As we deepen our journey into the essence of Shiva Tattwa this Shravan month, it’s essential to explore the profound philosophical foundation that underlies devotion to Lord Shiva—Shiva Darshana (Shaiva Philosophy).
While Shaiva Dharma is among the most ancient spiritual paths—its roots matured into a philosophical system only after a long process of intellectual evolution. Let's dive deeper to understand it.
Every dharmic tradition contains a core ideology that guides its practices. When these ideas reach maturity, they transform into Darshana—a philosophical perspective. Shaiva Darshana is the outcome of such an evolution within the Shaiva tradition.
Vedic and Non-Vedic Streams
Since ancient times, Indian spiritual culture has developed along two principal currents:
1. Vaidika (Vedic)
2. Avaidika (Non-Vedic)
In Shaiva terminology, these are referred to as Nigama and Agama. The Tantric scriptures belong to the Agama stream, regarded as divine knowledge revealed through a sacred lineage of guru and disciple. Just like the Vedas are considered Anadi (without beginning), the Agamas too are seen as eternal revelations.
The Agamas are defined as:
“Āgatam śivavaktrēbhyō gataṁ ca girijāmukhē,
mataṁ ca vāsudēvasya tasmād āgama ucyatē.”
(“That which is received from the mouth of Shiva, transmitted to Parvati, and accepted by Vasudeva is called Agama.”)
As the great master Abhinava gupta writes in Tantrāloka, all revelations flowing from the divine Shiva himself are Agamas. Hence, these are also referred to as Tantras, though the word here does not imply complex intellectual speculation. Rather, Tantra becomes a form of Darshana—a direct experiential philosophy rooted in consciousness.
The Flow of Shaiva Scriptures
According to Shaiva Agamas, sacred knowledge flows through five divine currents—each representing one of Shiva’s five energies and faces:
1. Chit (Consciousness) – Īshāna
2. Ānanda (Bliss) – Tatpurusha
3. Icchā (Will) – Sadyojāta
4. Jñāna (Knowledge) – Vāmadeva
5. Kriyā (Action) – Aghora or Adhomukha
From these five faces of Shiva emerged vast Shaiva scriptures, flowing like sacred rivers into three main philosophical streams:
1. Abheda (Non-Duality) – Realization of oneness in multiplicity; known as Bhairava Shastra.
2. Bhedābheda (Unity in Diversity) – Accepting both unity and difference; known as Rudra Shastra.
3. Bheda (Duality) – Emphasizing multiplicity and distinction; known as Shiva Shastra.
Shiva is the guru, and Parvati the disciple; other times, the roles are reversed. This led to the emergence of two powerful spiritual currents: Shaiva and Shākta.
While both aim for self-realization and ultimate liberation, the Shaiva path emphasizes restraint and discipline, while the Shākta path allows more freedom in expression. Yoga holds a central place in both paths, and Shiva, the presiding deity, is venerated as Yogirāja—the Supreme Yogi.
The Five Major Schools of Shaiva Darshana
Shaiva Philosophy eventually branched into five major traditions:
1. Mahāpāśupata Sampradāya
2. Shaiva Siddhānta
3. Vīra Shaiva Siddhānta
4. Shākta Tradition
5. Kashmiri Shaivism
The first three—Mahāpāśupata, Shaiva Siddhānta, and Vīra Shaiva—primarily evolved in Southern India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The Shākta tradition developed various branches across India. Kashmiri Shaivism, a jewel of Indian philosophy, flourished in the northern Himalayan valley of Kashmir.
The legend and glory of Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva. Who is Shiva?
Let's dive in to explore some captivating and profound insights about Lord Shiva as shared across the ancient scriptures—including the Upanishads and various Puranas. These timeless texts reveal the deeper essence of Shiva—not just as a deity, but as a cosmic force that shapes and transforms the universe.
The name Shiva refers to the third aspect of the divine Trinity—the one who brings transformation, closure, and ultimately, the dissolution of the universe when its time has come. But Shiva is not just about endings. His very name carries powerful meanings: he embodies purity, auspiciousness, wisdom, truth, dispassion, and bliss. He is both the stillness and the source of all movement—ever serene, yet full of radiant cosmic energy.
In essence, Shiva Tattwa is the embodiment of all that is sacred, beautiful, and eternally true. He is self-realized consciousness—the living form of divine truth and the cosmic soul.
The Maho Upanishad of the Sama Veda tells us that Shiva emerged from the forehead of the Viraat Purusha—the vast cosmic being that represents the universal form of the Supreme. This signifies Shiva's birth from the very mind of creation itself.
In the Panch Brahma Upanishad of the Krishna Yajur Veda (verse 41), it is said that Shiva resides in the heart of every living being as Sat-Chit-Ananda—truth, consciousness, and bliss. He is the ever-present witness within us, the divine spark of our inner self. This is why the heart is often regarded as the sacred doorway to freedom—from illusion, from suffering, and from the entanglements of the material world.
One of the most intimate revelations comes from the Bhasma Jabal Upanishad of the Atharva Veda. In this text, Lord Shiva himself shares his wisdom with the sage Jabal Bhusund. He reveals that he is not just another god, not even just a member of the holy trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Rudra (the transformer). He is something far deeper—a guiding force that transcends roles and rituals, inviting us into the mystery of our own divine nature.
The Shiva Purana is one of the major ancient texts in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Supreme Consciousness and cosmic transformer. It offers a rich tapestry of stories, teachings, and spiritual insights that reveal the divine nature, powers, and forms of Shiva. Compiled by sage Vyasa, this Purana delves into the origins of the universe, the essence of devotion (bhakti), the significance of rituals, and the profound symbolism behind Shiva’s various manifestations. It serves as a spiritual guide for seekers on the path of truth, detachment, and liberation, highlighting Shiva not just as a deity, but as the eternal, formless presence at the heart of all creation.
The first section is called the Vidyēshvara Samhitā,
the second is known as the Rudra Samhitā,
the third is called the Shata Rudra Samhitā,
the fourth is the Koti Rudra Samhitā,
the fifth is named the Umā Samhitā,
the sixth is the Kailāsa Samhitā,
and the seventh is known as the Vāyavīya Samhitā.
Thus, these seven Samhitās are considered the divisions of the Shiva Purana.
Sharing with you few ritualistic remedies that can help bring major relief in your situations this month.
- Offerings through fire ritual performing Goddess Gayatri Hawan
- Performing fire ritual making offerings with Shiv Panchakshar Mantra Hawan
- Reciting Shiva Sahastranama
- Offering Kheer with Honey and donating money to 11 Bhramins
- Reading Shiva Purana on Chaturdashi Tithi of Lunar Calendar
- Doing Jagaran (staying up) from midnight to 3-4 am reading glories of Mahadeva or meditating upon him with "Aum"
Just as the ancient texts guides us through transformation and inner awakening, tarot readings and sacred rituals offer a modern-day path to clarity, healing, and spiritual growth. In the fast pace of daily life, most people don’t have the time to pause, reflect, or understand what the universe is truly offering them. That’s where my work comes in, I bring you the ancient secrets of yantra rituals, intuitively selected through the wisdom of tarot and the power of manifestation. Through personalized sessions, you’ll gain clarity on your current situation, uncover the energetic tools that align with your soul, and receive rituals tailored to help you grow and move forward in life. With Shiva’s transformative energy, you can release what no longer serves you and raise your consciousness to manifest what’s meant for you. If you feel called to align deeper with your purpose and energy, I, Kinjal invite you to book a session. Book Now!