The Mystique of Shaivite Sects

This blog is part two of the four-part series on Shiva, unveiled in celebration of Mahashivratri. (reference Part I,Part III, Part IV)

Shaivism, a major tradition in Hinduism, encompasses diverse sects centered on Shiva worship. These sects interpret Shiva’s nature, philosophy, and spiritual paths differently, reflecting the vastness of Hindu thought.

During the Puranic period (500 BCE–1000 CE), Shiva was worshipped in both Nirguna (without attributes) and Saguna (with attributes) forms. He is prominently featured in six Mahapuranas—Shiva, Linga, Skanda, Agni, Kurma, and Matsya. As part of the divine Trinity alongside Brahma and Vishnu, Shiva embodies destruction and transformation. Simultaneously, he is also depicted as an ideal householder, residing with Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. Shaivism integrates Shiva-Shakti as a unified principle, with Shakti representing his dynamic energy.

Adi Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta identifies Shiva as the non-dual Brahman. The Smarta tradition, following Shankara, includes Shiva in Panchayatana Puja alongside Vishnu, Shakti, Surya, and Ganesha.

However, several Shaivite sects diverged from strict Vedic norms, leading to the rise of distinct traditions.

Early Shaivite Sects

• Saiva Siddhanta follows a dualistic philosophy where Shiva (Pati) is distinct from the soul (Pasu), bound by ignorance, karma and maya (Pasa). It adheres to 28 Saiva Agamas but also follow Vedic Sankhya and Yoga principles. Unlike some Vedantic traditions, it allows women and Sudras to perform dharmic rites.

• Pashupata Sect is among the oldest Shaivite traditions, emphasizing five principles: cause, effect, discipline, rules, and the end of suffering. Its adherents practiced ascetic rituals such as smearing ashes and meditation.

• Kalamukha Sect, influenced by Lakulisha’s reforms, followed a dual-nondual philosophy and was prominent in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. They emphasized temple worship and sacred yantras.

• Kapalika Sect, devoted to Bhairava, is an extreme sect practicising transgressive rituals included carrying human skulls and consuming alcohol. They believe their extreme rituals would grant supernatural powers and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Over time, their influence waned, but elements persisted in later tantric traditions like the Aghoris.

Evolution of Shaivite Sects

As extreme sects like Kapalikas lost social acceptance, moderate sects like Saiva Siddhanta, aligned with Vedic principles, gained prominence. This shift enabled broader participation of Smarta and Vedic followers in Shaiva temple worship, including engaging in elaborate rituals and Linga worship.

Newer Shaivite Sects

• Veerashaivism (Lingayatism) emerged in 12th-century CE in Karnataka under Basava, advocating monotheism, equality, and social justice. Devotees wear a linga as a mark of devotion.

• The Nath Sect, founded in 8th–9th century CE by Matsyendranath and developed by Gorakhnath, blends Shaivism, Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism. it focuses on yogic practices and rejects caste barriers. Ascetics often wear large earrings, cover themselves in ashes, and tie their hair in dreadlocks.

• Kashmir Shaivism is a monistic tradition incorporating tantric practices. It comprises Krama, Kaula, and Trika philosophies. Trika is the dominating group, focusing on 3 principles: Shiva (consciousness), Shakti (energy), and Nara (individual). Besides 28 Agamas, it draws from 64 Bhairava Agamas and Shakta Tantra texts.

Shaivite sects have remained a dynamic and evolving tradition, balancing Vedic

influences with esoteric and devotional elements.

In the next (Part III) of our series on Shiva, we will unravel the profound iconography of the

Mahadeva, revealing the deeper truths hidden in every detail of his divine form.

Discover the essence of the formless within the form!