Lakulisha and the Nayanmars represent two significant streams of Shaivism in India. Lakulisha is considered one of the prominent early Shaiva teachers and is credited with revitalizing the Pasupata sect, one of the oldest Shaiva traditions. On the other hand, the Nayanmars were a group of 63 saints from Tamil Nadu, who played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement and the propagation of Shaivism in South India during the 6th to 9th centuries.
Historical Background
Lakulisha:
- Era: Lakulisha is believed to have lived around the 2nd century CE.
- Region: He is associated primarily with the western and central parts of India, particularly Gujarat.
- Contribution: Lakulisha is traditionally recognized as the 28th and the last avatar of Shiva according to the Shaiva tradition. He revived and systematized the Pasupata sect, emphasizing asceticism, yogic practices, and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Nayanmars:
- Era: The Nayanmars lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE.
- Region: They hailed from various parts of Tamil Nadu.
- Contribution: The Nayanmars were instrumental in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion to God over ritualistic practices. Their hymns, collectively known as the "Tirumurai," are considered a sacred canon in Tamil Shaivism.
Philosophical Teachings
Lakulisha:
- Doctrine: The Pasupata system, as articulated by Lakulisha, involves the practice of five observances (pañcāvrata): bathing with ashes, smearing the body with ashes, wearing a Rudraksha mala, meditation, and chanting the five-syllable mantra (Namaḥ Śivāya).
- Emphasis: His teachings focus on asceticism, ethical living, and attaining union with Shiva through rigorous discipline and yogic practices.
Nayanmars:
- Doctrine: The Nayanmars propagated a form of Shaivism that was highly devotional and accessible to all, regardless of caste or creed. Their teachings are encapsulated in their poetic hymns, which express deep love and devotion for Shiva.
- Emphasis: They emphasized personal devotion (bhakti), the importance of love for God, and the need to surrender to Shiva's will. Their philosophy was inclusive, advocating that true devotion transcends social and ritualistic barriers.
Cultural and Social Impact
Lakulisha:
- Impact: Lakulisha's revival of the Pasupata sect had a significant influence on the development of Shaiva traditions across India. His teachings helped preserve and propagate ancient Shaiva practices.
- Legacy: The Pasupata sect influenced other Shaiva traditions, including the development of the Kapalika and Kalamukha sects. Temples and monasteries dedicated to Lakulisha and his teachings can be found in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Nayanmars:
- Impact: The Nayanmars' devotional hymns played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of Tamil Nadu. Their poetry not only inspired devotion but also contributed to the Tamil literary tradition.
- Legacy: The Nayanmars' hymns are still sung in Shaiva temples across Tamil Nadu, and their stories are celebrated in various festivals and cultural programs. They significantly contributed to the spread of Tamil Shaivism and the Bhakti movement in South India.
Key Figures and Works
Lakulisha:
- Key Figures: Lakulisha himself is the central figure. His disciples, such as Kushika, Garga, Maitreya, and Kaurusha, played key roles in spreading his teachings.
- Key Works: The primary texts associated with Lakulisha are the Pasupata Sutras, which outline the philosophical and practical aspects of the Pasupata sect.
Nayanmars:
- Key Figures: Among the 63 Nayanmars, notable figures include Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar, and Manikkavacakar.
- Key Works: The "Tirumurai," a twelve-volume collection of hymns composed by various Nayanmars, is the cornerstone of Tamil Shaiva literature. The "Tevaram" and "Tiruvasagam" are among the most revered works within this collection.
While Lakulisha and the Nayanmars emerged in different regions and periods, their contributions to Shaivism have been profound and enduring. Lakulisha’s structured approach to Shaiva asceticism and philosophy laid the foundation for future Shaiva traditions. In contrast, the Nayanmars' passionate devotionalism enriched the spiritual and cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire devotees today. Both streams underscore the diversity and depth of Shaivism in India, reflecting its capacity to adapt and flourish across different cultural contexts.