Religious Research

Religious Research

Divinity in the thoughts of Śaivist Mystics of Southern India (Nāyanmārs)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Peyman Samimi 1
Abolfazl ] Mahmoudi 2
Fatemeh Lajevardi 3
1 PhD student, Religions and Mysticism, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Law, Theology, and Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Law, Theology, and Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jrr.2024.365608.2071
Abstract
Śaivism, or Shaivism, is a branch of Hinduism with roots tracing back to ancient India. This religion notably developed and expanded under the influence of mystics known as Nāyanmārs in southern India. This period marks a significant turning point for Shaivism. Many foundational theological and philosophical concepts of Shaivism can be traced to the humns left by the Nāyanmārs, including their ideas on divinity and God. Despite extensive research, little is known about the concept of divinity and related issues in Hinduism. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the hymns of these saints, exploring their perspectives on the concept of God, God's anthropomorphic and apophatic attributes, monotheism, the eternity of God, and God's grace. Through an analysis of these hymns, we delve into these issues.
Keywords
: Hinduism
Shaivism
Nāyanmārs
divinity
monotheism
grace
Subjects
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Religious Research
Volume 12, Issue 23 - Serial Number 23
September 2024
Pages 281-306