Mahashaiva, Mahāśaiva, Maha-shaiva: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Mahashaiva means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Mahāśaiva can be transliterated into English as Mahasaiva or Mahashaiva, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationMahāśaiva (महाशैव) refers to “one who is a great devotee of Śiva” and is used to describe Brahmā, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.14 (“The Birth of Tāraka and Vajrāṅga”).—Accordingly, as Nārada said to Brahmā: “O Brahmā, great devotee of Śiva [i.e., mahāśaiva] and disciple of Viṣṇu, this great story of Śivā and Śiva has been narrated very well by you. Who was this Tāraka demon, O Brahmā, by whom the gods were harassed. Whose son was he? Narrate his story with reference to Śiva. How did Śiva of full control reduce Kāma to ashes? Please narrate that too with pleasure. The story of the lord is indeed wonderful. [...]”.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Sri Kamakoti Mandali: The Sects of śaivasMahāśaiva (महाशैव) refers to one of the seven types of Śaivas, according to the Kriyāpāda of Candrajñāna (Candrajñānāgama).—Those Brāhmaṇās who are initiated by methods of śaiva dīkṣā (from a competent Guru) are termed Mahāśaiva. Similarly, Kṣatriyas and Vaiśyas initiated through śaiva dīkṣā are named Anuśaiva, whereas such initiated Śūdras are called Avāntaraśaiva. Those belonging to categories such as cobblers etc. (kulāla, pārśvaka, etc.), after initiation, are called Pravaraśaiva. Those belonging to other categories come to be known as Antyaśaiva after śaiva dīkṣā.
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Shaiva, Maha.
Starts with: Mahashaivatantra.
Full-text: Mahashaivatantra, Shaiva, Makacaivam, Anushaiva, Antyashaiva, Avantarashaiva, Pravarashaiva, Shivadvija, Mahas.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Mahashaiva, Maha-saiva, Mahā-śaiva, Maha-shaiva, Mahāśaiva, Mahasaiva; (plurals include: Mahashaivas, saivas, śaivas, shaivas, Mahāśaivas, Mahasaivas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 2.19.186 < [Chapter 19 - The Lord’s Pastimes in Advaita’s House]
Verse 2.19.184 < [Chapter 19 - The Lord’s Pastimes in Advaita’s House]
The Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 235 - The Birth of Heretics < [Section 6 - Uttara-Khaṇḍa (Concluding Section)]
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 5 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 2 - Śaiva Philosophy in the Vāyavīya-saṃhitā of the Śiva-mahāpurāṇa < [Chapter XXXVII - The Śaiva Philosophy in the Purāṇas]
Part 1 - The Literature and History of Southern Śaivism < [Chapter XXXIV - Literature of Southern Śaivism]
Part 1 - History and Literature of Vīra-śaivism < [Chapter XXXV - Vīra-śaivism]