On the Nature and Functionality of Cicchakti
M. Praveen
Journal of Indian Philosophy and Religion 2025 DOI: 10.5840/jipr2025303 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that cicchakti (consciousness-power) in Śaiva Siddhānta and Pāñcarātra is Śiva's innate, inseparable power and the sole true pramāṇa (means of valid knowledge), with senses and mind functioning only as auxiliary instruments; cicchakti also assumes the roles of pramā (valid cognition) and pramātā (knower). A comparative reading of the Lakṣmī Tantra shows convergences and doctrinal nuances, presenting cicchakti as both a cosmological force and an epistemic principle. |
Abstract
This article offers a focused study of cicchakti (consciousness-power) in Śaiva Siddhānta and Pāñcarātra, treating its metaphysical and epistemological dimensions. Cicchakti is presented as Śiva’s innate, inseparable power: the dynamic source of cosmic manifestation, as well as Śiva’s subtle body and creative agency. The article foregrounds cicchakti’s distinctive epistemic status, arguing that it alone is the true pramāṇa (means of valid knowledge), while senses and mind function only as auxiliary instruments. According to its operation, cicchakti also assumes the roles of pramā (valid cognition) and pramātā (knower). A comparative reading of the Lakṣmī Tantra brings out both convergences and doctrinal nuances, showing cicchakti as at once a cosmological force and an epistemic principle. The discussion then examines its dual operation in Śiva and jīva, correlating the fivefold cosmic functions with individual cognitive processes. By integrating key textual sources within a comparative framework, the article advances research on the interplay of metaphysics and epistemology in classical Indian philosophy.