Sivaprakasam by Umapathi Sivam

Saiva Santhana Acharyas
Saiva Santhana Acharyas L-R (St.Meikandar / St. Arulnandi Sivam / St. Maraignana Sambandar / St.Umapati Sivam)

St.Umapathi Sivam, the 4th in the lineage of Phura Santanakuravar; is a dikshitar of Chidambaram temple and a disciple of Marainyana Sambanthar. St. Umapathi Sivam has been able to summarise the substance of saiva siddhanta philosophy in one hundred stanzas in Sivapragasam.

The work starts with preface of stanzas dedicated for Lord Nadaraja, Goddess Sivagamiyammai of Thillai, Lord Vinayaga and Lord Muruga. The lineage of Kailayaparambarai and author’s guru St.Marainyana Sambanthar has been mentioned in the following stanzas.


The work describing the nature of Saiva Siddhantha is remarkably comprehensive. According to Saiva Siddhantha philosophy, the soul in the state of mukthi, identifies itself with Siva as it had indentified itself with anava mala at the earlier stage as ‘sakala’. In this stage the soul merges with Siva but without losing its individuality.

  • The 1st sutras further explains the nature of God, purpose of forms of God and the Aintholil or the five functions.
  • The 2nd sutra elaborates the impurity Anavam, Mayai and Karmam. He explains how this body is obtained through the grace of God based on our Karma. The 36 tattvas are also explained further in this sutras.
  • The 3rd Sutra explains about the nature of souls, its intelligence and characteristics.
  • The 4th sutra explains the soul of Kevalam, Sakala and Suddha in the waking, dream, deep sleep, hyper sleep and beyond. ( Jakartham, Soppanam, Susupthi, Thuriyam and Thuriyadeetham )
  • The 5th sutra explains the realization for souls and its capabilities to know when it is taught.
  • The 6th, 7th and 8th sutra gives further elaboration about Nyanam ( Knowledge or Wisdom ) for the soul, the nature of Nyanam, its functions and benefits for the soul.
  • The 9th sutra explains why the intention of souls who obtained Siva’s grace wants to be as equal to Lord Siva ( Sivasamavathigal) in performing the five functions is not appropriate and not logical.
  • The 10th, 11th and 12th sutras explains the process of the soul attaining realisation and liberated from anavam and kanmam impurities. Here author also explains the greatness of Panjakshara and how it has an impact on souls when it is being recited.

Source : Basics of Saivism & Saiva Siddhantam: 14 Meykanda Sastras (saivaphilosophy.blogspot.com)