Worshiping Siva in Medieval India: Ritual in an Oscillating Universe

Saiva liturgy is a religious practice performed in a world that constantly oscillates. It is a world where the presence of Siva, a Hindu deity, is deeply ingrained, and humans exist in a state of bondage. The ultimate goal for the soul in this world is to achieve liberation from its limitations. Richard Davis, in his account of Indian temple rituals, utilizes medieval Hindu texts to depict the envisioned world of Saiva siddhanta and how daily worship reflects and operates within this world. Davis argues that this worship is more than just a series of ritualized actions; it is a daily practice that encompasses the core principles of cosmic Saiva philosophy. These principles include the cyclic pattern of creation and dissolution, the path for humans to attain liberation, the manifestation of divinity in the world, and the proper relationship between humanity and god. By delving into philosophical and ritual texts, Davis reconstructs the beliefs and intentions of a knowledgeable worshiper from the twelfth century. He highlights the fundamental Saiva belief that the human capacity to understand the world and the ability to act within it are two interconnected aspects of the unified power of consciousness.