Knowra Shaiva Siddhanta Shaiva Siddhanta Shaiva Siddhanta is a Shaivite theological and philosophical tradition that distinguishes Shiva, individual souls, and the bonds obscuring their liberation. It teaches liberation through Shiva’s grace and the removal of those bonds.
Pati, Pashu and Pasha : The three realities of Lord, soul, and bond in Shaiva Siddhanta. This triad states the tradition’s basic distinction among Shiva, souls, and their bonds.
Charya : The devotional path of service to Shiva, including temple worship and acts of religious duty. Charya is the initial mode of practice in the fourfold Shaiva Siddhanta path.
Shaiva Agamas : A body of Sanskrit scriptures that presents Shaiva theology, ritual, yoga, and temple practice. The Agamas provide authoritative teachings and ritual frameworks for Shaiva Siddhanta.
Kashmir Shaivism : A nondual Shaivite philosophical tradition that understands the universe as Shiva’s self-manifestation. Unlike Shaiva Siddhanta’s enduring distinction between Shiva and souls, Kashmir Shaivism is explicitly nondual.
Shaiva Siddhanta temples : Temples serving Shaiva communities through worship of Shiva and Agamic ritual traditions. Temple worship gives the tradition’s ritual theology a public and communal form.
Pati : The Lord, identified with Shiva, who is the liberating cause in Shaiva Siddhanta. Pati names Shiva’s role in relation to bound souls.
Kriya : Ritual worship of Shiva performed with prescribed offerings and observances. Kriya develops service into formal worship within the tradition’s graded path.
Tirumurai : The canonical collection of Tamil Shaiva devotional hymns and related sacred works. Its hymns shaped the Tamil devotional setting in which Shaiva Siddhanta developed.
Advaita Vedanta : A Vedanta school that teaches the ultimate identity of atman and Brahman. Its account of ultimate identity contrasts with Shaiva Siddhanta’s distinction between Lord and soul.
Shiva lingam : An aniconic emblem of Shiva worshipped in Hindu temples and homes. The lingam is a central focus of worship in Shaiva Siddhanta practice.
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