Panchabrahma Upanishad

The text is classified as one of 13 Shaiva Upanishads, and one of the 32 Upanishads of the Krishna Yajurveda. The Upanishad glorifies Shiva, with Vedanta nondualism terminology. The text is notable for its focus on Sadashiva, Shiva with five faces corresponding to five Brahmans (realities), and for its recommendation of meditation on "So'ham" or "I am he, He am I" to achieve moksha, the union with Brahman. The text opens with sage Paippalāda asking Shiva, "what is that which came to exist first?" Shiva's reply is structured as the verses of Pancabrahma Upanishad. The Pancabrahma Upanishad describes five forms of realities (Brahman) or Shiva that arose from highest reality- Sadyojata, Aghora, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha and Ishana. He is panchatmak, who conceals all five Brahmas, and to realize him is moksha. The Ishana, asserts the text, is the highest form of Brahman, unmanifested impeller, adorned with Om, and that all five Brahmas resolve into the supreme Nirguna (formless) Brahman. The supreme shines by its own light, beyond the five Brahmas, states this Pancabrahma text.