Pasupati

Pasupati (Sanskrit: पशुपति) is a form of Shiva as the lord of all beings. The term 'pashu' refers to both animals and individual souls bound by ignorance, while 'pati' means lord or master. This concept is central to the Pasupata tradition, one of the oldest Shaiva sects, as expounded in the Pasupata Sutras. The Rigveda (1.32.8) invokes Rudra as 'pasupati' in the context of his protective and fierce aspects. In the Shiva Purana (Rudra Samhita), Shiva is described as the supreme pati who releases the pashu from the bonds of samsara.

Iconographically, Pasupati is depicted seated in a forest or on Mount Kailasa, surrounded by animals such as deer, lions, and serpents, symbolizing his sovereignty over all creatures. He holds a trishula (trident) and damaru (drum) in his four arms, with a peaceful and compassionate expression. The bull Nandi serves as his mount and constant companion. A principal myth associated with Pasupati is the story of the deer-hunting king who was transformed into a deer and later liberated by Shiva's grace, as narrated in the Skanda Purana. Another episode from the Mahabharata (Vana Parva) describes how Arjuna performed penance to obtain the Pasupatastra, a divine weapon representing Shiva's power over creation and destruction.

In Hindu cosmology, Pasupati embodies the relationship between the individual soul (pashu) and the supreme lord (pati), emphasizing the path of surrender and grace. Regional worship is especially prominent at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, one of the holiest Shaiva sites, where the deity is revered as the national deity. In South India, Pasupati is worshipped in many Shiva temples, often associated with forest and animal motifs. The mantra 'Om Paśupataye namaḥ' is chanted for protection and liberation. Festivals dedicated to Pasupati include Mahashivaratri, when devotees offer special prayers for the welfare of all beings.

Seated in forest, surrounded by animals. Four arms holding trishula and damaru. Peaceful, protective aspect.