Parameshvara (epithet)
Parameshvara is an epithet used in Hindu literature. The term indicates the Supreme Being and Supreme Reality in Hinduism. Vaishnavas consider Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna as Parameshvara, while Shaivas consider Shiva as Parameshvara. In Shaktism, he plays a supporting role and is dependent on Parameshvari, that is the Adi Shakti/Mahadevi. Shakta traditions are focused on Parameshvari's superiority over Parameshvara, comparisons going as far as to calling Parameshwara a Shava without Parameshwari. Whereas in Shaivism and Vaishnavism, she is considered the dependant consort of Parameshvara. Beyond sectarian interpretations, Hindus regard Parameshvara as the ultimate and highest reality, eternally pervading all matter. He is regarded by devotees to be totality itself, controlling the triple forces of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the Sanskrit words परम meaning 'Supreme' and ईश्वर meaning 'Lord'. Thus Parameshvara means 'highest supreme ruler'. Sometimes, other traditions of Hinduism such as Vedanta and Vaishnavism also use the term as a synonym of Parabrahman within their philosophical perspectives.Vaishnavism
In Vaishnavism traditions, Vishnu is considered Parameshvara, Maheshwara, and Narayana. Vaishnavas consider Vishnu and his avatars such as Rama, Krishna etc., as the progenitor of Brahma and Shiva as said in many scriptures such as Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Padma Purana, Pancharatra Agamas, Vaikhanasa Agamas and many more. In, a Vaishnava Pancharatra Agama text of Hinduism Vishnu is revered and worshipped as Parameshvara. Uttaranarayana also refers to God as Parameshvara with two consorts Sri and Bhu. Bhagavad Gita praises Krishna as Parameshvara in many contexts. In Vishnu Sahasranama, Parameshvara is 377th name of Vishnu.Shaivism
Shaiva Siddhanta accepts the existence of,, and . As the supreme being, Parameshvara only has the distinct eight characters or predicates which are applied to distinguish him from the other two entities of Shaiva Siddhanta—Pashu and Pasam. They are,,,,,, and .Shaiva Siddhanta states that Parameshvara is in two states:, the form of the lord that is moving through 36 tattvas; and, the pure form of the supreme being beyond everything. These two forms can be compared with the Saguna and Nirguna definitions of Para brahman in the Vedantic tradition. When he is defined with, Paramashiva exists in nine divine forms, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshvara, Sadasiva, Shiva, Shakti, Nadam, and Bindhu, in which he is beyond words in his last four formless manifestations known as. The first five are his manifestations with forms and are known as. Sadasiva is his mixed form of and which is often identified with lingam. Shiva and Shakti exist as inseparable in the state of in which they are often identified as the non-dual supreme being Paramashiva and Parashakti. Since they are inseparable and undifferentiated, Shaiva Siddhanta sees them as a single oneness, Parameshvara.