Atharvashiras Upanishad
The Atharvashiras Upanishad (Sanskrit: अथर्वसिरस् उपनिषत्) is a Sanskrit text that is one of the minor Upanishads of Hinduism. It is among the 31 Upanishads associated with the Atharvaveda. It is classified as a Shaiva Upanishad focussed on god Rudra.
| Atharvashiras Upanishad | |
|---|---|
Rudra | |
| Devanagari | अथर्वसिरस् |
| IAST | Atharvaśiras |
| Title means | Main point of the Atharvaveda |
| Date | 1st millennium BCE |
| Type | Shaiva |
| Linked Veda | Atharvaveda |
| Chapters | 7 |
| Philosophy | Pashupata, Vedanta |
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The Upanishad is notable for asserting that all gods are Rudra, everyone and everything is Rudra, and Rudra is the principle found in all things, their highest goal, the innermost essence of all reality that is visible or invisible. Rudra is Atman and Brahman, and in the heart. Rudra's symbol is Om, states the text, he can be realized by abandoning anger and lust, and through silence alone. The text is known for its monism (Advaita), and was quoted extensively by the German philosopher Hegel.
It is also known as Atharvasirasopanishad, Atharvashira, Atharvasira in some texts referencing it, and as Śira Upanishad in Muktikā canon of 108 Upanishads.
Being a Shaiva Upanishad, it is also known as Shiva-Atharva-Sheersham or Shivātharva-Sheersham.