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Pashupata Shaivism

Also known as Pashupata

Pashupata Shaivism is the oldest named Shaiva sect of Hinduism, traditionally founded by the teacher Lakulisha in the early centuries CE. Its ascetics worshipped Shiva as Pashupati, lord of creatures, and practised unconventional behaviour to court contempt and destroy pride. The sect was influential across India in the first millennium and was patronised by dynasties such as the Kalachuris of Mahishmati.

Pashupata Shaivism
Image: Vidaikodiselvar S. Danabala · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Mentioned in 1 state history

Kalachuris of Mahishmati

See also

Cite this entry
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Pashupata Shaivism. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/pashupata-shaivism
MLA
“Pashupata Shaivism.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/pashupata-shaivism. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Pashupata Shaivism.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/pashupata-shaivism.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Pashupata Shaivism’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/pashupata-shaivism (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻