The Theology of Grace in Saiva Siddhanta, in the Light of Umapati Sivacharya's Tiruarutpayan

Abstract

<p>The thesis is the outcome of a sustained exegesis of the Tiruarutpayan, a theological writing in Tamil by the thirteenth century Saivite theologian Umapati Sivācharya. The thesis begins with a brief statement of the background of the Tiruarutpayan, with special reference to the Saivite saints whose experience of grace formed the experiential groundwork for Umapati's theology. Next the general framework of Saiva Siddhanta belief is set forth in the light of Umapati's collection of Saiva agamas, the Satratanasangraha. The remainder of the work is a detailed study of Saiva Siddhanta grace doctrine, with special emphasis on the ideas of concealed and revealed grace, karma and maya as adjuncts of grace, the role of guru, and the nature of the awakening of the soul.</p>