A Glance at the History of Śaivism: Its Origins, Developments and Different Schools

Subject Areas : Christianity

فتح الله  مجتبایی ¹ (ندارد)
پریا  الیاسی ² (ندارد)

Received: 2014-10-18 Accepted : 2014-10-18 Published : 2008-03-20

Keywords: Rudra, Śiva, Indus valley civilization, Śakti, Paśupati, Bhakti,

Abstract :

Śaivism, a major sect of Hinduism, enjoys many devotees in India.Śiva, a god with paradoxical attributes, is devotionally worshiped inŚaivism. Śiva is, in fact, a pre-Vedic god which developed in arelatively long period, from pre-Vedic civilization to later Hinduism,and finally became a prominent god of India. This development istraceable in the Hindu scriptures. Besides, the remnants of the gloriouspre-Vedic civilization, especially in Mohenjodaro and Harappa, castsome light on the study of this development. Some scholars believe thatpre-Vedic teachings and religious practices survived among the lowerclasses of the Hindu society and was gradually transmitted to otherclasses. These pre-Vedic beliefs mingled with the Vedic religion andfinally brought forth the Yoga school and Śaivism. Therefore, in laterHinduism, we can see several Śaiva sects with their specific beliefs andpractices.