Like the light that illuminates every corner of the universe, Shiva is everywhere, yet as the darkness that shrouds the mysteries of existence, he remains nowhere
We all have heard the story of Vaman Avatar in which we have learnt about King Bali who was a generous and virtuous ruler who had gained immense power and wealth through his devotion to Lord Vishnu. However, his growing influence began to concern the gods, who feared that he might challenge their supremacy in the heavens. In order to humble King Bali, Lord Vishnu took on the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and approached Bali during one of his grand sacrificial ceremonies.
When Vamana appeared before King Bali and requested a boon, Bali promised to grant whatever he desired. Vamana then asked for just three steps of land, measured by his feet. Despite warnings from his guru, Shukracharya, and other advisors, King Bali agreed to fulfil Vamana’s request. To everyone’s surprise, Vamana began to grow in size, expanding to cosmic size with each step he took. With his first step, he covered the entire earth. With his second step, he encompassed the heavens. When Vamana asked King Bali where he should place his third step, Bali realized that he was none other than Lord Vishnu himself, who pervades the entire universe. Realising his mistake and ignorance, he offered his head where the Vamana can place his feet and complete the third desire.
The story gives us an idea of the divine’s omnipresence and transcendence. The story highlights the idea that the divine is both immanent within the manifested world and transcendent beyond all limitations. I have found this story also echoes the depth and profoundness of Kashmir Shaivism. In Kashmir Shaivism concept of Paramshiva can be experienced and related to the thought that “Paramshiva is everywhere and yet Nowhere.” This intensity of this thought is about acknowledging the omnipresence and transcendence of the ultimate reality, which defies conventional notions of space, time limitations.
In quantum physics, the phenomenon of nonlocality suggests that particles can be connected in ways that transcend classical notions of space and time. This implies that the properties of particles can be correlated promptly across vast distances, seemingly defying the constraints of locality. The experiments that led of Quantum entanglement have explained the phenomenon of particles becoming corelated in such a way where state of one particle promptly influences the state of other particle regardless of distance between them. . This interconnectedness highlights the underlying unity of reality, where seemingly separate entities are fundamentally intertwined. Paramshiva being everywhere and yet nowhere highlights the unity of consciousness that pervades all existence, transcending illusion and separateness.
In Kashmir Shaivism, the masters say that while Paramshiva is indeed everywhere, it cannot be confined to any specific location or manifested form. It transcends the dualistic concepts of “here” and “there,” “inside” and “outside,” or “near” and “far.” Therefore, from the perspective of absolute reality, Paramshiva is neither localized nor limited by any space and time constraints. In this sense, it could be said to be “nowhere” in the conventional sense of physical locality.
The mystic poetess, yogini of Kashmir, Laleshwari, also locally known as Lalded in her Vakhs( poetic verses) writes,
Shiv Chhuy Thali Thali Rozan,
Mo Zaan Hyund Ta Musalman,
Truk Ay Chhauk Ta Pan PanunParzavan,
Soi Chhay Sahibassati Zani Zan’
“Shiva is all-pervading and present in each particle. Never differentiate between a Hindu and a Muslim. If you are shrewd and intelligent, know THY SELF. There lies acquaintance with God”
The first line of the Vaksh, “Shiva chhuy thali thalirozan” means that “Shiva abides in every heart, every day.” Laleshwari is expressing the idea that the divine presence of Shiva, representing the ultimate reality or consciousness, is omnipresent and eternal. Shiva is not limited to any particular place or time but pervades every aspect of existence beyond time, form and space.
Let’s look at the example of space. Space pervades everything in the universe, encompassing all objects and phenomena. It is everywhere, filling every corner of existence. However, despite its omnipresence, space itself is formless and without boundaries. It cannot be localized or confined to any specific location. In this sense, space is “everywhere” but “nowhere” in the sense of being beyond any particular point or form.
Just as space is omnipresent, yet it is beyond grasping, so too is the nature of Paramashiva, which pervades all yet transcends all. The enigmatic essence of Shiva, the supreme consciousness, defies the confines of conventional understanding. Within every atom, every heartbeat, and every breath, the omnipresent presence of Shiva vibrates, transcending the limitations of time, space, and form. It is a presence that pervades the fabric of existence, infusing every corner of the universe with its inexpressible radiance. Yet, in its boundless expansiveness, Shiva remains elusive, evading all attempts at localization or confinement. It is a presence that cannot be grasped by the senses or captured by the mind, for it exists beyond the realm of conceptualization and perception.
In this dance of omnipresence and transcendence, Shiva is simultaneously everywhere and nowhere, manifesting as the underlying bedrock of reality while eluding all attempts to pin it down. It is a reminder of the profound mystery and majesty that lies at the heart of existence, inviting us to surrender to the infinite vastness of the divine. Like the light that illuminates every corner of the universe, Shiva is everywhere, yet as the darkness that shrouds the mysteries of existence, he remains nowhere.
(Author is Vice Chancellor: Shri Vishwakarma Skill University)
