Vaishnava

[ vahysh-nuh-vuh ]

noun

, Hinduism.

1. a Bhakti sect devoted to Vishnu.

Vaishnava

/ ˈvɪʃnəvə /

noun

1. Hinduism a member of a sect devoted to the cult of Vishnu, strongly anti-Brahminic and antipriestly in outlook and stressing devotion through image worship and simple ritual

Derived Forms

• ˈVaishnaˌvism, noun

Other Words From

• Vaishna·vism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vaishnava¹

from Sanskrit vaisnava of Vishnu

Example Sentences

He is very fond of Vaishnava Sankirtana which he held now and then in his house.

From Project Gutenberg

Vaishnava, vīsh′na-va, n. a worshipper of Vishnu, the Vaishnavas forming one of the great sects of Brahmanism.

From Project Gutenberg

This is part of the Vaishnava parable of the child aspect of Krishna's play with the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Both these are also called Sri Vaishnava, that is, the principal or original Vaishnava sect.

From Project Gutenberg

The Gahois are Vaishnava Hindus, and abstain from all flesh and alcoholic liquor.

From Project Gutenberg