A Historical Study of Trika Shaivism

by Haroon Rashid Ganai | 2023 | 41,966 words

Summary: This essay studies the philosophy and cultural impact of Trika Shaivism鈥攁 unique religious tradition that emerged in Kashmir around the mid-9th century A.D鈥攁nd examines how it evolved from the religious milieu of ancient Kashmir, which was a melting pot of various traditions. The study further focuses on the origins, philosophical nuances, and scriptural authority of Trika Saivism, arguing against its perception as merely an extension of Kashmir Brahmanism or similar to Advaita Vedanta, instead highlighting its distinct identity influenced by diverse Indian philosophical dialogues.

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Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the A Historical Study of Trika Shaivism in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book鈥檚 content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Introduction

+ Chapter 1 - Sources

. Part 1 - Conventional and Archaeological Sources

. Part 2 - Monuments in ancient Kashmir

. Part 3 - Sculptures found in Kashmir

. Part 4 - Numismatics of ancient Kashmir

. Part 5 - Primary Literary Sources (related to ancient Kashmir)

. Part 6 - Secondary Literary Sources (related to ancient Kashmir)

+ Chapter 2 - Religious Landscape in Pre-Ninth Century A.D. Kashmir

. Part 1 - The tradition of Naga-worship in ancient Kashmir

. Part 2 - Buddhism in ancient Kashmir

. Part 3 - Shaivism in ancient Kashmir