Sketch of the Religious Sects of the Hindus c5.22

c5.22

The various sectaries of the Hindu Religion then existing, are all introduced to be combated, and, of course, conquered, by SANKARA: the list is rather a long one, but it will be necessary to go through the whole, to ascertain the character of the national faith of those days, and its present modifications, noticing, as we proceed, some of the points of difference or resemblance between the forms of worship which then prevailed, and which now exist. The two great divisions of Vaishnavas and Saivas were both in a flourishing condition, and each embraced six principal subdivisions: we shall begin with the former, who are termed; Bháktas, Bhágavatas, Vaishnavas, Chakrinas, or Pancharátrakas, Vaik'hánasas and Karmahínas.