Somaskandar

In the form of representation of Lord Shiva, He is depicted as a family man. He has Parvati to his left and Skanda (Karthikeya) as a child seating in between them. The worship of Somaskanda became more popular during 6th and 8th century in South India. This idol is supposed to represent SAT, CHIT, ANANDA. Further it is stated that the figures of Shiva, Parvati and Skanda represent IcchaShakti, KriyaShakti and GyanaShakti.

Legend: According to legend KumaraSambhava, Lord Vishnu was desirous of a child. He worshiped Lord Shiva at Tiruvarur and Shiva blessed him with a male child named Kaama (Manmada). Parvati was enraged by the fact that Vishnu did not include her in the worship. Hence she cursed that the child should be burnt to death by Shiva. Upon realization of his mistake, Vishnu created a composite image of Shiva, Parvati and child Skanda and worshipped Parvati. She blessed him with a boon. According to the boon, Kaama would relive to create a force of attraction between Male and Female so that human race will continue to thrive. Somaskanda is the processional image of Shiva in most of the temples in South India.

Shaivam (Shaivism)

Shaivism

Shaivam or Shaivism is one of the four most widely followed sects in Hinduism. Followers of this sect are known as Shaivaites or Shaivam. They revere Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being. This path is also known as Shaivapantha or Saivam as in Tamil. The followers believe that Shiva is All in All. Shaivism spread to other parts of Southeast Asia including Java, Bali and Cambodia. It is widely practiced in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Shaivism has a vast literature. They represent multiple philosophical schools which include non-dualist, dualist as well as combination of both principles. Sacred ash is used as a sign of Shivaism. This sacred ash is worn as a mark on the forehead and other parts of the body. This Sacred ash is also known as Bhasma or Vibhuti. The method and the mantras to be recited while wearing this Vibhuti are clearly mentioned in the scriptures. Shiva worship was found to be in existence during Indus valley civilization dating to about 2500 BC. Artifacts have been found at Mohanjodaro, Harappa, and archaeological sites in northwestern India and Pakistan. The Shaiva traditions began to occur during the period between 200 BC and 100 AD. It developed and spread rapidly during Gupta period (320 - 500 BC). Its rise can be attributed to singers and composers of Puranik narrations. 

The development of Shiva can be shown as

Smartas

Another branch of Shaiva worship is known as Smartas (Smartism). This places emphasis on the group of deities - Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, Devi, and Surya instead of just a single deity. This worship of 5 forms is known as Panchayatana Puja. It was popularized by Adishankara 788 - 820 AD. This was preached by Shankaracharya which enables one to choose one of the 5 as principle deity and worship the other 4 deities as different form of the same. Shaiva siddhanta has more influence in southern India hence we find numerous Shiva temples in South India especially Tanjore district of Tamilnadu. This region was major
part of Chola empire between 800-1200 A.D. Shaivasiddhanta is popular in South India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and wherever the Tamils are living. In the 6th and 7th century there were 63 traditional poet-saints in South India known as Nayanmars. They had their focus on Lord Shiva only and they composed devotional poems. There are 11 collections of these poems. 

Branches of Shaivism

1. Vedic-Puranik Shaivism: This branch has its origin in vedas. This was practiced by Smartha brahmins in South as well as North India. This propagates the practice of Vedic religion known as Sanatana Dharma. In this practice the Shiva Purana is the ultimate resource.

2. Non-puranik Shaivism: In this practice the devotees undergoes Diksha (initiation). This is further divided into Atimarga (seeking only liberation) and Mantra marga (seeking both liberation and worldly objectives).

3. Pashupathshaivism : It is the oldest form of Shaivism practiced by ascetics. This had its influence in Gujarat, Kashmir, and Nepal.

4. ShaivaSiddhanta : This is considered as normative tantrik shaivism. This tradition was once practiced all over India. It is restricted to South where it merged with Tamil Saiva cult. Hence this is commonly considered as Southern tradition and it is still very much alive.

5. KashmirShaivism: It is strongly based on monastic interpretation of Bhairava tantras. They were written by Kapalikas. 

6. NathSiddhaSidhanta: This was founded by Matsyendranath (800-1000 AD). It was expanded by Gorakhnath in 950 AD. The influential areas are Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and parts of Maharashtra.

7. Lingayatism: This was made popular by Basavanna in 1105-1167. This primarily found in Karnataka and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. 

8. Shiva Advaita: This was formulated by Srikantha (1050 AD). Its influence is mostly found in Karnataka. Appaya Dikshit (1554 - 1626) attempted to resolve concept of Shiva Advaita.