Traditionally attributed to sage Kapila (7th-6th century BCE), Sāṃkhya is one of the oldest philosophical systems. It posits a strict dualism between consciousness (puruṣa) and matter/nature (prakṛti), with the universe evolving through the interaction of 24 cosmic principles or tattvas.
A relatively modern goddess of satisfaction and contentment.
The goddess of clouds and wife of Surya, mother of Yama and Yami.
Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning.
The first consort of Shiva who immolated herself, leading to the formation of Shakti Peethas.
Systematized by Meykandar (13th century CE) in Tamil Nadu, Shaiva Siddhānta posits three eternal entities: God (Pati/Shiva), souls (pashu), and bonds (pasha). It teaches that souls must remove the bonds of ignorance through Shiva's grace to achieve liberation (mukti).