Parashakti (IAST: Paraśakti, Sanskrit: पराशक्ति)[1] or Parā is one of the three chief goddesses in Trika system of Kashmir Shaivism along with Aparā and Parparā.[2] In Siddhantic perspective, Parashakti is the counterpart of Paramshiva. Paramshiva is used to describe the ultimate form of Shiva. Parashakti is the power of this primordial Shiva, who is emanated by Paramshiva. Adi Parashakti is used to describe the Divine Mother (Supreme Feminine Energy/Mother of whole creation), usually mentioned as supreme form of Lord Shiva's consort Parvati in Hindu scriptures.[3] Parashakti is an all-pervasive, pure consciousness, power, and primal substance of all that exists and it has Mahamaya-form, unlike Parashiva which is formless.[4] A Parashakti as the supreme being of puranic Shaktism and of Sri Vidya obtained the name Adi Parashakti and Maheshvari-Devi.
Parā in Trika
editTrika is a Non-Saiddhantic Mantra Margic Saivite sect that praises Parā, Aparā and Parāparā as three supreme goddesses. These three represent the three prongs of Shiva's Trishula and they can be meditated upon in the Trishulabja Mandala. The three aspects emerge from Kulesvari Matrrusadbhava. Para means the highest form, beyond the range of human understanding. When it loses its transcendence and manifests, it becomes Parapara, the mediocre level. When it further loses its strength it becomes Apara.[5] These three aspects symbolize Shiva, Shakti and Atman in the philosophical perspective of Trika.
Para in Siddhanta
editAccording to Saiva Siddhanta, the lower part (pedestal) of Shiva lingam represents parashakti while upper part (oval stone) represents parashiva.[6]
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Para in Shaktism
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Glossary". Search for "Parāśakti".
- ^ Dycskowski, 2014, Three Supreme Goddesses of Trika, Anuttara
- ^ Woodroffe, John George (1922). The Garland of Letters: (Varnamâlâ) Studies in the Mantra-shâstra. Ganesh Publications.
- ^ Parashakti. Dancing with Siva.
- ^ Ravi.V (2012). Vijnanabhairava Tantra. Manblunder. pp. 7–8.
- ^ "Hinduism for children". search for "Śivaliṅga".
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