Shasta
शास्ता
Shasta is the sixth of the Ekadasha Rudras of Lord Shiva — the righteous instructor, disciplinarian, and divine protector of dharma. He is both a guardian and a spiritual teacher who upholds cosmic law through wisdom, strength, and moral clarity. Shasta is revered as a synthesis of Shiva’s commanding presence and Vishnu’s righteous compassion, often manifested to restore balance in eras of moral decay.
Shasta symbolizes the **cosmic principle of righteous discipline (niyama)**, **law enforcement of karma**, and **benevolent authority**. As a divine enforcer, he commands respect not through fear, but through **virtuous authority, sacred guidance, and just protection** of the weak and virtuous.
When the Devas were overwhelmed by Adharmic forces that broke the laws of cosmic order, Shiva manifested Shasta as a righteous warrior-sage to **re-establish discipline and moral clarity**. In many traditions, Shasta is also described as the **divine offspring of Shiva and Vishnu in Mohini form**, embodying both power and harmony.
Source Texts:
Appearance: Shasta is depicted as a **young, radiant warrior** or sage with a **gentle yet commanding presence**. He may be seen seated on a white tiger or horse, holding scriptures in one hand and weapons like a bow or sword in the other. Sometimes shown in yogic posture, his eyes shine with truth and moral certainty.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
White Horse or Tiger
Direction
South
Element
Earth + Ether (Prithvi + Akasha)
Shasta represents Niyama, the internal discipline essential for liberation. In Vedantic terms, he is the cosmic embodiment of Satya (truth), Nyaya (justice), and Dharma (law). He reveals that true power is rooted in wisdom, and freedom is attained through self-discipline. As a Rudra, he upholds moral order with compassion, not control.
ॐ शास्त्रे नमः
Translation: Om, salutations to Shasta, the divine instructor and law-giver.
Used for spiritual discipline, dharmic clarity, and righteous leadership.
ॐ धर्मशास्त्राय विद्महे न्यायमूर्तये धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Translation: We meditate upon Dharma Shasta, the embodiment of justice; may that Rudra guide us on the path of righteousness.
Major Temples
Sabarimala Temple - Kerala, India
Sacred temple of Ayyappa (Shasta) — one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world. Pilgrims observe strict vratas to invoke Shasta’s blessings.
Hariharaputra Temple - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Temples dedicated to Shasta in his combined Harihara form.
Festivals
Mandala Pooja & Makaravilakku: Sacred observances linked to Shasta's Ayyappa incarnation. Involves 41-day vratas (disciplines), barefoot pilgrimage, and community harmony.