Kashmiri Shaivism describes how all of reality, with all of its diversity and fluctuation, is the play of the single principle, Paramashiva. The two aspects of this single reality are inseparably united: Shiva and Shakti. Paramashiva
appears as the world through his creative power, Shakti. The ontological nature of Paramashiva is beyond human knowledge and articulation, yet it can be experienced directly through mystical intuition. The Kashmir Shaivism tradition, also called Trika Shaivism, is a
non-dualist branch of
Shaiva-Shakta Tantra Hinduism that originated in
Kashmir after 850 CE. In its place of origin in Kashmir, this tradition is commonly referred to as "
Kashmiri Shaivism." It later spread beyond Kashmir, with its great scholar
Abhinavagupta calling it "Trika" (meaning "the Trinity"). It particularly flourished in the states of
Odisha and
Maharashtra. Defining features of the Trika tradition are its
idealistic and
monistic Pratyabhijna ("Recognition") philosophical system, propounded by
Utpaladeva (c. 925–975 CE) and Abhinavagupta (c. 975–1025 CE), and the centrality of the three goddesses
Parā, Parāparā, and Aparā. ==See also==