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Glite Dictionary
Saivism

Saivism

9.9
A major tradition in Hinduism that worships Shiva as the main god
  • noun
  • /ˈseɪvɪzəm/
: saivismo
  • The principles of Saivism emphasize devotion to Shiva.

Examples

  • Many temples across South India are dedicated to Saivism, reflecting its long history in the region.

  • Pilgrimages to sacred sites are an important aspect of Saivism for many followers.

  • He spent years studying Saivism and its philosophical texts.

  • Many followers of Saivism believe in the power of meditation.

  • He spent years studying Saivism and its philosophical texts.

  • Pilgrimages to sacred sites are an important aspect of Saivism for many followers.

  • Many temples across South India are dedicated to Saivism, reflecting its long history in the region.

Synonyms

Shivaism
vsSaivism
9.5

A form of Hindu religion that worships Shiva as the main god

has identical meaning but uses the preferred or different spelling
Sivaism
vsSaivism
9.9

A branch of Hinduism that worships Shiva as the main god

has same meaning but shows yet another spelling variant

Surface Forms

Saivism singular
Saivisms plural

Morphology

Saivism = Saiva (semi-transparent) = Saiva + ism

Formed by adding the productive suffix '-ism' to 'Saiva' (relating to Shiva); clear in structure but specialized and dependent on knowledge of the proper name Shiva/Saiva.

Etymology

Saivism comes from the name Shiva, a major Hindu god whose name means 'auspicious' or 'good', and the ending -ism means 'belief' or 'practice', as in Buddhism. So Saivism is the religious belief and practices that focus on worship of Shiva as the main god.