Shatsthala
(षट्स्थल)Literal Meaning
The six stages
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From 'shat' (six) + 'sthala' (stage, station) — the soul's progression toward union with Shiva through six sequential stages: Bhakta, Mahesha, Prasadi, Pranalingi, Sharana, and Aikya.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Found throughout the vachanas of the Sharana poets, Shatsthala frames spiritual growth as a gradual, lifelong process rather than a single event.