With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.

2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.

3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:

Statement 1 is incorrect:
During the Second Buddhist Council, the Buddhist Sangha split into two major schools: the Sthaviravadins (also known as Theravadins, meaning "the Elders") and the Mahasanghikas ("Great Sangha"). The Sthaviravadins were orthodox and conservative, adhering strictly to the original teachings of the Buddha. They belong to Hinayana Buddhism, not Mahayana Buddhism. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2 is correct:
The Lokottaravadin sect was one of the early Buddhist schools that branched off from the Mahasanghika sect. The name "Lokottaravadin" translates to "those who follow the supramundane (lokottara) path," emphasizing the belief that the Buddha's nature and actions were completely transcendent and supramundane.

Statement 3 is correct:
The Mahasanghikas introduced the concept of the transcendental (lokottara) nature of the Buddha, which eventually led to the deification (treating him as a god) of the Buddha. This shift away from viewing the Buddha merely as a historical human teacher towards a cosmic, divine figure directly fostered the development of Mahayana Buddhism, where devotion to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas became central.

Since statements 2 and 3 are correct, the correct option is "2 and 3 only".