Pashupata Shaivism

Pashupatas are a shivaitische sect, which formed the first occurring in the literature shivaitische grouping. So they are mentioned in Patanjali in the 2nd century BC and in the Mahabharata.

The Pashupatas are also named after one of her teachers Lakulisha, but the historical Lakulisha and its teachings are probably occurred later.

The knowledge of the teachings of the sect relate to later texts, the Sarvadarshanasamgraha of Madhava in the 14th century, and the Pashupata Sutras with commentary by Kaudinya probably from the 4th - 6th Century.

From these texts the following categories are apparent:

The theology of Pashupatas is designed that is God ( Shiva) and grace redeems the soul from suffering. The grace of God is attained through yoga and right conduct ( Vidhi ).