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Concept
Parameshvara (epithet)
Summary
Parameshvara (, परमेश्वर) is an epithet of the Hindu destroyer deity, Shiva. The term usually indicates the position of Shiva as the Supreme being and Supreme Reality in the tradition of Shaivism. Parameshvara is the ultimate and highest reality that eternally pervades all matter for Shaivas, the devotees of Shiva. He is regarded by devotees to be totality itself, controlling the triple forces of creation, preservation, and destruction.
The word is a compound of the Sanskrit words परम meaning 'Supreme' and ईश्वर meaning 'Lord'. Thus Parameshvara literally means 'highest supreme ruler'. Similarly, the word ( + ) means 'Supreme shiva'. These two words are simultaneously used in Saivite texts as synonyms for Parabrahman, the Indian equivalent of Supreme being. Sometimes, other traditions of Hinduism such as Vedanta and Vaishnavism also use the term as a synonym of Parabrahman within their philosophical perspectives.
Shaiva Siddhanta
Shaiva Siddhanta accepts the existence of (three entities), (the supreme being Paramashiva), (all atmans) and (three bondages of Anava, Karma, Maya). As the supreme being, Parameshvara only has the distinct eight characters or predicates which are applied to distinguish him from the other two entities of Shaiva Siddhanta—Pashu and Pasam. They are (who knows everything), (with infinite happiness), (without bondages), (independent), (unlimited mercy), (unrestricted grace), (wholesome) and (with pure body).
Shaiva Siddhanta states that Parameshvara is in two states—, the form of lord that is moving through 36 tattvas and , the pure form of supreme being beyond everything. These two forms can be compared with the Saguna and Nirguna definitions of Para brahman in the Vedantic tradition. When he is defined with , Paramashiva exists in nine divine forms, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara, Sadasiva, Shiva, Shakti, Nadam, and Bindhu in which he is beyond words in his last four formless manifestations known as . The first five are his manifestations with forms and known as .
Official source
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