Parameshvara
/ˌpɑː.rəˈmeɪʃ.və.rə/noun
A Sanskrit title meaning “Supreme Lord,” commonly used as an epithet of Shiva and, in some traditions, of the highest deity.
Did you know?Parameshvara is especially associated with Shiva in Shaiva traditions, while other Hindu schools may use the title for their own supreme form of God.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“Through, forward, or beyond; a root associated with crossing limits and going farther.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
para
“Beyond, farther, higher, or supreme.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
parama
“Highest, supreme, or ultimate; the superlative form related to para.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
īśvara
“Lord, ruler, or sovereign; formed from a root meaning to own, rule, or possess power.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paramēśvara
“The Supreme Lord or highest sovereign deity; a compound of parama and īśvara.”
Medieval and Modern Indic Languages
Sanskrit-derived
Parameshvar / Parameshvara
“A reverential divine title, frequently applied to Shiva and to the supreme deity in devotional and philosophical texts.”
Modern English
English
Parameshvara
“A transliterated Sanskrit religious name or title used in discussions of Hindu theology, philosophy, and mythology.”