Shatsthala
The concept of Shatsthala or six Phases/States/Paths is pivotal to the Lingayat philosophy. Shatsthala is a conflation of Shat and Sthala which means 'six phases/states/levels' through which a soul advances in its ultimate quest of realisation of the Supreme. The Shatsthala comprises the Bhakta Sthala, Maheshwara Sthala, Prasadi Sthala, Pranalingi Sthala, Sharana Sthala and the Aikya Sthala.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Shatsthala' Start a new discussion about 'Shatsthala' Answer questions from other users |
Shatsthala
The concept of Shatsthala or six Phases/States/Paths is pivotal to the Lingayat philosophy.
Shatsthala is a conflation of
Shat and
Sthala which means 'six phases/states/levels' through which a soul advances in its ultimate quest of realisation of the Supreme. The Shatsthala comprises the
Bhakta Sthala,
Maheshwara Sthala,
Prasadi Sthala,
Pranalingi Sthala,
Sharana Sthala and the
Aikya Sthala. The
Aikya Sthala is the culmination where the soul leaves the physical body and merges with the Supreme.
While the origins of the
Shatsthala may be traced to the
AgamasAgama means, in the Hindu context, "a traditional doctrine, or system which commands faith".-Place in Hinduism:In Hinduism, the Agamas are an enormous collection of Sanskrit scriptures which are revered. The Agamas are the primary source and authority for yoga methods and instruction. The Shaiva...
particularly the
Parameshwaratantra, with the evolution of Veerashaivism, the evolution of concept of Shatsthala was also unavoidable. While Basavanna understood Shatsthala as a process with various stages to be attained in succession, the credit of refuting this and redefining
Shatsthala goes to
ChannabasavannaChannabasavanna was Basavanna's nephew and one of the foremost Shivasharanas of the 12th century. He along with Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Akka Mahadevi played a pivotal role in the propagation of the Veerashaiva faith...
, Basavanna's nephew.
ChannabasavannaChannabasavanna was Basavanna's nephew and one of the foremost Shivasharanas of the 12th century. He along with Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Akka Mahadevi played a pivotal role in the propagation of the Veerashaiva faith...
differed radically from his uncle and held that a soul can reach its salvation in any stage.