The cult of Lakulisa, the foremost amongst the Pasupata sects has not received the attention of the scholars which it deserved. Although a few stray articles did appear in some notable journals and modern texts, the authentic history of the order was the need of the hour. From Kayavarohana in Gujarat, the cult travelled to various parts of India including Payar in Kashmir, Orissa in the east and many temple sites in the south including Tamil Nadu. The monumental discovery of Karvan Mahatmya revealed for the first time lesser known facts about Lakulisa and the Ganakarika provided valuable information about the rituals and methods of worship.The discovery of Lakulisa images in all parts of India proves that the faith was well accepted by the common people. He is represented as a saint, teacher, yogin and a man of divinity and considered by his followers as an incarnation of Siva. In the present text, attempt has been made to incorporate the history and antiquity of Siva worship and the emergence of Lakulisa order. The monograph broadly discusses the saliant features of Lakulisa Pasupatas and throws welcome light on the genesis and development of the faith.
