Shaivismwho

Shaivism is a major tradition within Hinduism that venerates the deity Shiva as the supreme being. It emerged in the Indian subcontinent around the third century BCE, with its roots in the Upanishadic and Vedic traditions. Early texts such as the Vedas and the Upanishads emphasize the notion of an omnipresent reality, which later became associated with Shiva in the Saiva canon. The Puranic literature, notably the Shiva Purana, expanded on traditions and mythologies that reinforce Shiva's role as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the cosmos.

The philosophical orientation of Shaivism is diverse. Some branches, like the Kashmir Shaivism of the 12th century, present nondualism (Advaita) and assert that the individual soul and Brahman are one and the same. Others, such as the Shaiva Siddhanta of Tamil Nadu, propagate dualistic principles and stress the liberation of the soul through devotion and ethical conduct. The ceremonial aspect involves temple worship, rituals, and the recitation of hymns from texts like the Tevaram.

Key figures include the temple architect Annamayya no; the mystic poet Appar, then collinear poet- at the jewellers. Important scriptures, such as the Agamas and the Shaiva Siddhanta doctrine in Tamil, form the liturgies. Shaivism has influenced many art forms, from classical music to dance, and has played a defining role in the political history of several South Indian kingdoms. In contemporary practice, Shaivites may celebrate festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and observe sadhanas in shrines that portray Shiva as a cosmic dancer (Nataraja). The tradition remains a vibrant expression of Indian spirituality, contributing to cultural and philosophical dialogues in the broader Hindu world.