Shaivism in Nadia Propagation and Popularity

Abstract

Shiva was the divine representative of the uncultivated, dangerous, and unpredictable aspects of nature. Shiva’s character lent itself to being split into partial manifestations—each said to represent only an aspect of him—as well as to assimilating powers from other deities. Shiva also represents the unpredictability of divinity. The Sena rulers were followers of Hinduism. Under their patronage, the Hindu religion, particularly Shaivism, flourished to a great extent. Shiva idols and Shivlings were discovered in various parts of Nadia. Shaivism was spread in the Nadia district courtesy of Bhavananda Majumdar (the Zamindar of Nadia) and his descendants. As a result, under the patronage of the Nadia monarchs, the Shaiba religion was established as a state religion and its thought was deeply propagated all over the territory. The present research paper is an attempt to understand the evolving pattern of Shaivism in Nadia under the patronage of the rulers of Nadia. It shall also attempt to visualize the distinctive religious imaginary that sets the Rudra sects apart from other parts of Bengal’s traditions.