Shivapara (शिवपरा, IAST: Śivaparā) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “She who is supremely devoted to Shiva”. From 'Śiva' and 'parā' (supreme, highest, entirely devoted to), this name reveals that Lalitha holds Shiva as her ultimate reality, mirroring the non-dual teaching that Śakti and Śiva are one.

Meaning, etymology & significance

The word 'para' in Sanskrit means 'beyond,' 'supreme,' or 'wholly intent upon,' and as 'parā' in its feminine form it intensifies the devotion and exaltation implied. Śivaparā declares that for the Goddess, Shiva is the supreme — a statement of cosmic love and non-dual philosophy simultaneously. Some commentators read this as the Goddess being the highest reality beyond even Shiva, and both interpretations are honored in the tradition.

As a name of Lalitha, Śivaparā is found in the Lalitha Sahasranāma and is used as a given name in traditional South Indian families. Pronounced shi-va-pa-RAA, it has a gentle, meditative cadence.

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Scriptural source

Shivapara appears in the Lalitha Sahasranama, among the sacred names of Lalitha.