The word “Āgama” means “that which has come down” referring to divine wisdom passed from Shiva to Shakti.
The ultimate goal of Shaiva Āgama practice is Mokṣha, the state where the soul realizes its oneness with Shiva, transcending the cycle of birth and death. The Shaiva Āgamas are ancient sacred texts that form the foundation of Shaivism. These scriptures are not only philosophical treatises but also practical manuals guiding devotees in
- Ritual worship of Shiva through temple architecture, idol consecration, and sacred ceremonies
- Yoga practices that balance the energies (śakti) and awaken spiritual insight
- Mantra japa and initiation (dīkṣā) by a qualified guru
- Philosophical insights about the nature of the soul (ātman), cosmic order, and liberation (mokṣa)
- Ethical living and duties of a seeker, householder, and renunciate
There are 28 principal Shaiva Āgamas, grouped into the following branches:
1. Kashmiri Shaivism (Trika Āgamas)
- Advaita
- Focus on inner realization of Shiva as the universal consciousness
- Practices include Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, breath-based meditations, and Kundalini awakening
2.Tamil Shaivism (Shaiva Siddhanta)
- Dualistic to Qualified Non-Dualistic (Bheda-Abheda)
- Predominantly practiced in South India and Sri Lanka
- Emphasizes ritual purity, temple worship, and anugraha of Lord Shiva
3. Pāśupata Shaivism
- It is one of the oldest sects, rooted in asceticism
- Focus on detachment, mantra sādhanā, and devotion to Rudra
4. Kāpālika and Kaula Paths
- Tantric and esoteric in nature
- Associated with left-hand Tantra, use of unconventional practices to transcend duality
Being deeply immersed in the path of Kashmiri Shaivism, my writings naturally draw more from its sacred wisdom and experiential insights. While I study all branches of the Shaiva Āgamas, it is through the understanding of Kashmiri Shaivism that my spiritual expression most often flows
Rooted in divine revelation, the Āgamas are the direct teachings of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati. They serve as living scriptures in many temples and spiritual lineages even today.
Shaiva Āgamic Practices show the path to
- Kundalini Awakening
- Cleanse karmic impressions (samskāras)
- Develop heightened intuition, inner peace, and spiritual power
- Align with cosmic forces through rituals, mantra, and meditation
- Attain Shivātva, the ultimate goal which is realization of one’s unity with Shiva
Annant Drishti Aadhaytam Peetham is devoted to learning and spreading Ancient Indian Wisdom contained in its multiple scriptures and philosophies far and wide. If you have the same interest, do get in touch.