Picture a journey that starts with turning the mirror inward and sweeping away every speck of doubt—that’s the heart and soul of jīvanmukti in Saiva Siddhanta. It begins with three intertwined streams of practice:

1. Kriyā (ritual action)
   • Daily puja, homa and mantra-japa (often the five-syllable “Oṃ Namaḥ Śivāya”)
   • Observance of Yama–Niyama (ethical vows)

2. Upāya (means of approach)
   • Guru’s guidance and śāstra study, especially the Tirumantiram and Kramamarga texts
   • Yoga techniques—prāṇāyāma, dhāraṇā and dhyāna—aimed at stilling the mind

3. Vidyā (higher wisdom)
   • Direct insight into ātman–Śiva non-duality
   • Anubhava (inner experience) of uninterrupted bliss

Once the three bonds (anava, māla, bīja) dissolve, pure awareness shines through. The liberated being remains in the body—fully present, yet untouched by suffering—like a flame that flickers in the wind but never dims.

When the physical frame finally fades, videhamukti takes the stage. No karmic leash tugs the soul back into incarnation. Subtle layers (liṅgaśarīra and kaaranasharīra) unwind, and the liberated atman merges into Pūrvāgama’s supreme abode. Three facets of that post-death liberation are celebrated:

– Svarūpamukti: abiding eternally in one’s true nature
– Salokamukti: enjoying the eternal realms of Śiva
– Samīpamukti: dwelling in intimate proximity to the Lord’s own being

Today’s mindfulness trend on social media often echoes these ancient pointers—lighting the lamp within, rather than chasing external highs. During recent waves of collective introspection (think global lockdowns), many rediscovered that authentic freedom isn’t about freedom from circumstance, but freedom in the midst of it. That perfectly mirrors Saiva Siddhanta’s promise: liberation now (jīvanmukti) and beyond (videhamukti), both revealing the same unwavering truth—one undivided, ever-blissful consciousness.