Hindu denomination devoted to the worship of Shiva, which usually tends to be more ascetic than Vaisnavism. Saivas are distinguished by three horizontal markings on the forehead. Saiva ascetics usually wear their hair long and matted and are often covered in ashes.
The name of the religion followed by those who worship the Hindu God Siva. One of the three primary sects of Hinduism, Saivism (the oldest of the three), is in turn divided into a number of distinct sects with diverse theologies. The primary goal of Saivism is Moksha, and the spiritual path of Saivism comprises four progressive stages of belief and practice called chariya, kriya, yoga and jnana.