Shiva Beyond Borders: The Cross-Cultural Evolution of Proto-Shaivism

di Dr. Nawa Raj Subba (Autore)

Dr. Nawa Raj Subba, 2025

Book Introduction The scholarly yet multidimensional and original research work, "Shiva Beyond Borders: The Cross-Cultural Evolution of Proto-Shaivism - A Comparative Study of Philosophy, Symbolism, and Global Traditions," written by Dr. Nawa Raj Subba, is truly a text that elucidates the philosophical, cultural, and symbolic significance of Proto-Shaiva traditions in ancient civilisations beyond lines of Indian subcontinent context. This book places Shiva back on the global map to investigate the correlations in symbolism, rituals, and philosophy all over the world of ancient Africa, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Middle East, and the Indus Valley, among other early civilisations. In the first chapter, we offer the background, purpose, methods, and philosophical lens of the book. It examines Shiva's tripartite role as creator, destroyer, and preserver, interpreting his symbols such as the Lingam, Trident, and Nandi in an interdisciplinary, cross-culturally metaphysical context. Natural elements, yoga elements, and ecological aspects are among the mentioned themes. Chapter Two examines the prevalence of Proto-Shaiva elements among African civilisations. Chapter 5 then explores horned gods, fertility cults, possession, and syncretism, with an emphasis on parallels between Min (of Egypt) and possibly Shiva. It implies that Shaiva-like customs may have developed independently or by means of intercultural contact. The third chapter is on Mesopotamia. The chapter explores gods (like Enki) and ritual elements (like lingam-shaped pillars, bull iconography (like Nandi), etc.). The chapter delves into important questions regarding potential links between Mesopotamian practices and Proto-Shaiva traditions, including a comparative assessment of deities like Adad and Enlil. Chapter Four: Exploration of early Middle Eastern traditions, including the Proto-Elamite and Canaanite cultures. The existence of yogic postures, ascetic practices, sacred woods, and fire rituals indicates thematical resemblances with the esoteric nucleus of Shaivism. We explore these practices through a performative intercultural symbolic prism. In Chapter Five, you examine archaeological finds linked to the Indus Valley civilisation. The famous Pashupati seal, lingam worship, ritual bathing, yoga postures in artefacts, and water symbolism all hint that Shaiva philosophy probably predated the Vedic period. The chapter offers cross-cultural comparison with ancient traditions. Chapter Six contains theoretical insights and global parallels. It explores whether Shaiva concepts were developed autonomously or through cultural diffusion and weighs the significance of proto-Shaivism in modern-day religious studies. The closing chapter ends with a lasting influence of Shaiva thought. It talks about ecological episteme, religious pluralism, and the unifying power of Shaiva philosophy. It is also on a multi-science agenda for future research. In addition, the appendices include a catalogue of archaeological evidence, works of art, terms, and chronological sequences underpinning the book's research framework. More than just a rereading of ancient religious and cultural paradigms, Dr. Nawa Raj Subba's work was a theoretical claim. It reframes Shiva as a global spiritual archetype embedded in the shared experiences, symbols, and metaphysical quests of many ancient civilisations. This book will be a learnt and essential resource for scholars of religion, history, philosophy, and comparative symbols.

• Autore: Dr. Nawa Raj Subba
• Anno edizione: 2025
• Editore: Dr. Nawa Raj Subba
• Formato: EPUB2 con DRMFREE
• Lingua: Inglese
• Compatibilità: Tutti i dispositivi (eccetto Kindle)
• Layout: Reflowable
• EAN: 9798230130321