The philosophy of tantra in Shaivism has made an enormous impact. According to Tantric philosophy the ultimate goal of human life is somewhat different from either Yoga or Vedanta. The Yogi thinks the pain of the life can be ended by discerning the difference between consciousness (Purusha) and manifestation (Prakriti). Yogi tries to identify himself with the Purusha as purusha is the seer. The end goal of Yoga is Kaivalya, which can be defined as isolation. The vedantic try to unmask Maya as Maya is the root cause of the unreality of the world as it is subjected to death, decay and destruction. The yogi wants to become established in the self or the Brahaman. But the goal of Shaivists is to recognize the true nature as the Shiva, which is the manifestation of consciousness, and then turn to all the creations and see it`s divine.

The ultimate goal of Shaiva Tantra is self-recognition and realizing of one`s own self with Shiva. The ultimate goal of yoga is Kaivalya isolation. In Shaivism the Purusha and Prakriti comes into integration. Philosophy of tantra in Shaivism is the union of self with Shiva. As shiva in Shaiva tantra is depicted as Yogeshwara. Shiva in Yogic Practice, Tantra is universally legendary as Yogeshwar Shiva. In fact, it is Lord Shiva who had initiated the system of yogic meditation in tantric practices. The Lord is personified in various names of the `relentless mediator`, `Dakshinamurti`, or the `Mahayogi`. Shiva is the basis of foundation of yogic practices in Tantra who is known to possess the `third eye` and who transcends all three worlds at all times. Shiva in Tantric practice as such abounds with legends and stories about belittling Brahma, the progenitor of the Universe. Quite ideally therefore the ultimate goal of Shaiva Tantra is self recognition; to realise "I am Shiva". The form of Shambhavi, Lord Shiva and Shakti is also an integral part of Shaiva Tantra and Tantric practices. The term bears several subtle meanings since ancient Indian period. Shambhavi is aligned always with Lord Shiva and Shakti. When aligning with Shiva, it refers to the mudra in which the Lord is depicted as sitting in a serene posture, with eyes half-open. While aligning with Shakti in Tantric practices, Shambhavi stands for uniting the microcosm with the macrocosm by offering every sense to the Goddess Kali.