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Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)

by Arpita Chakraborty | 2013 | 33,902 words

This page relates ‘The Fruit of worship of Brahmanâ€� of the study on the Shaiva Upanishads in English, comparing them with other texts dealing with the Shiva cult (besides the Agamas and Puranas). The ±«±è²¹²Ô¾±á¹£a»ås are ancient philosophical and theological treatises. Out of the 108 Upanishads mentioned in the Muktikopanishad, 15 are classified as Saiva-Upanisads.

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Let us offer our worship with oblations to that blissful Divine Being who is the lord of the Devas, who governs the bipeds and the quadrupeds and in whom the worlds rest.

[...] Åš±¹±ð³ÙÄåÅ›±¹²¹³Ù²¹°ù²¹ ±«±è²¹²Ô¾±á¹£a»å IV.14

One attains infinite peace when one realizes that Blissful One who is subtler than the subtlest, who creates the world in the midst of chaos, who assumes various forms, and who is the only one that encompasses the universe.He alone is the protector of the world at the proper time. He is the lord of the universe hidden in all creatures. In Him the divine sages and the gods merge themselves. Realizing Him thus, one cuts asunder the fetters of death.One is released from all fetters on realizing the Blissful One who encompasses the world, and who hides Himself in all beings in an extremely subtle form as the essence finer than ghee. This Divinity, who created the universe and who pervades everything, always dwells in the hearts of creatures, being finitized by emotions, intellect, will and imagination. Those who realize this become immortal. When ignorance is dispelled, there is neither day nor night, neither being nor non-being. There is only that Auspicious One who is imperishable, and who is worthy of being adored by the creator. From Him has proceeded the ancient wisdom.

No one can grasp Him above, or across, or in the middle. There is none equal to Him whose name is great glory. His form does not stand within the range of the senses. No one perceives Him with the eye. Those who know Him through the faculty of intuition as thus seated in their heart, become immortal. Some, being afraid, approach you, thinking that you are the unborn. O Rudra, deign to protect me with that benevolent face of yours.

[...] Åš±¹±ð³ÙÄåÅ›±¹²¹³Ù²¹°ù²¹ ±«±è²¹²Ô¾±á¹£a»å IV.22

Injure us not in respect of children, grand-children and life, nor in respect of cows and horses. Do not destroy our heroes in your anger, O Rudra. We invoke you always with offerings[1]

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

Ibid IV.13-22.

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