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Parameshvara (IAST: Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., Sanskrit: परमेश्वर), also rendered Parashiva and Sadashiva, is an epithet of the Hindu destroyer deity, Shiva. The term usually indicates the position of Shiva as the Supreme being and Supreme Reality in the tradition of Shaivism.[1][2][3] Parameshvara is the ultimate and highest reality that eternally pervades all matter for Shaivas, the devotees of Shiva.[4] He is regarded by devotees to be totality itself, controlling the triple forces of creation, preservation, and destruction.[5]
The word is a compound of the Sanskrit words परम meaning 'Supreme' and ईश्वर meaning 'Lord'. Thus Parameshvara literally means 'highest supreme ruler'. Similarly, the word Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. + Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.) means 'Supreme shiva'. These two words are simultaneously used in Saivite texts as synonyms for Parabrahman, the Indian equivalent of Supreme being.[6] Sometimes, other traditions of Hinduism such as Vedanta and Vaishnavism also use the term Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. as a synonym of Parabrahman within their philosophical perspectives.[7][8]
Shaiva Siddhanta accepts the existence of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (three entities), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (the supreme being Paramashiva), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (all atmans) and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (three bondages[definition needed] of Anava, Karma, Maya). As the supreme being, Parameshvara only has the distinct eight characters or predicates which are applied to distinguish him from the other two entities of Shaiva Siddhanta—Pashu and Pasam. They are Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (who knows everything), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (with infinite happiness), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (without bondages), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (independent), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (unlimited mercy), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (unrestricted grace), Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (wholesome) and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (with pure body).[9]
Shaiva Siddhanta states that Parameshvara is in two states—Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., the form of lord that is moving through 36 tattvas and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., the pure form of supreme being beyond everything.[10] These two forms can be compared with the Saguna and Nirguna definitions of Para brahman in the Vedantic tradition. When he is defined with Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., Paramashiva exists in nine divine forms, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara, Sadasiva, Shiva, Shakti, Nadam, and Bindhu in which he is beyond words in his last four formless manifestations known as Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. The first five are his manifestations with forms and known as Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. Sadasiva is his mixed form of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. which is often identified with lingam.[11] Shiva and Shakti exist as inseparable Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. in the state of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. in which they are often identified as the non-dual supreme being Paramashiva and Parashakti. Since they are inseparable and undifferentiated, Shaiva Siddhanta sees them as single oneness, Parameshvara.
Kashmiri Shaivism describes how all of reality, with all of its diversity and fluctuation, is the play of the single principle, Paramashiva. The two aspects of this single reality are inseparably united: Shiva and Shakti.[12] Paramashiva appears as the world through his creative power, Shakti.[13] The ontological nature of Paramashiva is beyond human knowledge and articulation, yet it can be experienced directly through mystical intuition.[14]
Categories: [Names of God in Hinduism] [Hindu philosophical concepts]