Which one of the following was a Saiva sect in ancient India?
- Ajivika
- Mattamayura
- Mayamata
- Isanasivagurudevapaddhati
Explanation
Option (c) is correct
- Mattamayura is identified in historical records as a Shaiva sect of ancient India. Founded by Sage Purandara in the Kadwaha region (near Gwalior), the sect was closely associated with the Kalachuri rulers.
- The Isanasivagurudeva Paddhati, also known as the Siddhantasara, is an 11th-century, 18,000-verse Sanskrit Tantric treatise by Isanasiva Gurudeva. It acts as a comprehensive guide to Shaivite ritualism, architecture, and iconography, divided into four parts: Samanyapada, Mantrapada, Kriyapada, and Yogapada.
- The Mayamata is a Vastusastra, that is to say, a ‘treatise on dwelling’ and, as such, it deals with all the facets of gods’ and men’s dwellings.
- Ajivika was a heterodox sect founded by Makkhali Gosala. It was distinct from Shaivism and is known for its doctrine of fatalism (Niyati).
