Shaivism (Śaivism) is a broad family of Hindu religious traditions centred on Shiva as a primary object of devotion, a supreme deity, or—in certain philosophical schools—the highest reality. It is not a single institution or one uniform doctrine. Shaiva communities have developed temple worship, devotional poetry, ascetic paths, philosophy, yoga and traditions of scripture and initiation.
Shaivism has historical links to Rudra-Shiva worship and includes diverse schools with different positions on the relation between Shiva, individual souls and the world. For instance, Shaiva Siddhanta is frequently presented as maintaining a real distinction between Lord and soul, whereas influential Kashmir Shaiva schools develop nondual accounts. A sound introduction should identify the specific tradition whenever explaining a contested teaching.