Shaivism is a major stream within Hindu spirituality in which Shiva is revered as the Supreme Being and ultimate reality, the highest God who is both transcendent and immanent. It understands Shiva as the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe, the one in whom all existence arises, is supported, and finally dissolves. Within this vision, Shiva is not only a personal deity with many forms—such as Nataraja, Mahadeva, or Pashupati—but also the formless absolute, pure consciousness itself. The divine energy or Shakti is seen as inseparable from Shiva, so that the masculine and feminine dimensions of the sacred are held together in a single, unified reality. In this way, Shaivism offers a comprehensive theological vision in which the universe is a manifestation of Shiva’s being and power.

Rather than a single monolithic sect, Shaivism is a family of traditions and philosophical schools that share devotion to Shiva as supreme. Non-dual currents such as Kashmir Shaivism emphasize that all phenomena are expressions of Shiva’s dynamic consciousness, while traditions like Shaiva Siddhanta articulate a more dualistic or qualified non-dual relationship between God, individual souls, and the bonds that limit them. Movements such as Vira Shaivism (Lingayatism) further highlight devotional monotheism and ethical concerns such as social equality. Across these streams, the shared goal is liberation from ignorance and karmic bondage, culminating in realization of one’s deepest connection with Shiva and abiding in Shiva-consciousness.

The life of practice in Shaivism weaves together ritual, devotion, and inner discipline. Worship of the Shiva linga stands at the center of temple and household ritual, accompanied by offerings, sacred observances, and pilgrimage to holy sites such as Varanasi and Mount Kailash. Mantra recitation—especially “Om Namah Shivaya”—meditation, and yogic disciplines are cultivated as means of interiorizing the presence of Shiva and awakening to the divine within. Alongside these outer and inner practices, Shaivism has inspired rich devotional movements, where saints and poets have sung of Shiva’s grace and nearness in the language of love and surrender.

The tradition is grounded in a wide scriptural and philosophical corpus. Shaiva understandings of Shiva draw on the Vedas and Upanishads, but are especially shaped by the Agamas and Tantras, the Shiva and Linga Puranas, and the writings of philosopher-sages such as Abhinavagupta. Regional scriptures and hymns, including those of various Shaiva bhakti movements, further articulate the lived experience of Shiva’s presence in diverse cultural settings. Taken together, these texts and practices present Shaivism as a path in which all aspects of religious life—knowledge, devotion, ritual, and contemplative inquiry—are oriented toward recognizing Shiva as the supreme divine reality.