Shaivisme

Shaivisme, or Shaivism, is a major tradition within Hinduism that reveres Shiva as the supreme being, the source of the universe and the soul’s ultimate goal. It encompasses a broad range of beliefs, practices, and texts and is especially prominent in India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia. Shaiva communities vary by region, temple culture, and philosophical orientation.

Core beliefs center on Shiva as both personal deity and the impersonal absolute (Parasiva). The cosmos is seen as a manifestation of divine energy, and individuals are considered to be caught in ignorance and karma. Liberation (moksha) comes through devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and divine grace. Symbols such as the lingam and the trishula are commonly revered, and Shiva is worshiped in numerous forms, including Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara. Shaivism accommodates diverse theological perspectives, ranging from dualistic theism to non-dual monism.

Texts and schools: Central scriptures include the Shaiva Agamas, which guide worship and ritual practice, along with various Puranas. The tradition also features regional canons, such as the Tamil Tirumurai. Philosophical streams include Kashmir Shaivism, a non-dual system emphasizing universal consciousness and concepts like Spanda (the divine vibration), and Shaiva Siddhanta, a prominent Tamil devotional tradition with a dualistic-theistic emphasis. Lingayat (Veerashaiva) movements in Karnataka and surrounding areas represent significant contemporary Shaivite currents.

Practice and culture: Shaivism emphasizes temple worship, home shrines, and pilgrimage to sacred sites. Rituals often include ablutions, puja, and mantra recitation, such as Om Namah Shivaya. Certain lineages incorporate yoga and tantric practices. The tradition has influenced temple art, dance, and music, and contributed hymnody by Tamil Shaivite saints and poets.