Pashupata Shaivism – An Introduction

Introduction

The Pāśupata tradition stands as one of the oldest and most influential streams of Śaivism, tracing its roots from the Vedic Rudra to the sophisticated tantric and yogic frameworks that evolved over millennia. This course provides a structured exploration of the Mahāpāśupata vision—its history, doctrines, practices, textual foundations, and relevance today. Designed for seekers, scholars, and practitioners, it bridges archaeology, scripture, metaphysics, yoga, and living tradition to illuminate the depth and continuity of the Rudra Paramparā.

Course Objectives

• Understand the historical evolution of the Pāśupata lineage from the Vedic era to modern times
• Identify key concepts such as Pati–Paśu–Pāśa, Atimārga, Mantramārga, and the Rudra Paramparā
• Recognize the Pāśupata contribution to Yoga, Tantra, and major Indic philosophical systems
• Familiarize themselves with the major Pāśupata scriptures—from Upaniṣads to Āgamas and Tantras
• Appreciate the role of Pāśupata thought in shaping later Śaiva, Nātha, Siddha, and ascetic orders
• Develop a foundational understanding of Pāśupata metaphysics, soteriology, and ritual–yogic disciplines

Course Outcomes

• Trace the lineage of the Pāśupata tradition and its continuities across time
• Articulate the philosophical core of the Mahāpāśupata system
• Explain Pāśupata Yoga and its influence on classical and post-classical yoga traditions
• Interpret key texts, narratives, and symbolic motifs from Purāṇic, Vedic, and Tantric sources
• Understand how Pāśupata ideas are reflected in modern Śaiva and yogic traditions
• Engage with the Pāśupata teachings as a living path of knowledge, practice, and inner transformation

Course Syllabus

• History of the Pāśupata School – Traces the Pāśupata tradition from Vedic Rudra and Harappan roots to Lakulīśa, early Śaiva orders, and Nātha connections
• Pāśupati and Yoga – Explores Yogic Rudra, Dakṣiṇāmūrti’s silent teaching, pre-Patañjali yoga streams, Pāśupata disciplines, and Naṭarāja symbolism
• Pāśupatās in Purāṇas & Itihāsas – Surveys Pāśupata motifs across epics and Purāṇas, including the Kirāta episode, Nepal Māhātmya, and patterns of ascetic and royal patronage
• Pāśupatās and Tantra – Examines Tantra as Rudra’s revelation, the three Mārgas, Mantra-Tantra systems, Śiva–Umā unity, Pīṭhas, and the Pāśupata–Tantric continuum
• Pāśupata Doctrines & Philosophy – Outlines Pati–Paśu–Pāśa ontology, Pāśupata Advaita, fivefold ascent, sādhana methods, and engagements with Ṣaḍ-Darśanas on liberation
• Pāśupata Texts – Maps the textual corpus from Upaniṣadic antecedents to Pāśupata Sūtra, Purāṇas, Āgamas, Tantras, and sannyāsa literature with a hermeneutic approach
• Modern-day Pāśupata Evolutes –  Studies how the Rudra Paramparā continues in later Śaiva, Nātha, and allied ascetic orders, and reflects on contemporary articulations of the Mahāpāśupata vision in modern contexts such as Mahagathe Foundation

Course Features

• Live Interactive Sessions: Engage in live lectures with opportunities for Q&A
• Flexible Learning: Access recorded sessions and course materials at your convenience
• Certificate of Completion: Earn a certificate upon successfully completing the course

*Important Enrollment Notice: Please note that this course requires a minimum of 15 registrations to commence. If the required number of students is not met, enrolled participants will be notified promptly and provided with options for a full refund or alternative courses.