Amongst the Dravidian religions, the Six-fold religion, which is hidden under the name 'Hindu religion' is briefly analyzed here. The religious sects that are in the Six-fold religion are Saivism, Vaishnavaism, Saktham, Gowmaram, Kanapathyam and Sowram. Since these are the denominations of one religion, altogether these are known as 'Six-fold religion'. This Six-fold religion is the development of two major sects viz. Saivism and Vaishnavism.
Though some form of worship existed during the pre-Christian era, Saivism and Vaishnavism developed into religions only in the post-Christian era. Doctrine of Trinity, Doctrine of Avatar and the Doctrine of Fulfillment of Sacrifice are the basic doctrinal aspects of Saivism and Vaishnavism. A fundamental question is, how did these doctrines become the foundation for the religions that developed in the post-Christian era? Also, can these doctrines be seen in the worship and religions of the pre-Christian era? The answers to these questions can be obtained by analyzing the worships and religions in the pre- and post-Christian eras in India.
