Sects Under Shaivism

Question 1

Nathpanthi

Answer 1

They adhere to the teachings of Gorakhnath and Matseyndranath and worship Adinath, a form
of Shiva.
z They use the technique of Hatha Yoga; monks wear loin cloth and dhotis and also cover themselves
with ashes.
z They never stay in the same place for long and are a floating group of wanderers. When they
stop walking, they keep a sacred fire called Dhuni.
z It is also known as Siddha Siddanta.

Question 2

Lingayatism

Answer 2

It is a distinct Shaivite tradition that believes in monotheism through worship of Lord Shiva in
the form of Linga.
z It was established in the 12th century AD by Basava.
z It rejects the authority of the Vedas and the caste system.
z It is also known as Veerashaivism.
z They questioned the theory of rebirth [UPSC 2016].

Question 3

Dashanami
Sanyasis

Answer 3

z They are associated with the Advaita Vedanta tradition and are the disciples of Adi Shankaracharya.
They are also called “Dash Nam Sanyasi” as they are further divided into 10 groups.

Question 4

Aghoris

Answer 4

z They are the devotees of Shiva manifested as Bhairava.
z They are monists who seek salvation from the cycle of reincarnation through sadhana on
cremation grounds.
z They believe in the removal of bonds from their life, which are sensual pleasure, anger, greed,
obsession, fear and hatred.
z They indulge in extreme tamasic ritual practices.

Question 5

Siddhars or
Siddhas

Answer 5

z Siddhars were Saints, doctors, alchemists and mystics all in one from Tamilnadu.
z They attain spiritual perfection through special secret rasayanas along with a form of pranayama
which considerably reduces the number of breaths they take.
z Siddhars are also believed to be the founders of Varmam, which is a martial art for self-defence
and a medical treatment at the same time.
z They were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. [UPSC 2016