Shaivaspecific

Shaivaspecific is a term used in scholarly and cataloging contexts to denote material that pertains to Shaivism, the major tradition within Hinduism that centers on the worship of Śiva. It functions as an indicator that helps distinguish Shaiva-related topics, practices, and texts from those associated with other Hindu traditions such as Vaishnavism or Shaktism. The word combines Shaiva, relating to Śiva, with specific, and may appear as Shaiva-specific in some sources. It is not a canonical theological category but a labeling convention used in research, libraries, and digital humanities.

In terms of scope, Shaivaspecific topics commonly include theology and philosophy associated with Śiva, such as Śiva as the Supreme Reality in various Shaiva ontologies (for example, Kashmir Shaivism and related nondual schools) and the diverse ritual and liturgical frameworks that accompany Shaiva worship. It also covers scripture and literature central to Shaivism, such as the Shaiva Agamas and key Puranas that emphasize Śiva's narratives and iconography. Practically, Shaivaspecific material can address temple rites, lingam worship, iconography of Śiva in diverse forms (such as Nataraja and Bhairava), pilgrimage practices, and sectarian movements like Shaiva Siddhānta or early Pāśupāta traditions. Sacred geography, including important sites and pilgrimage routes, is often included in Shaivaspecific discussions.

In academic contexts, Shaivaspecific is commonly used as a tagging or indexing label to group material related to Shaivism. It should be used with care to acknowledge overlaps with other Hindu traditions and to avoid implying exclusivity where interfaith and intertradition connections exist. See also Shaivism, Shaiva Siddhanta, Kashmir Shaivism, Shaiva Agamas.