Shaivism

Not merely a god among gods — Shiva is consciousness itself. The Adiyogi, the first yogi, who sat on Kailash and transmitted the science of inner transformation. Every form he takes, from the meditating ascetic to the cosmic dancer Nataraja, points back to pure awareness.

The non-dual recognition philosophy of the Kashmir valley, crystallized by Abhinavagupta in the 10th century. The world is not illusion — it is Shiva's own creative expression. Liberation is not escape but recognition of what you already are.

Gorakhnath and the Nath yogis took Shaiva philosophy into the body — developing hatha yoga, pranayama, and the subtle anatomy of chakras and nadis. Every Sun Salutation traces back to this lineage.

Twelve Jyotirlingas mark Shiva's presence across India — from Somnath on the western coast to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, the city where Shiva himself is said to whisper the taraka mantra into the ear of the dying.