Sadashiva
सदाशिव
The Eternally Auspicious
Supreme & Transcendental
Description
Sadashiva is the highest manifest form of the formless Parashiva, representing a state where the duality of subject and object begins to emerge. He is depicted with five faces and ten hands, representing the five holy acts (Panchakritya) of creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration (grace), and liberation (grace).
Meaning
The Eternally Auspicious
Significance
The highest active form of Shiva responsible for the cosmic functions, especially bestowing grace (Anugraha) and liberation. Often represented by the Mukhalingam.
Symbolism
Five Faces (Panchamukha)
Ten Hands (representing ten directions)
Divine cosmic functions (Panchakritya)
Luminous Form of subtle nature
Iconography
Faces
5
Hands
10
Posture
Usually seated or standing in yogic or blessing posture
Attributes
Represents the Panchakritya: Srishti (creation), Sthiti (preservation), Samhara (destruction), Tirobhava (concealment), Anugraha (grace/liberation)
Five faces represent the five directions (East, West, North, South, and Zenith)
Weapons
Trishula (Trident) (undefined: undefined)
Damaru (Drum) (undefined: undefined)
Akshamala (Rosary) (undefined: undefined)
Kamandalu (Water Pot) (undefined: undefined)
Abhaya Mudra (Gesture of Protection) (undefined: undefined)
Varada Mudra (Gesture of Blessing) (undefined: undefined)
Pustaka (Sacred Book) (undefined: undefined)
Flame (Agni) (undefined: undefined)
Snake (Naga) (undefined: undefined)
Lotus (undefined: undefined)
Mount
No specific mount; sometimes associated with bull (Nandi) or abstract divine presence
Philosophical Context
school: Shaiva Siddhanta,Kashmir Shaivism
description: Sadashiva is the highest manifest form of the formless Parashiva, representing a state where the duality of subject and object begins to emerge. He embodies both transcendence and limited manifestation.
relation to parashiva: Sadashiva emerges as the first expression of Parashiva, carrying forward the Supreme's will to create while retaining transcendence.
level: Turiya-Tita (Beyond the Fourth State)
Mantras
ॐ सदाशिवाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्
"Om. Let us meditate on the eternally auspicious Sadashiva. May the great Lord Mahadeva inspire and enlighten us."
Related Concepts
Shaiva Siddhanta
Panchakritya
Panchamukha
Anugraha (Grace)
Mukhalingam
Agamas