Shiva kalā
Introduction
Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Foundations of Shiva kalā
- 3 Levels of Shiva kalā Sadhana
- 4 Shiva kalā and the Knowledge of Agama-Nigama
- 5 Origin & History of Shiva kalā
- 6 The Supreme Wisdom of Shiva kalā
- 7 Transmission of Shiva kalā in Siddha Dharma
- 8 Shiva kalā in Kulant Peeth
- 9 Secret of Sumeru
- 10 Sumeru in Siddha Dharma
- 11 Maha Siddhas of Shiva kalā
- 12 Gods and Goddesses of Meru
- 13 Kubera Jamool & Shiva kalā
- 14 Shiva kalā Mandala
- 15 Approach to Shiva kalā Mandala Sadhana
- 16 Eligibility for Shiva kalā
- 17 Mastery of the Three Charyas
- 18 Guru Mandala Traya Sadhana & Virakta Bhava
Shiva kalā is a profound sadhana practice in the Kulant Himalayan Siddha Tradition. The term is derived from:
- Shiva – Referring to Bhagwan Swachanda Bhairava, also known as Rudra, Mahesha and Bhagwan Shiva.
- kalā – Representing knowledge infused with Shakti, the divine energy.
Shiva kalā is a Tantrik sadhana rooted in Deva Dharma, guiding the practitioner toward moksha (liberation) and merging into Shiva Parabrahma. It is not merely a practice but a grand sadhana, encompassing an entire lifestyle based on esoteric Tantrik wisdom.
The Foundations of Shiva kalā
Shiva kalā is structured upon two fundamental principles:
- Samudra Manthana – The great churning, symbolizing the extraction of divine essence through intense effort.
- Sumeru Parvata – The spiritual axis, where all Agama-Nigama tantrik knowledge is encoded in a summarised form.
Levels of Shiva kalā Sadhana
The path of Shiva kalā is highly intricate, consisting of multiple levels:
- Foundational Levels – Available to practitioners to begin their journey.
- Ati Guhyachara (Highest Esoteric Path) – The advanced levels, kept extremely secretive, accessible only to the rarest of the rare who attain the required eligibility and preparedness.
The top four levels are deeply hidden and not easily accessible. Only those who progress through the initial stages with dedication and spiritual depth can enter these esoteric realms.
Shiva kalā and the Knowledge of Agama-Nigama
Shiva kalā is also named so because Shiva has encapsulated all Agama-Nigama wisdom into a coded summary. By truly understanding Sumeru, a sadhaka spontaneously attains the entire knowledge of Agama and Nigama.
- Nitya Agama-Nigama Conversations – Sumeru is where the eternal transmission of divine knowledge takes place.
- Ever-Present Wisdom – Even today, those who undertake Sumeru sadhana can access the sadhana of Shiva kalā, which contains the wisdom of all Deva Mandalas (divine realms).
Maha Siddha Hiranyagarbha Nath is the parampara guru of this sadhana. He received this sacred knowledge through the divine conversation between Swachhanda Bhairava and Devi Kurukulla, where the esoteric essence of Shiva kalā was revealed.
Origin & History of Shiva kalā
The Dilemma of the Maha Siddhas
Many Maha Siddhas and disciples of Maha Siddha Hiranyagarbha Nath felt disheartened by the complexity of Siddha Dharma. The vastness of the divine hierarchy—with numerous Devi, Devata, Bhuta, Preta, Kinnar, Kirata, Apsara, Yaali, Vyaali, Maari Gana, Gandharva, Aali, Marichi, Naag Gana, Garuda Gana, Agni Gana, Guhya Gana, Yogini Gana, Maha Vidya Gana, Matrika Gana, and many others—made them question:
- Where do all these divine beings reside?
- What is the secret behind their existence and spread across the universe?
- Where are their realms located?
- How can one navigate the intricate web of diverse sadhanas dedicated to them?
The Siddhas were eager to find a singular source of wisdom that could unravel the mystery of all divine beings.
Maha Siddha Hiranyagarbha Nath’s Revelation
Hearing these questions, Maha Siddha Hiranyagarbha Nath, an ancient and enlightened Maha Siddha, responded:
“Only Mahadeva can reveal the answer to these mysteries.”
He further added that this very topic was being discussed at Maha Kailasha in a divine conversation between Swachhanda Bhairava and Bhagawati Kurukulla. Realising the significance of this discourse, Maha Siddha Hiranyagarbha Nath led the other Maha Siddhas to Kailash to witness it firsthand.
The Divine Conversation at Maha Kailasha
At Maha Kailasha, the Siddhas witnessed a sacred moment:
- Bhagwan Shiva (Swachanda Bhairava) sat upon a Sphatika Shila (crystal stone), spread with tiger skin, surrounded by glittering gems.
- Bhagawati Kurukulla sat beside him on another gem-laden throne, draped in yellow garments, while Shiva adorned white robes, golden jewelry, and sacred ash.
- The resonance of the Maha Damaru filled the cosmic space.
Shiva was imparting the knowledge of Maha Meru to Devi Kurukulla. He revealed that Shiva kalā is the key to understanding Maha Meru, which holds the secrets of the entire cosmos.
Bhagwan Shiva declared:
“Maha Meru is the navel of the universe, the abode of all Devi, Devata, and divine Shakti. The one who attains the knowledge of Maha Meru realises my Parabrahma form, transcends all worldly bondages, and spontaneously attains absolute wisdom, power, and liberation.”
Devi Kurukulla then asked:
“How can a human-born being achieve this supreme realization?”
To this, Shiva replied:
“The sadhana of Maha Meru is the Sadhana of Shiva kalā.”
Shiva kalā & The Churning Process (Samudra Manthan)
Shiva further explained that Maha Meru Sadhana is accomplished through an internal process akin to Samudra Manthana (the churning of the cosmic ocean):
- Just as the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean to obtain the 14 celestial jewels,
- A yogi churns the inner ocean of the subtle body (Tantra Yukta Naadi Manthan).
Through this inner churning, the yogi gains divine insights, awakens siddhis (spiritual attainments), and attains the divine body. Once this transformation occurs, the Maha Meru reveals itself, a realm even beyond the comprehension of the Devas.
The Supreme Wisdom of Shiva kalā
Bhagwan Shiva proclaimed:
“Shiva kalā is the wisdom of immortality—the supreme nectar for Devas and Siddhas alike. It is the greatest knowledge of Yoga and Tantra. The one who understands Shiva kalā, understands me completely.”
As Shiva revealed to Devi Kurukulla:
“Maha Meru is your very form.”
With this profound revelation, Shiva bestowed divine vision upon Devi, allowing her to witness and absorb the complete wisdom of Maha Meru.
Thus, Shiva kalā became the supreme knowledge of Tantra, the key to transcendence, and the path to ultimate realization in Siddha Dharma.
Upon hearing these revelations, the Maha Siddhas absorbed this sacred wisdom.
Transmission of Shiva kalā in Siddha Dharma
After Devi Kurukulla completed her Maha Meru Sadhana, she bestowed this wisdom upon the Maha Siddhas. This marked the beginning of the Shiva kalā tradition in Siddha Dharma.
The Maha Siddhas, after receiving Deeksha (initiation) from Devi Kurukulla, experienced a profound transformation:
- Their Sukshma Shareer (subtle body) emerged as a radiant light body.
- They traveled to Maha Meru in an instant.
- In a flash of divine realization, they absorbed the complete knowledge of Maha Meru.
- They returned to their physical bodies, now empowered with the secrets of past births and liberation.
Shiva kalā in Kulant Peeth
According to MahaSiddha Ishaputra, the present head (Kaulantak Nath) of Kulant Peetha, Shiva kalā is among the 21 principal sadhanas of Kulant Peeth.
- Only the most advanced Tantriks and Yogis are capable of understanding and undertaking this sadhana.
- All Devi, Devata, Gana sadhanas are encompassed within Maha Meru Sadhana.
- The one who realises Maha Meru, ultimately attains the knowledge of all divine beings and their cosmic structure.
Secret of Sumeru
Sumeru Parvat holds a place of profound reverence not only in Siddha Dharma but also in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, as well as other spiritual lineages connected to Sanatana Dharma.
Sumeru in Siddha Dharma
In Siddha Dharma, Sumeru is of supreme significance. It is so sacred that:
- The top bead of a mala (rosary) represents Sumeru and is never crossed during mantra chanting as a sign of reverence.
- All divine forces originate from Sumeru and descend to the earthly realm to guide humanity.
Various Traditions and Views on Sumeru
Different traditions hold diverse views regarding the location and nature of Sumeru.Some believe Sumeru is a mountain surrounded by four mountains.Others describe it as being encircled by eight mountains.
In Siddha Dharma, Sumeru is believed to be between six mountains.
Some equate Mount Kailash with Maha Meru or Sumeru.Others believe Meru exists in Uttarakhand or Java as physical mountains.
However, Siddha Dharma teaches that Sumeru Parvat is not a physical mountain but an invisible realm, existing beyond the material world.
Sumeru – The Divine Cosmic Axis
According to Siddha Dharma, Sumeru Parvat is 84,000 yojanas in height, existing in an ethereal plane above Kailash. It is vast, extending in a circular form, unseen by the human eye.
- Meru Prishthiya Shri Yantra, a sacred Shakta form, represents Sumeru where Devi Kurukulla resides at the peak.
- When Shiva manifests as Parabrahma, he appoints Padmajaa Brahma as the king of Sumeru, entrusting him with its governance.
In Siddha Dharma, Bhagwan Vishnu is revered as Kacchapa, residing at the base of Meru, ascending through its divine realms up to top where Padmajaa Brahma reside, with Shiva as the supreme Parabrahma above the top.
Sumeru and Samudra Manthan – The Inner Churning
The concept of Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) is deeply connected to Sumeru Sadhana:
- Daitya Guru Shukracharya obtained the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya, resurrecting fallen Asuras.
- To counteract this, the Devas churned the cosmic ocean to obtain Amrita (nectar of immortality).
Similarly, in Siddha Dharma, the term Samudra represents the stomach, and Kacchapa (Tortoise) symbolizes Muladhara (root chakra).
- The Mathani (churning rod) represents Kundalini Shakti.
- As Kundalini rises, it moves between Krodha Svar represents Daitya or surya and Chandra Shanta svara or Deva Surya, signifying the Pingala and Ida nadis.
- In Tantrachara, one does Dakini rituals and Agni Dhyana awaken the four-petalled Muladhara chakra, leading to the gradual unfolding of divine gems (siddhis).
This is a guhya (esoteric) practice, not merely a yogic sadhana. It involves:
- Tantra visualizations
- Rituals invoking Dakinis and companion Shaktis
- Interaction with divine forces within the subtle nadis
Shiva kalā holds the key to awakening this hidden energy, revealing the supreme secrets of Sumeru.
Sumeru – The Source of All Devi-Devatas
According to Dev Dharma, Maha Siddha Kosher Nath states that all Devi-Devatas originate from Sumeru and are sent by Bhagwan Shiva for the welfare of beings.
- During Pausha Maas, it is believed that Devi-Devatas enter deep Samadhi, withdrawing to Sumeru or Maha Sumeru via Kailash.
- During this period, their worship is paused, as their divine essence ascends beyond the earthly plane.
- After some time in Sumeru, they return to the mortal world, manifesting in Ansha (partial forms) to guide and uplift human civilization.
Thus, all divine manifestations, forms, and energies originate from Sumeru and are instrumental in sustaining dharma and cosmic harmony.
The Significance of Sumeru in Mantra Sadhana
- All Devi-Devata pujas can be fulfilled through Sumeru Sadhana.
- This is why the Sumeru bead is placed at the top of a mala.
- When performing mantra japa, one touches Sumeru in reverence, acknowledging that all divine forces originate from there.
By offering mantras at Sumeru, even the unseen and unknown divine forces receive their due respect, honouring the sacred origin of all spiritual energies.
Maha Siddhas of Shiva kalā
The Lineage of Sumeru Sadhana
The sacred path of Maha Sumeru Sadhana was first established by Maha Siddha Hiranyagarbha Nath, who received this wisdom from the divine conversation between Swachhanda Bhairava and Devi Kurukulla.
His direct disciples continued the tradition, refining and transmitting Shiva kalā Sadhana through the Siddha Dharma lineage.
The 33 Maha Siddhas of Shiva kalā Sadhana
Over time, 33 Maha Siddhas played a crucial role in expanding and preserving Shiva kalā Sadhana. They dedicated their lives to:
- Deepening their realization of Maha Meru
- Passing down the sacred knowledge to the most qualified practitioners
- Refining the sadhana methodologies
This path is not open to all—only those with 30-40 years of dedicated sadhana experience are considered qualified to undertake Maha Sumeru Sadhana.
| SL No. | Mahāsiddha Name (IAST) | Mahāsiddha Name (Devanagari) | Name of Charyas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahāsiddha Vimalakeśa Nātha | महासिद्ध विमलकेश नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 2 | Mahāsiddha Auḍrakālī Nātha | महासिद्ध औड्रकाली नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 3 | Mahāsiddha Bhūañjanī Nātha | महासिद्ध भूअंजनी नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 4 | Mahāsiddhā Mahāmekhalā Nātha | महासिद्धा महामेखला नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 5 | Mahāsiddhā Mṛgahara Nātha | महासिद्धा मृगहरा नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 6 | Mahāsiddha Sthāpita Nātha | महासिद्ध स्थापित नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 7 | Mahāsiddha Kalpakumbha Nātha | महासिद्ध कल्पकुम्भ नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 8 | Mahāsiddha Atilocana Nātha | महासिद्ध अतिलोचन नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 9 | Mahāsiddha Jugārti Nātha | महासिद्ध जुगार्ति नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 10 | Mahāsiddha Nāgakalpa Nātha | महासिद्ध नागकल्प नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 11 | Mahāsiddha Śyāmamaṇi Nātha | महासिद्ध श्याममणि नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 12 | Mahāsiddha Bhukhecara Nātha | महासिद्ध भुखेचर नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 13 | Mahāsiddha Taḍitāṅga Nātha | महासिद्ध तडितांग नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 14 | Mahāsiddha Tryāgni Nātha | महासिद्ध त्र्याग्नि नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 15 | Mahāsiddha Vibhumūla Nātha | महासिद्ध विभुमूल नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 16 | Mahāsiddhā Kalpacaṇḍī Nātha | महासिद्धा कल्पचण्डी नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 17 | Mahāsiddha Yantrālī Nātha | महासिद्ध यंत्राली नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 18 | Mahāsiddha Dhvajakīrti Nātha | महासिद्ध ध्वजकीर्ती नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 19 | Mahāsiddha Araṇyadhara Nātha | महासिद्ध अरण्यधर नाथ | Tantracharya |
| 20 | Mahāsiddha Kṣīrabodha Nātha | महासिद्ध क्षीरबोध नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 21 | Mahāsiddhā Meghamandā Nātha | महासिद्धा मेघमंदा नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 22 | Mahāsiddha Caraketu Nātha | महासिद्ध चरकेतु नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 23 | Mahāsiddha Jalamūrti Nātha | महासिद्ध जलमूर्ति नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 24 | Mahāsiddha Rakṣamāla Nātha | महासिद्ध रक्षमाल नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 25 | Mahāsiddha Bhadralinga Nātha | महासिद्ध भद्रलिंग नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 26 | Mahāsiddha Vākamūla Nātha | महासिद्ध वाकमूल नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 27 | Mahāsiddha Naṭalokī Nātha | महासिद्ध नटलोकी नाथ | Yogacharya |
| 28 | Mahāsiddha Sambhūta Nātha | महासिद्ध सम्भूत नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 29 | Mahāsiddhā Atiraṅgā Nātha | महासिद्धा अतिरंगा नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 30 | Mahāsiddha Jaḍayogī Nātha | महासिद्ध जड़योगी नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 31 | Mahāsiddha Kūkāhāri Nātha | महासिद्ध कूकाहरि नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 32 | Mahāsiddhā Rudrānvikā Nātha | महासिद्धा रुद्रान्विका नाथ | Tapascharya |
| 33 | Mahāsiddha Maṅgalamata Nātha | महासिद्ध मंगलमत नाथ | Tantracharya |
The Refinement of Yogic & Tantric Systems
Through the efforts of the Maha Siddhas, the practice of Shiva kalā led to the:
- Design and refinement of advanced Yogic techniques
- Establishment of intricate Tantric rituals
- Systematisation of Mudra practices
These Maha Siddhas harmonized the vast body of spiritual knowledge, ensuring that Shiva kalā Sadhana remained a comprehensive and transformative system within Siddha Dharma.
Gods and Goddesses of Meru
Sumeru Parvata is not only home to Sattvik Devi-Devatas known in Hindu Dharma, but also to various divine beings from different realms.
There are Devi-Devatas worshipped in Patala, Rasatala, and other worlds, beyond what is commonly known.
In Siddha Dharma, these divine beings are categorized based on their realm and function.
Kubera Jamool & Shiva kalā
Sumeru has four distinct faces, each with its own nature and color:
- East – Made of crystal
- West – Formed of ruby
- North – Composed of gold
- South – Made of lazuli
The protector of Sumeru is Kubera—no one can enter without his blessings.
Kubera – The Bestower of Divine Wealth
Kubera governs Dhan and Sampada (material and spiritual wealth). In Siddha Dharma, Kubera is the adhipati (lord) of divine qualities, such as:
- Prema (love)
- Daya (compassion)
- Nobility and righteousness
- Sajjanata (goodness) and helping nature
True wealth also includes understanding, logic, debate (Tarka Shastra), singing, dancing, and fine arts. Through Kubera Sadhana, one attains these inner and outer riches.
Kubera as Jamool – The Unlocker of Shiva kalā
In Siddha Dharma, Kubera is also known as Jamool.
- Jama Mool refers to the infinite fire pillar (Agni Stambha).
- This pillar holds Jam Beej (upward ascent) and Kham Beej (downward descent).
- Since the beginning of creation, Jamool has presided over all essential elements.
- Kubera (Jamool) is the key to unlocking Shiva kalā.
Shiva has placed Kubera as the guardian of this infinite knowledge. To enter Shiva kalā Sadhana, one must first perform Jamool Kubera Sadhana.
The Form of Jamool Kubera in Siddha Dharma
In Siddha Dharma, Kubera is visualized in a unique form:
- Seated on a white horse
- Fat-bodied, like a king
- Holding a Dharma flag in one hand and a sword in the other
- Wearing a crown adorned with jewels and feathers
- A divine fire blazing behind him
- Clouds beneath the white horse’s feet
This distinct form of Kubera is not commonly found in other traditions, but in Siddha Dharma, he is revered as the deity who unlocks the wisdom of Shiva kalā.
Shiva kalā Mandala
The Shiva kalā Mandala consists of multiple cosmic layers, each representing different realms of existence.
The Layers of the Mandala
This mandala is known from outside towards inside in these distinct mandala layers realm.
In Shiva Kala Sadhana, Sumeru is depicted as a circular mandala. All the great Siddhas of the Himalayas, who advance the practice of Shiva Kala through Tantrachrya, engage in the sadhana of this very mandala. This mandala consists of 15 principal enclosures(Aavaran). Vajra Mandala is also contained within it.
| SL No. | Layer’s Name | Layer’s Name(Devanagari) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aakaasha Mandala(Outer Space) | आकाश मण्डल |
| 2 | Agni Mandala(Fire Realm) | अग्नि मण्डल |
| 3 | Dhumra Mandala(Smoke Realm) | धूम्र मण्डल |
| 4 | Prithvi Mandala(Earth Realm) | पृथ्वी मण्डल |
| 5 | Jala Tattva Mandala(Water Realm) – Positioned above the earth realm. |
जल तत्त्व मण्डल |
| 6 | Tamas Mandala(Darkness Realm) – Lies in front of the Jala Mandala. |
तमस मण्डल |
| 7 | Asura Mandala(Realm of Asuras) | असुर मण्डल |
| 8 | Naag Mandala(Serpent Realm) | नाग मण्डल |
| 9 | Jeeva Mandala (Humans, Animals, Plants Realm) | जीव मण्डल |
Beyond the Jeeva Mandala, one ascends into Divya Loka (Celestial Realm), which is further divided into four parts:
| SL No. | Layer’s Name | Layer’s Name(Devanagari) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitri Mandala – The realm of ancestors | पितृ मण्डल |
| 2 | Dev Mandala – The realm of celestial beings | देव मण्डल |
| 3 | Guru Mandala – The domain of spiritual masters. | गुरु मण्डल |
| 4 | Tri Dev Mandala (Shakti Mandala) – The highest divine trinity realm. | त्रिदेव मण्डल |
At the subtlest level, lies the:
| SL No. | Layer’s Name | Layer’s Name(Devanagari) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sookshma Mandala(Formless, Nirguna Mandala) – Beyond name and form. | सूक्ष्म मण्डल |
| 2 | Para Brahma Mandala (Bindu) – The ultimate cosmic point of pure consciousness. | पर ब्रह्म मण्डल |
Beneath these mandalas, Kurma (Cosmic Tortoise) rests upon the ocean, holding the Sumeru Mountain. Around Sumeru, Vasuki Naag is coiled.
Approach to Shiva kalā Mandala Sadhana
- Baahyachaar Tantra Puja – External rituals performed over months in the karmakanda tradition.
- Yogachara Dhyana Sadhana – Internal meditation practices aligning with Shiva kalā wisdom.
Eligibility for Shiva kalā
To undertake Shiva kalā Sadhana, one must be deeply established in the tradition and empowered through Deeksha and Sadhana. The practitioner must possess both knowledge and experience in specific spiritual paths.
Required Accomplishments in Tantric Traditions
A sadhaka must have expertise in the following Tantric and Siddha lineages:
| SL No. | Tradition’s Name | Tradition’s Name (Devanagari) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aghora | अघोर |
| 2 | Vaama | वाम |
| 3 | Kapālik | कपालिक |
| 4 | Pāśupata | पाशुपत |
| 5 | Lakulīśa (Lakular) | लकुलीश (लकुलर) |
| 6 | Kubja (Kubjikā) | कुब्ज (कुब्जिका) |
| 7 | Dakṣiṇa Tantra | दक्षिण |
| 8 | Kaula | कौल |
| 9 | Siddha | सिद्ध |
| 10 | Akula | अकुल |
| 11 | Miśra | मिश्र |
Additional Knowledge Requirements
The aspirant should also have a foundational understanding of various allied sciences and arts, including:
- Prabandha and Dhrupad
- Sangeeta (Music)
- Yudhavidya (Martial arts)
- Jyotisha (Astrology)
- Yogakaushala (Mastery in Yogic practices)
- Mantra Maarga (Sacred sound science)
- Rasayana (Alchemy)
- Ayurveda (Traditional healing science)
Mastery of the Three Charyas
A sadhaka must also be well-versed in the three fundamental disciplines:
- Tapas Charya – The path of austerity and inner purification.
- Yogacharya – The path of spiritual discipline through Yogic methods.
- Tantracharya – The path of Tantric knowledge and esoteric practice.
Guru Mandala Traya Sadhana & Virakta Bhava
- One must have successfully accomplished Guru Mandala Traya Sadhana.
- The aspirant must cultivate a Virakta Bhava (detached spiritual attitude).
Only those who fulfill these criteria are considered eligible to undertake Shiva kalā Sadhana.