Shaivites are followers of Shaivism, a major tradition within Hinduism that worships Shiva as the supreme god. They believe that Shiva embodies both creation and destruction, representing the cycle of life. Shaivism emphasizes meditation, yoga, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. The practices of Shaivites often include rituals, chanting, and temple worship. Many Shaivites also engage in ascetic practices to attain spiritual enlightenment. The tradition has a rich philosophical background, with texts like the Shiva Sutras and the Tirumantiram guiding their beliefs and practices.