Why does Shaivism promote equality while Vaishnavism promotes Varna system?

 Ruchita Gowda

It is the otherway.

Sri Vaisnavism (not Vaishnavism) promoted equality than Saivism.

The sacred text in Tamil, Nalayira Divya Prabandham (4000 Sacred verses on Perumal) which enlightened Sri Ramajur (where 1000 verses were) composed by Nammalvar. Nammalvar is from Pallar or Devendra Kula Vellalar community.

Not only Nammazhwar, Naththamuni and Ramanujars are all Tamils.

Azhwars are all from various communities from King to a farmer.

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Points to Ponder:

Sri Vaishnavism:

The prime objective of Sri Vaishnavism is to uproot Shramanic religions, to spread Bhakti Movement of Azhwars in 7–9th centuries, to spread teachings of Naththa Muni, to spread Vishistadwaitam of Ramanujar in 11th century.

Tools adopted are

1. non killing of animals/humans to compete with Shramanic religions,
2. inclusiveness of all communities (Azhwars themselves were from all communities- Kulasekara Azhwar, a King, Nammazhwar, a Devendra Kula Vellalar)
3. without language/ region barrier ( Chelluru Ayyangars, Mandyam Ayyangars, Habbar Ayyangars in various timelines).

During Bhakti Movement from 7th to 11th Century, Azhwars visited many Vishnu Temples and sung the glory of the Lord and those temples are called Divyadesams.

The sacred text is Nalayira Divya Prabandham (4000 Sacred verses on Perumal) in Tamil.

Not only Nammazhwar, Naththamuni and Ramanujars are all Tamils.

There are no Divyadesam in Kongu, Kolar regions as these were ruled by Ganga Dynasty and Karnataka were ruled by Rashtrakutas/ Chalukyas Empires and come under Chozhas only after 10th century.

Sri Vaishnavism started from Pallavas patronisation in 9th century followed by Chozhas Patronisation of Ramanujar and Habbar Ayyangars in 11th century and went beyond Tipu Sultan’s killing of Mandyam Ayyangars in Sri Rangapattina on Diwali 1773.

Shaivism:

1.Hinduisms transformation to resort to Shaktism and “Bali” including Human sacrifices lead to a revolt throughout the subcontinent.

2.Tamil Kingdoms were captured by Kalappirayars (read as Biharis/ Northern Kingdoms) by revolt and Shramanic religions (Buddhism, Jainism, Ajvika) were imposed. The Brahmins were executed, the Princes were Jailed and Endowments to temples were stopped. The period from 3rd to 7th century is the darkest period in Tamil History.

3. As mentioned earlier, Bhakti Movement by 64 Nayanmars and 12 Azhwars revived Saivism, Sri Vaishnavism and replaced Shramanic Religions.

4. Tantric worship is reintroduced in 15th century in a different package of Murugan Worship (Kaumaram)- this time it is through Naths of Shringeri patronised by Vira Sangama Dynasty of Vijayanagara.

Patronisation by Rulers:

The emperors from Sangama Dynasty of Vijayanagara empire are Shaivites (13–15 centuries) and subsequent Dynasties Saluva, Tulu, Aravaitie of Vijayanagara Empire are predominantly Sri Vaishnavites (16- 18 centuries) but secular to other religions as well.

Region wise:

Region North of Cauvery came under the influence of Northern Kingdoms at various point in time. During 15th century occupied by Ganpaths of Odisha.

Due to this, whether it is Shaivism or Sri Vaishnavism (Vadakalai) the influence of Sanskrit and Varna is present to some extent, which is not the case with South of Cauvery, (Thenkalai and Murugan Worship) where the Tamil is given priority. Following non varna system guarantee equality? I do not know.