Pashupati: The Divine Lord of All Beings - Understanding Shiva's Role as the Universal Shepherd Among the numerous epithets of Lord Shiva, the title "Pashupati" holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu philosophy and practice. Derived from two Sanskrit words - "pashu" (animal or bound soul) and "pati" (lord or master) - Pashupati literally means "Lord of Animals" or more accurately, "Lord of Bound Souls." This sacred name encapsulates one of the most fundamental aspects of Shiva's divine nature as the compassionate guide who leads all beings from bondage to liberation. The Essence of Pashu and Pasha In the philosophical framework of Shaivism, every individual soul (jiva) is considered a "pashu" - not in the literal sense of an animal, but as a being bound by the "pasha" or fetters of ignorance, karma, and maya (illusion). The Shiva Purana elucidates this concept: "Pashubhavena bandhena badhyate...