Page 179 - Hinduism

influence in Bengal and Assam, as well as in Malabar.
A variant of the Saivite philosophy, which developed in Kashmir, is known as the Pratyabhijna system. Here, Siva is the subject as well as the object, the experiencer as well as the experienced. As the consciousness on which all this resultant world is established from where it issues is free in its nature, it cannot be restricted anywhere. As it moves in the differentiated states of waking, sleeping, etc., identifying itself with them, it never falls from its true nature as the knower.
IX.19 Saivite sects
The development of Vaishnavism saw a parallel development of the Saiva theism. A distinctive philosophy of Saiva Siddhanta was evolved about the 11th century. The Saiva Agamas were based on the Vedic concept of Rudra. A large number of inspired writers in the Tamil country were headed by Manikkavasagar. All their works have been collected and are venerated by the South Indian Saivites. The first part of this collection, Tevaram, contains the hymns of Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. The second part mainly comprises Manikkavasagar's Tiruvasakam. Sixty three Saiva saints are recognized and their lives are recounted in the Periya Puranam.
Saiva Siddhanta is one of the most influential and intrinsically valuable of the religious writings in India.
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