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Sects & Traditions of Shaivism

The major schools, movements and lineages of Shaivism — united in the worship of Lord Shiva as the Supreme Reality, each with its own theology and practice.

Overview Kashmir Shaivism Siddhas Tantrism Saiva Siddhanta Vira Saivism Advaita Nataraja

Shaivism encompasses a rich diversity of philosophical schools, devotional movements, and spiritual traditions — all united in their worship of Lord Shiva as the Supreme Reality. While they share foundational scriptures such as the Vedas, Agamas, and Shaiva Tantras, each tradition developed its own distinctive theology, practice, and lineage over centuries. The pages below offer an introduction to the principal sects and traditions of Shaivism, together with curated resource links for deeper study.

Kashmir Shaivism

Also known as Trika Shaivism, this nondualist tradition holds that Shiva is the sole reality and that all existence is an expression of his consciousness. Propounded by Abhinavagupta, it is among the most philosophically sophisticated schools of Shaivism.

Shaiva Siddhanta

One of the oldest and most widely practiced schools of Shaivism, rooted in the Tamil Bhakti tradition. It upholds a dualistic philosophy in which liberation is attained through Shiva's grace, devotion, and the guidance of a guru.

Vira Shaivism

Founded or revived by Basavanna in 12th-century Karnataka, Vira Shaivism — also called Lingayatism — is a reform-oriented devotional tradition that rejects caste hierarchy and emphasizes direct personal worship of Shiva through the linga.

Tantrism

An ancient system of spiritual knowledge and transformative practice deeply intertwined with Shaivism. Tantra draws on the Agamas and Tantric scriptures to offer methods for purification, ritual, and the direct realization of Shiva's nature.

Siddhas

The Siddhas are spiritually perfected masters who have overcome all karmic impurities and attained liberation. Revered especially in Tamil Nadu and the Natha tradition, they represent the highest ideal of yogic accomplishment within Shaivism.

Advaita Vedanta

The philosophy of non-dualism holds that Atman and Brahman are identical — that the individual self and the Supreme Self are one and the same reality. Though not a Shaiva sect per se, Advaita Vedanta deeply informs Shaiva monistic thought.

Nataraja

Nataraja — the Lord of the Cosmic Dance — is one of the most iconic forms of Shiva, embodying his roles as creator, preserver, destroyer, concealer, and revealer. The Nataraja bronze tradition of the Chola period remains among the supreme achievements of Indian sacred art.