their supreme God. Their worship takes in the form of holy names of “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama.” 
5. Many believe that the public recitation and singing of the holy names of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu derives from Sufism culture. On the other hand, some suggested that the concept of Love, devotion has dramatically impacted the Vaishnav movement in the medieval period. 

Vaishnavism and Shaivism 

1. The Hindu religion only allows practices to those who commit to believing in Faith. It includes worshipping God at temples and shrines. Although, the Hindu group divides into two parts, i.e., Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Both these group forms their structure based on their God; it means whether they worship Shiva or Vishnu. Both the lords are part of Trimurti, where Shiva is a destroyer, Vishnu is the protector, and Brahma is the creator of the Universe. 
2. The worshippers of Vaishnavism, i.e., Lord Vishnu, are Vaishnavites, and the worshippers of Lord Shiva are Shaivites. 
3. Vaishnavites believe in the lordship of Lord Vishnu; on the other hand, Shaivites believes in the supremacy of Lord Shiva. Although, their beliefs are the primary reason for their internal differences. 
4. Vaishnavism jointly originates from several religious leaders, including Ramanujacharya, Yamunacharya, and Vedanta Desika. All the leaders propounded Vaishnavism in the early centuries. In contrast, Shaivism forms from the philosophy of Advaita in the 8th century by Adi Sankara. 
5. Shaivism believes in one-ness of living beings that was innate by Lord Brahma. At the same time, Vaishnavism believes in principles of qualified monism. 
6. The devotionals of Vaishnavism and Shaivism were given new emphasis by the saints of Alwars and Nayanars of South India in the early medieval period. Both groups were constantly debating to achieve salvation through devotion at the time Vaishnavite movement. 
7. Although both the groups believe in the Hindu religion, they have religious differences due to their traditions and ideologies.

The Evolution of Vaishnav Vania caste 

1. The Vaishnav Vania caste is the sub-category of the Vaishnav group, meaning a merchant. They are the worshippers of Lord Krishna. These are classified into bankers, traders, moneylenders, and shopkeepers, often found in Konkan, Bihar, and Goa. 
2. The Vania caste rank in the third category of Hindu religion stands below Kshatriyas and Brahmans. The members of the Vaishnav Vania caste strictly follow the rules that come across their status. 
3. Although, the followers of the Vania caste played a significant role in the Vaishnavite movement by emphasizing the path of Love. Although, after the end of the revolution, the Brahmans turned the Vaishnavism because of the fear of losing their societal status in the medieval period. Therefore, the revolution lost its place by the end of the 18th century, following the social force on the followers of the Vania caste. 

Conclusion

The Vaishnav movement was introduced to urge the people to take the path of Love, devotion by worshipping Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. Although, Chaitanya played a vital role in influencing the Vaishnavite movement. He emphasized his devotional practices through recitation and singing. Thus, his significant contribution to the revolution gave another name to the movement, i.e., the Chaitanya movement. Although, Shaivism and Vaishnavism led a negative impact on the revolution. Both the groups began debating over their beliefs and supremacy of lords, resulting in opposition to the Vaishnav movement. Moreover, the Vaishnav Vania caste was also obstructed in the medieval period from promoting Vaishnavism. Therefore, till the time it could end by societal force, it had left a mark on the revolution.