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Abhinavagupta

Type Figure Region Kashmir Time c. 950–1025 Also known as Abhinavagupta、Abhinavagupta of Kashmir

Kashmiri philosopher and aesthetician (c. 950–1025), synthesizer of Kashmiri Shaivism; his Tantraloka and Abhinavabharati shaped rasa aesthetics.

Timeline

  1. c. 950–980Srinagar · KashmirBorn into a Brahmin family of Kanakubja in Kashmir, he lost his mother in childhood and was first taught by his father Narasimhagupta; he later studied under more than ten masters, embracing Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Buddhist thought alike.
  2. c. 980–1010Kashmir · KashmirUnder masters such as Shambhunatha he received Kaula initiation and, at his teacher's command, wrote the great Tantraloka; he also completed major philosophical works such as the commentary on the Ishvarapratyabhijna, and taught disciples at his Kashmir home.
  3. c. 1010–1025Mangam (Bhira) · KashmirIn his later years he completed aesthetic works such as the Abhinavabharati; legend holds that around 1015–1025 he led his disciples into a cave, chanted the hymn to Bhairava, and vanished with them, his exact death year unknown.

Sources