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10. MANICHEAN
Sundarar and Manicka Vacagar) who were the root cause for the development of Saivism, belonged to Tamilnadu, and the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, belonged to Tamilnadu).
GNOSTICISM
It will not be possible even to touch the hem of Gnosticism because it is vast and varied. Here I attempt to give some limited explanation that may be relevant to Hinduism as a Gnostic religion.
If we define Gnosticism as a mystical religion then it is "as old as humanity itself." It is in this sense Hinduism can claim its ancient heritage from millions of years. Modern Christian Gnostics date their origin from Simon Magus. Gnosticism is an attempt to syncretize all religions and we can find them in all religions.
There were two major groups of Gnosticism: the Syrian Cult and the Alexandrian Cult. The Syrian Cult was led by Simon Magus, who combined Christianity with Egyptian, Chaldean and Persian religions. The Alexandrian group was led by Basilides.
But the greatest force in Gnosticism as far as India was concerned was Manichean the Aryan (216277) who is said to have founded his alternative Christian Church.
"Mani traveled into what is now western China and as far south as India to spread his gospel. Although he had been held in high regard at the Persian court, by the time he returned home around AD 270, the royal milieu had changed. The priestly caste of the ancient Persian religion Zoroastrianism resented Mani's presence and succeeded in exerting considerable political pressure on the new king, Bharam I, to get rid of him. Mani was imprisoned, and in AD 276, he was crucified and his corpse flayed."
- Ancient Wisdom and Secret Sects
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