SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The introduction summarises the opinions of various scholars upon Saivism and attempts made to explain its character and development. In Chapter I the survey is begun from the earliest Vedic period with an examination of the character of the Vedic Rudra and his worship in the Samhitas and the Brahmanas. In Chapter II and attempt is made to explain the origin of some important features of later Saivism in the light of the discoveries in the Indus Valley and adjacent regions. In Chapter III the survey is resumed with the examination of the later Vedic literature, and is brought to the end of the Vedic period. In Chapter IV the beginning of post-Vedic Saivism is noticed from the evidence of the epics supplemented by that of lot other comtemporary records. In Chapter V the records of the early Christian era are examined and then the puranas are taken up, in which the full development of the Saiva cult is seen. The rise of the worship of Ganesa is noticed, and also the rise of Saktism as seen in the Tantras. In Chapter VI the further history of Saivism in the post Pauranic period is given. The relation of Saivism with other creeds, especially in the south, is noticed. The development of sub-sects within Saivism is described, and a brief reference is made to the further development of the cults of Ganesa and Sakti. In Chapter VII a brief account is given of the development of Saiva philosophy. In Chapter VIII a brief survey is made of Saivism outside India, with special reference to Indo-China and the East Archipelago.