The 36 Tattvas in Shaivism: Journey to Ultimate Reality
Shaivism, one of the most profound spiritual traditions in Hinduism, describes reality through 36 Tattvas (principles). These tattvas explain how the universe manifests from pure consciousness (Shiva) into the material world (Earth).
In Shaiva philosophy, existence is divided into three broad categories:
Śuddha Tattvas (Pure Reality) – Divine consciousness beyond limitations.
Śuddha-Aśuddha Tattvas (Mixed Reality) – The bridge between divine and material existence.
Aśuddha Tattvas (Impure Reality) – The physical world and human experience.
Shiva is the 36th and ultimate tattva, representing pure awareness and absolute reality. The journey through the tattvas is a spiritual evolution from material illusion to self-realization in Shiva-consciousness.
I. Śuddha Tattvas (Pure Reality – Divine Consciousness) [1-5]
These five tattvas represent the highest level of consciousness, beyond the limitations of the physical world.
1. Shiva Tattva (Pure Consciousness)
Shiva is the absolute reality, infinite and beyond creation. This is the state of pure being, free from limitations.
2. Shakti Tattva (Divine Energy of Shiva)
Shakti is the dynamic power of Shiva, the force that enables creation, preservation, and dissolution.
3. Sadashiva Tattva (Cosmic Awareness of Unity)
In this state, Shiva recognizes everything as "I am this", symbolizing unity in diversity.
4. Ishvara Tattva (The Lord’s Perception of the Universe)
Shiva perceives creation as separate from himself, yet remains the controlling force.
5. Shuddha Vidya Tattva (Pure Knowledge)
The balance between unity and separation, where the soul understands divine wisdom.
II. Śuddha-Aśuddha Tattvas (Mixed Reality – The Soul’s Limitations) [6-12]
These seven tattvas introduce illusion (Maya) and individual identity, which create limitations on the soul.
6. Maya Tattva (Illusion of Separation)
Maya creates the feeling of duality, making the soul believe it is separate from Shiva.
7. Kalā Tattva (Limited Power of Action)
Restricts the infinite potential of the soul, binding it to limited actions.
8. Vidyā Tattva (Limited Knowledge)
Creates the illusion that knowledge is acquired externally, instead of being self-realized.
9. Rāga Tattva (Attachment & Desire)
The soul develops attachments to experiences and material existence.
10. Kāla Tattva (Time – Past, Present, Future)
Time binds the soul to linear experience and cycles of birth and death.
11. Niyati Tattva (Space & Destiny)
Limits the freedom of movement and choices, creating fate and karma.
12. Puruṣa Tattva (The Individual Soul)
The soul, although divine, becomes individualized and limited.
III. Aśuddha Tattvas (Impure Reality – The Physical World) [13-36]
These twenty-four tattvas create the material universe and human experience.
Mental & Ego-Related Tattvas [13-16]
Prakṛti Tattva (Primordial Nature) – The source of material creation.
Buddhi Tattva (Intellect) – The power of discrimination and decision-making.
Ahaṁkāra Tattva (Ego) – The sense of "I" and individual identity.
Manas Tattva (Mind) – The faculty of thought, emotion, and perception.
Five Jñānendriyas (Sensory Organs) [17-21]
Śrotra Tattva (Hearing - Ears)
Tvak Tattva (Touch - Skin)
Cakṣus Tattva (Sight - Eyes)
Jihvā Tattva (Taste - Tongue)
Ghrāṇa Tattva (Smell - Nose)
Five Karmendriyas (Motor Organs) [22-26]
Vāk Tattva (Speech - Mouth)
Pāṇi Tattva (Grasping - Hands)
Pāda Tattva (Movement - Feet)
Pāyu Tattva (Excretion - Anus)
Upastha Tattva (Reproduction - Genitals)
Five Tanmātras (Subtle Elements) [27-31]
Śabda Tattva (Sound - Basis of Hearing)
Sparśa Tattva (Touch - Basis of Skin Sensations)
Rūpa Tattva (Form - Basis of Sight & Vision)
Rasa Tattva (Taste - Basis of Taste Perception)
Gandha Tattva (Smell - Basis of Scent Perception)
Five Mahābhūtas (Gross Elements) [32-36]
Ākāśa Tattva (Space/Ether) – The medium for sound and expansion.
Vāyu Tattva (Air) – The principle of movement and breath.
Agni Tattva (Fire) – Represents transformation and energy.
Jala Tattva (Water) – The principle of fluidity and emotions.
Pṛthvī Tattva (Earth – The First Manifested Tattva) – The solid foundation of physical existence.
Shiva – The Ultimate Reality (Beyond the Tattvas)
Shiva is the source and final destination of all tattvas. The goal of spiritual practice in Shaivism is to transcend these tattvas and merge back into Shiva-consciousness.
Meditation on the tattvas helps in overcoming illusion (Maya).
By realizing that the soul (Puruṣa) is not separate from Shiva, liberation (Moksha) is attained.
The physical world (Earth) is just the starting point of self-discovery, while Shiva is the final realization.
Conclusion: The Journey Through the 36 Tattvas
The 36 tattvas explain how pure consciousness (Shiva) manifests into the material world (Earth). By understanding and meditating on these tattvas, one can transcend the illusion of separateness and realize their true divine nature.
In Shaivism, the path to enlightenment is to go beyond limitations, dissolve the ego, and unite with Shiva, the ultimate reality beyond all tattvas.
May Shiva’s wisdom guide all seekers on their journey from the material world to spiritual awakening!
Om Namah Shivaya!
