Śiva Saṃhitā

The Śiva Saṃhitā is a comprehensive Yoga text, addressed by the ascetic Śiva to his consort Pārvatī, that synthesizes Hatha Yoga, Tantra, and Vedānta philosophy into an integrated system.

Overview

Composed between the 15th and 17th centuries CE by an unknown author, the text consists of five chapters. Its first chapter is a treatise summarizing nondual (Advaita) Vedānta with influences from the Śrī Vidyā school of South India; the remaining chapters discuss yoga, the importance of the guru, āsanas, mudrās, and tantra. It is the most comprehensive of the three classical Hatha Yoga texts and recommends that all householders practice and benefit from yoga.

Content

The work covers five varieties of yoga, six forms of meditation, eight types of prāṇāyāma, and detailed descriptions of kuṇḍalinī awakening. It integrates physical practice with philosophical understanding, emphasizing that liberation requires both knowledge and discipline.

Significance

The Śiva Saṃhitā bridges the gap between physical yoga practice and metaphysical philosophy. Its comprehensive treatment makes it one of the most important texts for understanding the full scope of classical yoga.

Verification notes

The text’s precise dating and authorship are uncertain. Its synthesis of multiple traditions suggests a relatively late compilation.

• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).