Shaivism
/ˈʃaɪ.vɪ.zəm/noun
A major Hindu tradition centered on the worship and theological interpretation of Shiva as the supreme deity.
Did you know?The name Shiva comes from Sanskrit śiva, meaning “auspicious” or “benevolent,” creating a striking contrast with Shiva’s fearsome associations with cremation grounds, destruction, and death.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit, c. 1500–500 BCE
Sanskrit
śiva
“Auspicious, benevolent, favorable; later, Shiva as a divine figure”
Late Vedic period, c. 1000–500 BCE
Sanskrit
Śiva
“An epithet and emerging name associated with the god who becomes the major deity Shiva”
Classical Sanskrit, c. 200 BCE–500 CE
Sanskrit
Śaiva
“Of or relating to Shiva; belonging to Shiva’s religious tradition”
Early medieval India, c. 500–1200 CE
Sanskrit
Śaiva
“A follower, doctrine, or sect devoted to Shiva; widely used in developing Shaiva theological traditions”
19th Century
English
Shaivism
“An English formation from Shaiva plus -ism, referring to the religious system centered on Shiva”
Modern English
English
Shaivism
“The broad family of Hindu traditions that regard Shiva as supreme or central”
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