Shaiva Darshanam is a philosophy that gives paramount importance to devotion (Bhakti). Shaivites believe that devotion is linked with love. Although the universe is seen as diverse, the core of Shaiva Darshanam affirms that the foundation of everything is the singular Shiva. Shaiva Darshanam had a tremendous influence on Guru's life and works. Most of Guru's temple consecrations are of Shiva family deities. Moreover, Guru's Shiva hymns are more intensely experiential than his other hymns.
Describing God as both ‘with form’ and ‘formless' is a characteristic of Shaiva Darshanam. In ‘Atmopadesa Shatakam’ and ‘Sadasiva Darshanam’, Guru praises the essence of the universe. Additionally, the concept of ‘Arul’ (divine grace) found in Guru's works is an influence of Shaiva Philosophy. ‘Arul’ is a word that recurs many times in Guru's writings.
It can be understood from Guru's devotional works that, similar to Yogic practices, he alsoembraced Tantric methods for self-realization. The Shaktheya tradition was prevalent in South India from ancient times. It is characterized by its veneration of the Divine Mother (Shakti or Devi). The worship of Kali can be seen as an early form of this tradition. During the Vedic and Upanishadic periods, it evolved into a worship of Shakti and Maya.
In the Shaiva tradition, Shiva represents pure consciousness - omniscient and passive. Shakti, on the other hand, is active and associated with form. It resides in all ‘Jivaatmas’ (Individual Souls). The origin of the universe is from this Para Shakti (Supreme Power).
Guru's composition, ‘Bahuleyashtakam’, is described as a Yogashastra text that delves into the depths of Indian worship traditions. Hints of Tantric practices can be seen in all of Narayana Guru's devotional hymns on the Goddess. In ‘Bhadrakalyashtakam’ and ‘Kali Natakam’, the word ‘Kali’ itself is seen to be repeated. In the latter work, Guru elaborates on the gentle and fierce aspects of the Goddess.
