Definition

Proper noun 1. A major tradition within Hinduism: Vishnuism is a major branch of Hindu religion and philosophy centered on the worship of Vishnu as the supreme deity. It emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and his incarnations, particularly Rama and Krishna.

Usage

• Vishnuism, also known as Vaishnavism, is one of the most widely practiced traditions within Hinduism.
• The theological texts of Vishnuism describe Vishnu as the preserver and protector of the universe.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "Vishnuism" is often used in academic and comparative religious studies to distinguish this theistic tradition from other Hindu paths like Shaivism (focused on Shiva) and Shaktism (focused on the Goddess).
• Philosophical Schools: Within Vishnuism, there are subschools of Vedanta philosophy, such as Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) and Dvaita (dualism), which provide systematic explanations of the relationship between the individual soul, the world, and Vishnu.

Variants and Related Words

• Vaishnavism (n): The more common synonym for Vishnuism.
• Vaishnava (n): An adherent or devotee of Vishnu.
• Vishnuite (n): A less common term for a follower of Vishnuism.

Synonyms

• Vaishnavism

Related Concepts

• Bhakti Yoga: The path of loving devotion to a personal god, which is the primary spiritual practice in Vishnuism.
• Avatar: A concept central to Vishnuism, referring to the descent or incarnation of Vishnu (e.g., Rama, Krishna) to restore cosmic order.
• Puranas: A genre of Hindu scriptures, many of which, like the , are foundational to Vishnuism.

Noun

1. worship of Vishnu one of the 3 chief gods of the Hindu pantheon