Significance of Pashupati
Synonyms: Shiva, Mahadeva, Lord of animals, Bhairava, Shankara, Rudra, Bholenath
In Dutch: Pashupati; In Finnish: Pashupati
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Pashupati'
Pashupati in Hinduism symbolizes Lord Shiva's roles in purification, protection, and liberation of living beings. It emphasizes his connection as the ultimate teacher and deity associated with asceticism and the Linga tradition.
From: Linga Purana
(1) A title for Lord Rudra, symbolizing his role as the lord of all living beings (Pashus).[1] (2) A deity associated with the Linga, under whom the holy rite is performed.[2] (3) A form of meditation focused on contemplation of the Atman, associated with Lord Shiva.[3]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Another name for Mahadeva, meaning 'Lord of all creatures.'[4] (2) A cult promulgated by Shiva, identified in the text among various religious systems and their teachings.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the Lord of animals (another name for Shiva), representing liberation and protection for those who worship him.[6] (2) A Linga associated with the individual soul and creature, worshipped especially at Yajnavapi.[7]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Reiterated as a name of God Shiva that connects him with the protection of living beings.[8]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A revered name of lord Shiva meaning 'lord of animals'.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Another name for Shiva, the god who takes part in the battle and is associated with the great goddess Parvati.[10]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) The ultimate teacher from whom the knowledge in the Pasupata-sutra is derived.[11] (2) A name of Shiva that emphasizes a deity associated with the broader practices of purification and asceticism in Pasupata tradition.[12] (3) A form of Siva worshipped by ascetics for achieving powerful boons in return for severe austerity.[13] (4) A title for Lord Shiva, reflecting the syncretic nature of the Lakulisa-Pasupata order and its connection to Saivism.[14]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Another name for Pati, indicating the all-encompassing control and protection over pashu and pasha.[15]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A form of the god Shiva to whom offerings are made during the Ashvayuji ceremony.[16]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) A name for Lord Shiva that signifies his role as the lord of all living beings, representing his ability to free the soul from bondage.[17]
The concept of Pashupati in local and regional sources
Pashupati represents an ancient identification of a deity associated with animals, seen as a precursor to the Indian God Shiva, emphasizing a connection between spirituality and nature in early religious practices.
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) An identification of a deity surrounded by animals, believed to be an early form of the Indian God Shiva.[18]