Who propounded Kashmir Shaivism? 

The correct answer is Vasugupta.

Key PointsKashmir Shaivism

• Kashmir Shaivism is a school of Shivaism that originated in Kashmir in the first half of the 1st millennium.
• It is characterized by its highly metaphysical approach and the emphasis on the recognition of the individual self as identical with the universal consciousness, Shiva.
• Vasugupta, the sage to whom the revelation of the Shiva Sutras was attributed, is considered the founder of this philosophical and religious tradition.
• The teachings of Kashmir Shaivism are deeply rooted in the concept of non-dualism, where the ultimate goal is the realization of one's self as part of the universal consciousness.
• It employs methods of spiritual practice (sadhana) that include meditation, mantra recitation, and rituals, aimed at awakening the spiritual power (kundalini) and realizing the unity of the individual soul (atman) with the supreme (Brahman).

Hence, the correct answer is Vasugupta.

Additional Information

• Abhinavagupta was another key figure in Kashmir Shaivism, known for his extensive writings that elaborated on and clarified the teachings of Vasugupta. His works are considered essential in understanding the intricacies of this tradition.
• The Shiva Sutras are a collection of seventy-seven aphorisms that serve as foundational texts for Kashmir Shaivism. They are said to have been revealed to Vasugupta in a dream or vision, etched on a rock.
• Kashmir Shaivism is known for its Trika philosophy, which refers to the triad of Shiva, Shakti, and Nara (the individual soul), emphasizing their intrinsic unity.
• This tradition also contributed significantly to the fields of poetry, dance, and aesthetics in Indian culture, offering profound insights into the nature of beauty and the arts as expressions of divine consciousness.
• The spiritual practices associated with Kashmir Shaivism are designed to transcend ordinary consciousness and experience the divine within the self, making it a highly introspective and transformative path.