The Shaiva Siddhanta tradition was practiced all over India initially but after Muslim dominion in the North, it was mainly restricted to South India where it merged with the Bhakti movement of the Nayanmars. The reason for its popularity is that its teachings and doctrines are considered to be very logical and scientific. There is no place for superstition or blind faith. It postulates three entities Lord, Jiva and the relationship between the two through maya. The jivas can transcend maya only by the grace of Lord Shiva through a guru who has already been liberated. Liberation can be achieved through serving the Lord, performing devotional tasks, practice of yoga and meditation and through the path of knowledge. After liberation the jivas experience bliss and though duality between lord Shiva and the jiva still exists, the unity of experience prevails. The jivas who become free continue to live on the earth, maintaining inner purity and practicing austerities.
The first Guru of Shaiva Siddhantam was Nandinatha followed by Tirumular who was instrumental in making it popular in South India by emphasizing the devotional aspect.
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