Saivism means the tradition which upholds the belief that Lord Shiva is the Lord of Universe and the Creator of all.

Shaivism is a major sect of Hinduism. Saivism means the tradition which upholds the belief that Lord Shiva is the Lord of Universe and the Creator of all. The Sect regards Lord Shiva as Brahman Himself and all other divinities as aspects of Him. The origins of this sect are probably rooted in the prehistoric fertility traditions of ancient India who worshipped Father God and Mother Goddess. The worship of Shiva probably began in the mountainous regions of the Indian subcontinent and spread into other parts of India gradually during the eastward migration of Vedic communities that inhabited the Sindhu Saraswathi region, which is presently a desert.

Technically, Shaivism qualifies as a religion in itself. It has its own appeal, distinct philosophies, beliefs, practices, pantheon and traditions that date back to thousands of years. Shaivism played an important role in the continuation of Hinduism. Its beliefs, philosophy and practices enriched Hinduism and contributed to its success against Jainism and Buddhism. Much of the Hindu tantric and ascetic practices are rooted in the ancient Saiva practices.

Although Shaivism doesnt figure prominently in the ancient and early Vedic hymns and Upanishads, Shaivism became an important and integral part of Vedic religions during the eastward and southward expansion of Vedic communities in ancient India. Currently, Shaivism has four major sects. Each of them has a long history of its own and contain elements of both Vedic and tantric beliefs and practices.

All the schools hold Shiva as the highest Supreme Brahman, who manifests the entire diversity in creation and holds beings bound to the mortal world by casting upon them the net of delusion or Maya. The four major schools or sub-sects of Shaivism are: Saiva Siddhanta, Vira Shaivism, Kashimiri Shaivism, and Gorakhnath Shaivism. In addition, we may also include Pasupatha Shaivism, which is a very ancient and esoteric sub-sect of Shaivism, and enjoys a very limited but dedicated set of followers.

Saiva Siddhanta and Kashimiri Saivism enjoy wider popularity. Vira Saivism, enjoys a traditional following in the Karnataka region. Nath Saivism or Gorakhnath Saivism is predominantly ascetic with its emphasis upon hatha yoga, kundalini yoga and other practices. Pasupatha Saivism is the most ancient among these. The sect follows very esoteric methods of yoga about which little is known outside the circle of its followers. ✨🕉✨

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