Is Saivism the Oldest Hindu denomination?

Is Saivism really the oldest Hindu denomination? Is Shiva worship pre-dating the worship of other gods? Some believe the inhabitants of the Indus Valley to be worshippers of Shiva, not the Vedas. Do you think Saivite worship is older than the Vedas?

According to Wikipedia, Saivism is the oldest denomination of Hinduism and Saiva Siddhanta the oldest sect of Saivism and says even the Sages Patanjali and Vasishtha were Saivites. What do you think and why? Is this true or not?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_sects

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saivism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saiva_Siddhanta

"Is Saivism the Oldest Hindu denomination?"

maybe for hinduism, but not for sanatana dharma

the worship of vishnu/krsna and shiva are both eternal

its not eternal if you are talking about among the human race...the human race is a constinously evolving species that HAS a definitive starting point. IT wasnt until much laer that we started worshipping Vishnu. We had to realize that Vishnu was there before we start worshipping him.

If your talking about in the history of the universe, then probably is eternal. I do believe taht among the trillions of planets around the trillions of stars out there just like the earth and the sun, there must be one (personally i think alot more) conscious beings. These beings, in their own way using their own words, probably worship the being we refer to as Vishnu. In this stance, it is eternal

if you accept Sri Vishnu or Sri Shiva as divine and worshipable, you also accept the spiritual science that comes from them

vedic scriptures say that everything is eternal, the material world and human race is also eternal and it goes thru cyclical creations and destructions

in this material universe, everyone loves and worships eternally Sri Vishnu/krsna and Sri Shiva, with relatively little intervals, called kali yuga, where religion heavily declines almost disappearing

that's vedas

but the yugas are very long periods of time. If we take a conservative approach and start from the dawn of homo sapians ( ) there couldnt have been that many cycles passed. Therefore, if we are talking about humans beings when we say shiva worship or vishnu worship is eternal, then it can only be from the dawn of humanity. There is no evidence anyone has that animals worship any beings. An intelligent animal is needed for that.

But i do agree, that the statements in the Vedas are correct. If one believes in the existace of other life forms on other planets in the vast universe, then it is very possible that they too worship some form of Brahman which we call by the names Vishnu or Shiva or anythign else. Somewhere in the infinite space of God, there are others who worship him somewhere out there at all times, therefore vishnu/shiva is being worshipped eternally

But i do agree, that the statements in the Vedas are correct.

--so vedas never say that in the earth human race disappears or it is absent. So all cults and worships are eternal. like all deities are eternal and they come eternally to save us from material bondage

I'm simply asking is the worship of Shiva is the oldest we know about in India. This is not a thread to say which of the devas are better or which one is supreme and which is subordinate. I'm talking about which god or deva has the oldest worship in India historically!

Is it the Vedic devas such as Indra, Agni, Vayu, Mitra, etc or was it Shiva worship, be it through another name or was it something else? I have heard people say that Shiva is India's oldest god, but where is the evidence? Wasn't the Vedas before Shiva worship? If I'm correct the Vedas talk of Rudra whci later became identified as Shiva and when shiva is mentioned in the vedas it means auspisciousness not referring to shiva the mahadeva.

What do you think?

Another thing is what is the difference between Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma? I thought they were the same, but Hinduism is the name of what the westeners called Sanatana Dharma, in the same way Indians referred to muslims as Mohameddans, even they called themselves muslims or islamic.

Vaishnavism is the oldest tradition belonging to the true Sanatana Dharma. The Saivite traditions are NOT the oldest ones.

But that asides, the truly significant question is which is the best tradition. Not the oldest. Most Hindus agree that the worship of Lord Krishna Vasudeva is the best tradition.

"I'm simply asking is the worship of Shiva is the oldest we know about in India"

sanatana dharma is eternal

bharata varsa is eternal

being sanatana dharma ETERNALLY comprensive of the worship of vishnu and shiva, it is evident that at the moment when the muslims have given that names "india" and "hinduism" to bharata varsa and to sanatana dharma, everything was already there

where's the difficulty?

Guest, It seems you're just trying to avoid the question and doing a bad job at it too.

You're saying that Sanatana dharma is eternal, well explain by what YOU mean by Sanatana Dharma. Within Hinduism there is worship of different devas and I'm asking which one was the oldest worship we know of - to see which one has really stood the test of time. For example Ganesh worship we know came much later, so it cannot be Ganesh worship.

At least BinduMadhav answered my question according to his opinions. Now tell me is there any proof that Vaishnava traditions are the oldest? And out of all the Vaishnava traditions which sect is the oldest?

Also as you said worship of Lord Krishna is the best, but can you tell me the reason why?

You're saying that Sanatana dharma is eternal, well explain by what YOU mean by Sanatana Dharma.

--sanatana dharma is the religion coming from vedas. Vedas are eternal because god gives them eternally at every creation, so sanatana dharma is eternal with all his variety

Within Hinduism there is worship of different devas and I'm asking which one was the oldest worship we know

--speaking of oldest of newer about sanatana dharma you are simply negating his essence. Sanatana means eternal, if you think that is not eternal you are negating it. Now, if you want to consider the birth of the word hinduism, the word hinduism yes, it has a birth by muslim invaders, but being dharma already there, hinduism has not created any cult

For example Ganesh worship we know came much later

--i do not know this "much later". I know that sri ganesha is eternally a worshipable deity.. for dharma. From materialistic point of view, you can say everything. To understand what position is right, we have to practice the darma according his rules and philosophy, then, we will check it if he's right/saint/divine/eternal or not

At least BinduMadhav answered my question according to his opinions.

--and our brother bindu madhav (i am a practitioner of vaishnavism too) is wrong, because all deities are eternal and they are recognized eternally as worshipable by saints, gurus and rishis. If he beliefs that vaishnavism has a starting point, he's going against bhagavad gita and the parampara concept,,

Then we can go together to vrindavan and we can see that even in the houses of krsna and his associates (5000 years ago) there was many deities.. included shiva and shiva lingam. Then we'll read the gita spoken in kuruksetra battle (5000 yrs ago), who clearly speaks of deva's worship

Also as you said worship of Lord Krishna is the best, but can you tell me the reason why?

--the best is not exact, i can say that it is more recommended to worship the lord than a deity who is a servant of the lord.. also because this deity , being himself a devotee of the lord, is interested to make you worship the object of his pure and intense love.

A devotee is not envious and searching for being worshipped separately from the lord..

And when we please the lord , we please all devas

but... if one is worshipping his deity without putting his worship in comparison with god worship, without avversion and envy, and his intentions are to achieve spiritual realization, not money, health or othe material advantages....... there's no problem.. he will directly or indirectly find the transcendence

that's the principle... not that something is more ancient than something else

**********Vaishnavism is the oldest tradition belonging to the true Sanatana Dharma. The Saivite traditions are NOT the oldest ones.

But that asides, the truly significant question is which is the best tradition. Not the oldest. Most Hindus agree that the worship of Lord Krishna Vasudeva is the best tradition. *********

Just dont give empty statements. Even in Rig Vedic times, Vaishnavism was not a major cult. People were just nature worshippers.

However, archeologically, excavations show that Indus valley people worshipped shiva.

So, even as per the literatures, and archeological facts, shaivism is older by all means.

Ah thank you, at last we have someone here willing to have a proper discussion.

Let me say that I am not prejudiced against any sect, I'm just interested in the evolution of Hinduism and am aware that it has changed with the ages as also the deities.

There are those who believe in AIT who think the Vedic gods and gods like Shiva are from two different civilisations, which I don't believe but it could be in ancient times there were many different sects all over India that started seperate and later combined in the family of faiths we now call Hinduism. They must've agreed on common ground like Reincarnation, the 4 yogas, law of karma, etc.

If Shiva is such and ancient god then why was he not mentioned in the Vedas? It is said he is the same as Rudra...but there are 11 Rudras and could it be that if the vedic people mixed with the Saivites that as Rudra was the destroyer god for them that Shiva and Rudra got merged as the same god? Maybe Pashupati was an Indus valley god that was later merged with shiva and became another name for Shiva. Brahma was not in the Vedas either but the creator god was Prajapati. It is only in the Puranas which came later that the deities we worship today came about.

{Even in Rig Vedic times, Vaishnavism was not a major cult. People were just nature worshippers.}

It is true that they were nature worshippers and even though Vishnu was mentioned in the Vedas, he wasn't a major deity like Indra and Agni, he was equated with the Sun as Surya-Narayana.

Hare Krishna

In the Srimad Bhagavatam (amalam puranam) it is described that when Lord Brahma was born from the navel of Garbhodakasayi Vishnu, he did not know what to do and what is the purpose of his existence. Hearing a voice from the sky saying 'tapa' he understood that he should sit in meditation on Lord Vishnu. Thus according to the Srimad Bhagavatam the first worship in this universe was Vishnu worship. Other consideration is that the worship of Vishnu on the innumerable Vaikuntha planets in the spiritual sky and worship of Siva in Kailash are actually eternally going on. We can remark here that the worshippers of Vishnu are in greater number since there are unlimited Vaikuntha planets compared to one supreme planet of Lord Siva the Kailash - the place of Siva worship.

Please chant Hare Krishna and be happy

Nitai

I think I am kinda wathcing a scooby doo cartoon with all the fools fighting with each other about who's the best. If I were to ask Krishna or Rama or Agastiyar, they would all laughed out at you people all running around like a wild pig still ignorant of your personal goals.I believe and I sincerely believe that India will one day perish after being hit by meteorite and all those people in India ( very cruel and violent by nature)melt like a volcanic pie and there will be no hypocrite of caste or creed.Damn you!Damn Vaishnava Damn Saivite.Damn India.

Ask yourself this question, why there are so many sufferings and people dying in India (both violently and horribly treated)and why are there so many folly gurus and fighting among factions in hinduism.Because you people in India will never learn how to forgive and take the good part in other people, always craving for your status(caste).

Be ware of what u speak Mr.Guest....i know u are the same person who has appeared under the name 'John Cougar'.......... do u think the ppl of the west dont fight? it was the west which was power hungry and blood hungry....even now they attack countires for lame excuses...the sunny muslims fight the siya muslims....the christians fight against all the other religions in their own way..........

As a devotee of Shiva i know how to respect the differences in other fellow humanbeings......hold ur toung or u shall fall under the grave pit of 'miss talks'

i might not support Bindhu's view point but as a Indian i will support him to all extent.....before u ask bindhu to look around it is only fitting that u look around urself....dont u dare next time to talk ill of my country and my fellow country men....

Keep it up. Even if we have differences, we should support each other when outsiders attack. Yudhistra's advice is still relevant.

Hare Krishna

Interesting opinions. Your damning is coming from anger. One who is angry is violent, lusty, greedy, in illusion, atheistic animal. Or even if you have some type of religion it is the cheating religion practicing envy to others desiring to destroy others, having demoniac superiority complex, big ahankar.

All these are symptoms of a person in deep ignorance. I am just wandering what you are doing here in this conference where religious life supposed to be cultivated. You are like a big Ravana-like demon. But anyway there is hope for everybody. Let Krishna bless you smashing your big ahankar to pieces.

Please chant Hare Krishna and be happy

{Damn India.}

With this, you have gone too far. Now I know where you come from!

But I don't understand the irrational enragement. I argue with other Saivites about whether Siva is supreme according to scriptures or Vishnu is supreme. In what way does that hurt you? Why do you have to say 'Damn Saivite'? What have the Saivites done to you?

All right, assuming that you would ask Rama, Krishna and Agastya, about which is the oldest tradition - Saivite or Vaishnavite, they would probably give different answers. And then what?

Do you know that there is such a great concept as diversity?

Let's celebrate our diversity. But at the same time, let's continue to argue. When it is time to take action, let's forget our arguments and plunge into action.

Against a possible Paki amidst the Hindu Forum.

I think Guest talks like a Marxist wannabe. I think damning India went a little too far. Imagine if India was to overcome all it's problems and become a developed nation and everyone had opportunity, then you wouldn't be damning India, all of a sudden you'd be proud. Well why not do something to help India get that step closer? One day it will be a developed nation, though that may not be in our lifetime. Or if you're a non-indian who hates India, then that's your problem. There are many people suffering and dying all over the world not just India, I hope you see that. There are also people suffering and dying in the rich nations. Most of the time, mankind is to blame for it. Yes, there are many false gurus in India, but it is ignorat followers who give them their power. It's up to the people to take away their power, the same goes for India's corrupt politicians.

Now can we stick to the topic of the thread? I was discussing the evolution of Hinduism and want to see some historical evidence of which deity has the longest history of worship in India. This thread is not about either Vishnu or Shiva being supreme or better than the other, there are many other threads if you want to discuss that or start your own thread, but don't hijack mine!

hi all,

Please dont do nonsense here that god shiva or Vishnu is old,

What I felt is that you people not have enough knowledge for discussing world's highest science.

God Shiva is supreme and shaivism starts before vedic period and spreaded all over the world.Dont give chance to other religion people by comparing with other gods.

Hindus soul is Shiva

Indians soul is Kasi

Hinduism is not a single religion its the collection of Saivism,Shaktismn,Vaishnavism,Smartism is known today as Hinduism

But All four believe in karma and reincarnation and in a Supreme Being who is both form and pervades form, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe only to create it again in unending cycles. They strongly declare the validity and importance of temple worship, in the three worlds of existence and the myriad Gods and devas residing in them. They concur that there is no intrinsic evil, that the cosmos is created out of God and is permeated by Him. They each believe in maya (though their definitions differ somewhat), and in the liberation of the soul from rebirth, called moksha, as the goal of human existence. They believe in dharma and in ahimsa, noninjury, and in the need for a satguru to lead the soul toward Self Realization. They wear the sacred marks, tilaka, on their foreheads as sacred symbols, though each wears a distinct mark. Finally, they prefer cremation of the body upon death, believing that the soul will inhabit another body in the next life. While Hinduism has many sacred scriptures, all sects ascribe the highest authority to the Vedas and Agamas, though their Agamas differ somewhat

Eg-like Christianity-(30+ CE) Christianity is divided into three main sects: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. Among Protestants there are over 20,000 denomin-ations.

Eastern Orthodox-(1054 CE),Lutheran -Martin Luther (1517),Anglican -Henry VIII (1534),Methodist -John Wesley (1739)

Worldwide Church of God -Herbert Armstrong (1933),Baptist John Smyth (1609),Presbyterian -John Knox (1625),Quakers -George Fox (1647),Mormon Joseph Smith (1830) to sum in word they are called Christianity

The Ultimate Truth

Saivism: There are no divine earthly incarnations of the Supreme Being.

(as we believe the supreme God doesn't take birth in the world which was Created by Him he send his Divine Powers in form of Avatars such as Rama,Krishna etc.to save the world,That's why all these Gods worshipped him on earth)

God Siva is one with the soul. The soul must realize this advaitic (monistic) Truth by God Siva's grace

With bhakti as a base, emphasis is placed on sadhana, tapas (austerity) and yoga. Ascetic.

texts-Vedas, Saiva Agamas and Saiva Puranas

Geographically widespread, strongest in South and North India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Time less Truth to be accepted

Saivism is ancient, truly ageless, for it has no beginning. It is the precursor of the many-faceted religion now termed Hinduism. Scholars trace the roots of Siva worship back more than 8,000 years to the advanced Indus Valley civilization. But sacred writings tell us there never was a time when Saivism did not exist

It provides knowledge of man's evolution from God and back to God, of the soul's unfoldment and awakening guided by enlightened sages. Like all the sects, its majority are devout families, headed by hundreds of orders of swamis and sadhus who follow the fiery, world-renouncing path to moksha.

The Vedas state, "By knowing Siva, the Auspicious One who is hidden in all things, exceedingly fine, like film arising from clarified butter, the One embracer of the universe by realizing God, one is released from all fetters." Aum Namah Sivaya

The Cosmic Dance of Shiva.

God and his creation are One. Yet God hides himself from his creation to give himself the joy of discovering God. God is both Creator and the Created. This is also known as the Wisdom of Balance. The Uncreated God and The Created God are One, yet the creation is attached to the grand illusion of separateness. Whenever God's creation discovers God, God discovers himself all over again. God delights in the dance of hiding and discovering his glory. The Cosmic Dance of Shiva.

Your life is your part in this awesome Cosmic Dance. Your birth begins with your God Consciousness hid from you. If you have not discovered your unlimited potential in this life you will die, and your soul will go to the unseen state awaiting its chance for another birth. This is the gem of knowledge known as Reincarnation.

About Vaishnavism

Vaishnavism is also an ancient Hindu sect centering on the worship of Lord Vishnu and His incarnations, especially Krishna and Rama. Largely dualistic, profoundly devotional, it is rich in saints, temples and scriptures. Aum.

The worship of Vishnu, meaning "pervader, " dates back to Vedic times. The Pancharatra and Bhagavata sects were popular prior to 300 bce.

The Bhagavad Gita states, "On those who meditate on Me and worship with undivided heart, I confer attainment of what they have not, and preserve what they have." Aum Namo Narayanaya.

But There is no denial of incarnations and 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu..... But,,,,

Proof that Lord Shiva Was there in all yugas and was worshipped by all God and Goddess.There are many instances

He was worshipped by lord Rama and Ravana also as he was the only God and energy of good as well as evil,He was a Kind Father who granted all the wishes of the children's who pray to him he never see if his children's intentions but if they pray to him he grants them without thinking he never judges you by you mistakes or past things every time you go to him he you are a New person coming to him with your problems to be solved.

Because of his innocence's he is called Bhole nath,

But also Notice that when he was around on Earth he did not meet any avatars or none existed only in Heavens his stories with Brahma and Vishnu are mentioned.

Here are few incidents mentioned in Holy books about Lord Shiva documented and of his appearances

Lord shiva takes the shape of (Lingam) Controls the universe and all the Gods

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why the lingam is believed to be one of the most potent emblems in Hindu ideals.

It all started with Brahma and Vishnu, who were arguing over their relative supremacy. Their vain arguments were interrupted by a superluminous glow from a strange and blazing pillar, its shape reminiscent of the linga. Both of them sped towards this indescribable flaming light, which grew before their eyes into infinity, piercing the earth and extending through the heavens. Overwhelmed and terrified by the unfathomable vision, the two gods decided to seek the beginning and end of this burning immensity. Brahma taking the form of a swan flew upwards, and Vishnu dove down acquiring the shape of a boar. Both of the gods however, could not fathom the extent of this fiery column at either end, and returned exhausted and bewildered to the level they had started from. At that moment, the central part of the pillar split open and Shiva revealed himself in his full glory. Overawed, both Brahma and Vishnu bowed before him. Thunderous laughter, or the sound of AUM, issued from the pillar, filling the sky.

Brahma's head was Ripped off By lord shiva

<HR style="COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->once, Brahma and Vishnu were discussing who was the supreme god and then when they came to know from Veda that Shiva is the supreme being, Brahma ignored and spoke bad about Shiva. He got angry and cut off Brahma's head that spoke ill of him, leaving Brahma with four heads instead of five.Shiva is the creator of Dance and of the first 16 rythemic syllabus ever uttered, the Sanskrit language was born. Dance of anger is known as Tandav Nritya, joy as Ananda nritya. Thus, Shiva is also known as Natraja, lord of dance and it is said that on 13th day of each bright lunar fortnight of Hindu calendar, after 6 in the evening, falls a sacred hour called Pradosha and if you worship this time than one gets powers of Universe. It is believed that all Gods gather to witness the dance of Natraja, Shiva.There are around 30 million Linga in temples in India, famous one formed of Ice at Amarnath, Somnath in Gujarat and it is said Shiva sleeps in all Lingas in Chaturmasya and so if one worships the Shivlinga this time, than it is very auspicious. Going for Pilgrimage to all 12 Jyotirlinga means one washes away the sins of last seven births and also reciting the mantras purifies the soul and can attain peacefulness

Lord Krishna's advice to Arjuna

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After hearing about the Pandav's exile, Krishna goes to visit them. He advises the Pandavs to prepare for war and tells Arjun to do penance to obtain divine weapons. Arjun does penance and eventually pleases Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva bestows him with the divine Pasupata weapon and advises him to obtain other weapons in Indralok. Rishi Duruvasa visits Hastinapur. In an attempt to humiliate the Pandavs, Duryodhan requests that the sage visit tha Pandavs as well. Rishi Duruvasa promises to do so

Lord shiva grants Draupadi her desired wish

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When Sage Vyasa visits the family, he explains to Draupadi that her unique position as the wife of five brothers results from a certain incident in her previous birth. She had in that lifetime prayed to Lord Shiva to grant her a husband with five desired qualities. Lord Shiva, pleased with her devotion, tells her that it is very difficult to get a husband with all five qualities that she desired. But she sticks to her ground and asks for the same. Then Lord Shiva grants her wish saying that she would get the same in her next birth. Hence she gets married to five brothers each who represents a given quality.

The Sad Truth

The Ancient brahims Abolished the Savism concept which was practised in India and that time India was in peak of its glory they created caste system according to their occupation and classified according to their jobs which they do in daily life created upper and lower caste and ruled them and the kings which was major draw back in Hindu society which created chance and opportunities from other cultures to easily enter India and showcase our drawback and spread new religion In India The Mother of all religions which Once taught the world the art of war,science ,medicine dance Martial arts, many More is now stands divided

"Mankind ought to be taught that religions are but the varied expressions of THE RELIGION, which is Oneness, so that each may choose the path that suits him best." - Swami Vivekananda)the saivism concept

Om Nama shivya

Saivism is the world's oldest religion. Worshiping God Siva, the compassionate One, it stresses potent disciplines, high philosophy, the guru's centrality and bhakti-raja- siddha yoga leading to oneness with Siva within. Aum.

Saivism is ancient, truly ageless, for it has no beginning. It is the precursor of the many-faceted religion now termed Hinduism. Scholars trace the roots of Siva worship back more than 8,000 years to the advanced Indus Valley civilization. But sacred writings tell us there never was a time when Saivism did not exist.Saivism's grandeur and beauty are found in a practical culture, an enlightened view of man's place in the universe and a profound system of temple mysticism and siddha yoga. It provides knowledge of man's evolution from God and back to God, of the soul's unfoldment and awakening guided by enlightened sages. Like all the sects, its majority are devout families, headed by hundreds of orders of swamis and sadhus who follow the fiery, world-renouncing path to moksha. The Vedas state, "By knowing Siva, the Auspicious One who is hidden in all things, exceedingly fine, like film arising from clarified butter, the One embracer of the universe--by realizing God, one is released from all fetters." Aum Namah Sivaya.

God Shiva is known by various names. One of his names is Bholenath, which means the innocent God. Shiva as Rudra is regarded as the destroyer of evil and sorrow. Shiva as Shankara is known as the doer of good. Lord Shiva has "Trinetra" (divine vision). He is also known as "Nilakantha" (blue necked). This is because of the fact that he consumed the poison 'Halahala' to save the world from destruction. Lord Shiva as Nataraja represents the Divine Cosmic Dancer. Shiva is also known as Ardh narishvara, which symbolises both man and woman.

Even though he represents destruction, Lord Shiva is viewed as a positive force (the Destroyer of Evil). According to Shaivism, Shiva is not merely a destroyer but performs five functions :

• Creator Preserver
  
• Destroyer
  
• Hiding the sins
  
• Blessing

Whatever you see, see as Shiva and do not be distressed, O mind! Those who are free from agitation and who the senses five control will surely win the bliss of Shiva. The path prescribed by your religion you should always tread, and live in changeless, silent contemplation. Whatever you see, see as Shiva.

Natchintanai, "Whatever You See..." NT, 68

Shiva is Maha Kal the Lord of All Lords Even Lord Rama,Krishna,and Vishnu Worshipped Lord Shiva He is Maha Yogi,he is Not Sangara Priya You Need Not decorate Him with jewels and materialistic ornaments or Need not bring him any offerings that's why they say Brahma,Vishnu and SADA Shiv,because his existence is time less age less,see Ramayana,mahabartha you will find pandavayas ,kauravyas all worshipping lords Shiva, all the lords and Demons of 3 lokas worshipped him to get their desired boons,even the jungle tribes in remote places in sri Lanka,thai land,Malaysia and unknown islands believe and worship him its only mind heart and soul,No worly rituals and mantras to perform to reach him.He is Dev adi dev Maha dev he never took any avatars because there is one God Only demi gods comes to Restore with the blessing of Ultimate god,That's why in all Vishnu ,Krishna etc avatars The lords worshipped Mahadev lord Shiva.We don't preach we only meditate and Practice SHIVA-5 words,the Master of 5 elements

Water - Thiruvanaikoil

Air - Kalahasti

Fire - Thiruvannamalai

Space - Chidambaram

Earth - Kanchipuram or Thiruvarur.

Hope your doubts are Cleared i am not preaching of Shiva my concept is He is the Main Lord and god the Most ancient Lord worshipped by Devatas,rashis,munis ,and Sages, Some early sect of Brahims didn't like Shiva Concept of Equal rights to women,and not to allow them the privilege of Teaching religion,They found New sects of their own according to their own connivance and brought, sati system,and declared that women to only serve their husband ,

Do you Know The concept of Ardha Nareshwara.Or ardhanggini (lord Shiva shown as Half male and Half female)

(1) In the cosmic scheme man represents Purusha (the Person, Spirit) and woman Prakriti (Nature, primal Matter), both of whom unite to keep the world going. So goes the Vedic verse: ‘I am He, you are She; I am song, you are verse; I am heaven, you are earth. We two shall here together dwell becoming parents of children.’

This just one single point not in depth

The Ancient brahims Abolished the Savism concept which was practised in India and that time India was in peak of its glory they created caste system according to their occupation and classified according to their jobs which they do in daily life created upper and lower caste and ruled them and the kings which was major draw back in Hindu society which created chance and opportunities from other cultures to easily enter India and showcase our drawback and spread new religion In India The Mother of all religions which Once taught the world the art of war,science ,medicine dance Martial arts, many More is now stands divided

"Mankind ought to be taught that religions are but the varied expressions of THE RELIGION, which is Oneness, so that each may choose the path that suits him best." - Swami Vivekananda)the saivism concept

Om Nama shivya

No, Brahmanism is the oldest Hindu denomination.

When the period of Brahmanism ended, Shaivism en Vaishnavism were born.