Sivaism
(ˈsiːvəɪz(ə)m)
Also Shivaism.
[f. Skr. {Sdotab}iva ‘the auspicious one’ (see prec.) + -ism.]
The special worship of Siva, the third deity of the Hindu triad, to whom are attributed the powers of reproduction and dissolution. Cf. S(h)aivism s.v. Saiva.
| 1901 Edin. Rev. 7 Jan. 32 The lotus of Sivaism and of Isis. 1905 Q. Rev. July 200 The temper of Sivaism is not that of Buddhism. 1931 Times Lit. Suppl. 19 Mar. 228/2 Vishnuism and Shivaism. 1962 A. Huxley Island xi. 178 The local brand of Mahayana Buddhism, with a bit of Shivaism, probably, on the side. |