Write a short note on Shaiva Siddhanta.

Shaiva Siddhanta is a prominent school of Shaivism, a major tradition within Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva as the supreme deity. Originating in South India, Shaiva Siddhanta is characterized by its philosophical, theological, and ritualistic teachings that emphasize devotion to Shiva and the path to spiritual liberation (moksha).

At the heart of Shaiva Siddhanta is the concept of Pati (Lord Shiva), Pasu (individual soul), and Pasa (bondage), known as the triadic relationship. According to Shaiva Siddhanta, the ultimate goal of life is for the individual soul (Pasu) to realize its true identity as one with Lord Shiva (Pati) and to overcome the bonds of ignorance and worldly attachment (Pasa).

Shaiva Siddhanta incorporates elements of dualism and monism, asserting that while the individual soul and the supreme reality are distinct, they are ultimately united in essence. The path to realization involves the practice of devotion (bhakti), meditation (dhyana), and ethical living (dharma) under the guidance of a qualified spiritual teacher (guru).

Ritual worship of Shiva, temple rituals, and the recitation of sacred texts such as the Tirumurai are central to Shaiva Siddhanta practice. The philosophy also emphasizes the importance of scripture (agama), theology (siddhanta), and philosophical inquiry (jnana) in understanding the nature of reality and attaining spiritual liberation.