Vaiÿya 196saƒpradäya, founded by NÄRADA(3),
also called the Hamsa saƒpradäya, or
Nimbärka saƒpradäya, after its best-
known representative, NIMBÄRKA, with
its headquarters in Govardhana; (4)
Rudra saƒpradäya, founded by Vi•æus-
vami, also called Vallabha saƒpradäya,
after Vallabha (1479–1531), its best-
known reformer, with its headquarters
in Gokula.
While all later saƒpradäyasare sup-
posed to be affiliated with one of the
four, there are two major saƒpradäyas
that are often mentioned separately: the
GAU¥ÏYAVAIÆŒAVAsaƒpradäya (affili-
ated with the Madhva saƒpradäya),
founded by CAITANYA, with its centre in
Navadvïp, and the Ÿrï saƒpradäya,
founded by RÄMÄNANDA, with its head-
quarters in Ayodhyä.
Vai•æavism is characterized by
upäsana (ritual worship) and säraæägati
(taking refuge in Vi•æu). Vai•æavas sub-
scribe to ahiƒsä (non-violence), vege-
tarianism, selflessness and active
altruism. Vai•æavism has brought forth
an extremely rich literature both in
Sanskrit and Indian vernaculars as well
as artistic productions (music, dance,
sculpture, architecture). Major revival
movements within Vai•æavism have
been founded by the A®VARSof South
India, the North Indian BHAKTImove-
ments and the Neo-Caitanyite Mission
(19th–20th centuries), which has
reached the West in the form of the
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FORKRISHNA
CONSCIOUSNESS.Vaiÿya
The third of the VARŒAS(classes), the
lowest of the twice-born, composed of
traders, farmers and artisans.Väla-khïlyas (1)
Eleven hymns in the Øgveda that are
added as an appendix, due to their spu-
rious nature.Väla-khïlyas (2)
Mythical pygmy sages, the size of a
thumb, able to fly swifter than birds, the
guardians of the sun chariot.Valiyon
The Tamil name for BALADEVA, the
elder brother of Vi•æu. He is described
as having a light complexion, one ear-
ring and a ploughshare as a weapon.
His emblem is the palmyra tree.Vallabhäcärya, also
Vallabha (1481–1533)
A Telugu brahmin, founder of a school
of theistic Vedänta called Ÿuddhädvaita
(pure non-dualism). He emphasized
most strongly the role of grace in the
process of salvation. He elevated the
Bhägavata Puräæato the position of the
most authoritative scripture. He also
considered revelation the only way to
acquire knowledge of God. (See also
PUÆfiIMÄRGA.)Välmïki
The author of the RÄMÄYANA, the first
poet (Ädikävi). His name is derived
from välmïka, an anthill. According to
legend he led the life of a brigand before
being converted to Räma worship.
Doing penance he meditated so long
and so intensely that ants built their hill
around him, leaving only his eyes visi-
ble. He received the banished SÏTÄinto his
hermitage and educated her two sons.vämäcära (‘left-hand way’)
See TANTRA.Väma-deva (1)
A name of ŸIVA.Väma-deva (2)
A Vedic ø•i (sage), author of many
hymns.Encyclo - Letter V 10/2/03 10:03 am Page 196