Do You Know Who Sadashiva Is in Shiva Aarti: ‘Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva’?

When we chant the Shiva Aarti, we often say, "Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva", but do we truly understand its meaning?

While Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the preserver, who is Sadashiva? Is he just another form of Shiva, or does he represent something deeper? In Hindu philosophy, Sadashiva is not just a deity—he is the eternal, formless Supreme Consciousness that exists beyond creation and destruction. But how does he relate to Shakti (Durga), and who is truly supreme? Let’s explore this profound concept in depth. In Shaivism, Sadashiva (Paramashiva) is the ultimate reality, the supreme consciousness that is beyond creation and destruction. He is formless, eternal, and the source from which everything emerges, including Shakti (Durga, Parvati, Kali, etc.).

1. Śhaiva (Shaivism) Viewpoint: Sadashiva as Supreme Consciousness

In Shaivism, Sadashiva (Paramashiva) is the ultimate reality, the supreme consciousness that is beyond creation and destruction. He is formless, eternal, and the source from which everything emerges, including Shakti (Durga, Parvati, Kali, etc.).

  • Shiva is the consciousness (Purusha), and Shakti is His dynamic energy (Prakriti).
  • Without Shakti, Shiva is inactive; without Shiva, Shakti has no existence.
  • Sadashiva and Shakti are inseparable, like fire and its heat.

Conclusion:

Thus, in this perspective, Sadashiva is the Supreme Reality, and Durga (Shakti) is His dynamic power that manifests the universe.

2. Śhākta (Shaktism) Viewpoint: Durga (Shakti) as Supreme Consciousness

In Shaktism, Shakti (Durga, Adi Parashakti, Kali, etc.) is the supreme reality, and Shiva is her passive aspect.

  • Durga (Adi Shakti) is considered the source of all creation, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
  • Texts like the Devi Bhagavata Purana and Durga Saptashati describe how Adi Parashakti (Durga) creates and sustains the entire universe, while Shiva is inert without her power.
  • In Lalita Sahasranama, she is called "Shiva-shakti aikya roopini", meaning she is both Shiva and Shakti in one form.

Conclusion:

Thus, in this perspective, Durga (Shakti) is the Supreme Reality, and Shiva is her consciousness.

3. Non-Dualistic (Advaita) Perspective: They Are One

From an Advaita (non-dualistic) perspective, Sadashiva (Shiva) and Durga (Shakti) are the same Supreme Consciousness appearing as two aspects:

  • Shiva = Pure Awareness (Static Consciousness)
  • Shakti = Dynamic Energy (Manifestation of the Universe)

Conclusion:

Just as waves are not separate from the ocean, Shakti is not separate from Shiva. In the highest sense, both are one, beyond duality.

So Who Is Supreme—Sadashiva or Durga?

 

  • If you follow Shaivism → Sadashiva is Supreme, and Durga (Shakti) is His energy.
  • If you follow Shaktism → Durga (Shakti) is Supreme, and Shiva is her passive aspect.
  • If you follow Advaita → There is no difference; they are one and the same.

It ultimately depends on which tradition or philosophy resonates with you! 😊

Would you like to explore any particular aspect further?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva” actually mean?

It refers to the three key aspects of the divine in many Aartis:

 

  • Brahma – The Creator

  • Vishnu – The Preserver

  • Sadashiva – The Eternal Supreme Consciousness beyond birth and death
    Sadashiva here represents the formless, ultimate reality, unlike the more familiar personal forms of Shiva.

2. Who is Sadashiva in Shaivism?

In Shaivism, Sadashiva (or Paramashiva) is the highest form of Godpure, formless consciousness, beyond all dualities.

 

  • He is the source of everything, including Shakti (Durga, Parvati, Kali).

  • Without him, nothing can exist. He represents Purusha (consciousness), while Shakti is Prakriti (creative energy).

3. What is Shakti’s role according to Shaivism?

Shakti is Sadashiva’s power—the energy through which the universe is manifested.

 

  • Shiva is inactive without Shakti.

  • Shakti is the dynamic force, and Shiva is the stillness. They are inseparable—like fire and its heat, or sound and vibration.

4. How does Shaktism view Durga or Shakti?

In Shaktism, Shakti (Durga, Kali, Adi Parashakti) is the Supreme Reality.

 

  • She creates Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

  • Shiva, in this view, is inert without her energy. Shakti is seen as the source of all, the mother of the universe.

5. Are Shiva and Shakti different deities?

They are different aspects of the same divine reality.

 

  • Shiva is pure consciousness.

  • Shakti is the manifested energy. In higher philosophy (like Advaita Vedanta), they are not separate at all, but one in essence.

6. Who is truly supreme—Sadashiva or Durga?

That depends on your spiritual path:

 

  • Shaivism says Sadashiva is supreme.

  • Shaktism says Durga (Shakti) is supreme.

  • Advaita says both are one—there is no separation.

7. Why is this concept important today?

Because it reminds us that:

 

  • The masculine and feminine are equal and interdependent.

  • True divinity lies in balance, not in conflict.

  • Every person has both Shiva (wisdom) and Shakti (power) within.

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