What is Shaivism?
- Shaivism is one of the major traditions within Hinduism that focuses on the worship of Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being. It is one of the oldest and most diverse traditions within Hinduism, with roots that can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Shaivism emphasizes the concept of Shiva as the ultimate reality or Brahman and regards him as the source of creation, preservation, and destruction. The ultimate goal of Shaivism is to attain liberation or moksha by realizing the unity of the individual self (atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman) through the practice of yoga, meditation, and devotion to Lord Shiva.
- Shaivism has many different schools of thought and practices, including Kashmir Shaivism, Shaiva Siddhanta, Lingayatism, and Natha. Each school has its own set of scriptures, practices, and rituals, but they all share a common belief in the supreme power of Lord Shiva and the importance of meditation, yoga, and devotion in attaining liberation.