Have you ever heard a discussion between two or more Hindus as
to who is greater, Vishnu or Siva? As is the case with many
philosophical issues in Hinduism, there is, of course, more than
one point of view. Historically, the rivalry of sects has
occasionally become violent. In 1760 two great throngs vying for
supremacy clashed on the final day of bathing at the Kumbha Mela
in the holy city of Haridwar. Violence ensued and Saiva and
Vaishnava naga babas turned the festival into a killing ground.
In all, 18,000 monks died that day. In modern times, the
rivalries are more verbal than physical, but they are real and
not infrequent. In fact, they arise more lately, because Saivas
and Vaishnavas are mixing freely. A Hindu family's friends and
neighbors are just as likely to be from another sect - unlike in
olden days when sectarian communities were more isolated and
homogenous. Plus, these days one can find Vishnu and Siva side
by side in the same temple, something unheard of even 50 years
ago. Such temple arrangem