Because Hinduism does not have a definite starting point, there is no distinct founder. There are, however, numerous important theologians, reformers, and other figures. These people include
Most important Hindu theologians from the past 1,500 years are mostly teachers of Vedanta, a philosophical school that deals with the Upanishads and the interpretation of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutra. The Upanishads are the last parts of the Vedas.
- Buddha
- Shankara
- Abhinavagupta
- Ramanuja
- Madhva
- Bhakti Saints
- Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
- Mohandas Gandhi
Most important Hindu theologians from the past 1,500 years are mostly teachers of Vedanta, a philosophical school that deals with the Upanishads and the interpretation of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutra. The Upanishads are the last parts of the Vedas.
the Buddha
The Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, is the founder of Buddhism, but he is also a holy figure in Hinduism. He was born in the sixth century, and many Hindus believe that Buddha is an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is often thought to have stated Vishnu’s will in denouncing animal sacrifice. He achieved nirvana and helped other seek enlightenment as well.
Shankara
Shankara, or Adi Shankara, was a Hindu reformer in the eighth century. Many Hindus believe that he is an incarnation of Shiva. When he was young, Shankara became a sannyasin, someone who renounces the world, against his mother’s will. He then became a student of Gaudapada’s pupil Govinda, which led him to believe in nondualism (the Advaita doctrine), the belief that each individual soul is in fact Brahman. Shankara travelled widely, debating with other philosophers, and he also challenged and defeated Buddhists and their doctrines. He wrote numerous works in Sanskrit including the Upadeshasahasri, commentaries on the principal Upanishads, and commentaries on the Brahma-sutra. He founded the Advaita Vedanta school, ten orders of sannyasa, and four strategically placed monasteries. It is believed that he died in the Himalayas.
Abhinavagupta
Abhinavagupta was a philosopher and representative of Kashmiri Shaivism in the tenth century. Kashmiri Shaivism was the belief that Shiva, the individual soul, and the universe were all one. He wrote an abundance of works on Kashmiri Shaivism, philosophy, and aesthetics, including Tantraloka.
Ramanuja
Ramanuja was the most important interpreter of theistic Vedanta for the Shri Vaishnavas in the eleventh century. Shri Vaishnavas are worshippers of Vishnu and his consorts Sri and Bhu, and theistic Vedanta is the belief that the universe is Vishnu's body, while Vishnu also transcends the universe. Ramanuja criticized Shankara’s philosophy and taught that devotion to one God, Vishnu, would allow one to have ultimate liberation and salvation by grace. He founded the Vishishtadvaita school.
Madhva
Madhva was another important Vaishnava scholar and philosopher in the thirteenth century. He was also against Shankara's Advaita doctrine, but he was much fiercer in his criticism than Ramanuja was, leading him to found the Shuddha-dvaita (pure dualism) school of Vedanta. This was the belief that the human soul and Brahman are completely different and separate. Madhva was unique in that he thought that some souls were eternally bound, meaning that even when souls were liberated, some had more enjoyment and bliss than others.
bhakti saints
The Bhakti Saints, bhakti means worship of the gods, are some of the most revered holy figures in Hinduism. Most of them lived in the fifteenth century, and they opposed to the caste system. They preached about practice and prayer and are known for their poetry.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a poor Hindu priest, but became the most famous holy figure of the nineteenth century. Many Hindus think of him as a saint. It is told that before he was well known, he was going to stop being a priest, but the goddess Kali came and guided him. Ramakrishna preached that God was universal and encouraged all people, Hindus and non-Hindus, to seek higher power. He often prayed so passionately that he became unconscious.
Mohandas Gandhi
Mohandas Gandhi was a social revolutionary and is the most famous Hindu of the twentieth century. He became a leader for both religious and political reasons. He had studied in England to become a lawyer, but he rejected the English connection and instead became a proponent of nonviolent resistance for India’s independence. He believed that violence should not be used to try to bring change, and advocated peace, tolerance, and understanding instead. He attracted numerous followers and lived to see India's independence, but was assassinated in 1948.