Parashakti

This article is about the Saivite concept. For Supreme being form of Shaktism, seeAdi Parashakti.For other uses, seeParasakthi (disambiguation).

Parashati idol in a temple.

Parashakti(IAST:Paraśakti,Sanskrit:पराशक्ति)orParāis one of the three chief goddesses inTrikasystem ofKashmir Shaivismalong with Aparā and Parparā.InSiddhanticperspective, Parashakti is the counterpart of Paramshiva. Paramshiva is used to describe the ultimate form ofShiva.Parashakti is the power of this primordial Shiva, who is emanated by Paramshiva.Adi Parashaktiis used to describe the ultimate form ofParvati.Parashakti is an all-pervasive, pure consciousness, power, and primal substance of all that exists and it has Mahamaya-form, unlikeParashivawhich is formless.A Parashakti as the supreme being of puranicShaktismand ofSri Vidyaobtained the nameAdi Parashaktiand Maheshvari-Devi.

Trishulabja Yantra used in Trika worship, Parashakti symbolizes central prong of Trident

Parā in Trika

Main article:Trika

Trika is a Non-SaiddhanticMantra MargicSaivite sect praising Parā, Aparā and Parāparā as three supreme goddesses. These three represent the three prongs of Shiva'sTrishulaand they can be meditated in Trishulabja Mandala. The three aspects are emerging from Kulesvari Matrrusadbhava. Para means the highest form and beyond the range of human understanding while it loses its supremacy and manifestsParapara,the mediocre level. While it further loses its strength it becomes Apara.These three aspects symbolizes Shiva, Shakti and Atman in philosophical perspective of Trika.

Para in Siddhanta

Main article:Saiva Siddhanta

According to Saiva Siddhanta, the lower part (pedestal) ofShiva lingamrepresents parashakti while upper part (oval stone) representsparashiva.

Para in Shaktism

Main article:Adi Parashakti

See also

• Paramashiva
• Trika
• Adi parashakti