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=== Darshana Shastras ===

=== Darshana Shastras ===

The ancient Indian thought process, the tattvas and siddhantas related to Sanatana Dharma are deeply dealt with in the six views or systems called as Shad Darshanas. Based on the Vedic knowledge, they are all designed to lead man to the One Science, the One Wisdom, which saw One Self as Real (Truth or Satya). They along with the Vedas and other Vaidika vangmaya are however classified as Apara vidya leading one to know the One Self (Atman) through the experience of Self which was called Para vidya. Since these shastras are founded accepting the authority of the Vedas they are called Astika darshanas. They are best understood when seen in relation with each other, thus revealing their Unity rather than when seen in opposition. The [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|Shad Darshanas]] are {{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|

The ancient Indian thought process, the tattvas and siddhantas related to Sanatana Dharma are deeply dealt with in the six views or systems called as Shad Darshanas. Based on the Vedic knowledge, they are all designed to lead man to the One Science, the One Wisdom, which saw One Self as Real (Truth or Satya). They along with the Vedas and other Vaidika vangmaya are however classified as Apara vidya leading one to know the One Self (Atman) through the experience of Self which was called Para vidya. Since these shastras are founded accepting the authority of the Vedas they are called Astika darshanas. They are best understood when seen in relation with each other, thus revealing their Unity rather than when seen in opposition. The [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|Shad Darshanas]] are<ref name=":024" /> {{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|

* [[Samkhya Darshana (साङ्ख्यदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Samkhya Darshana (साङ्ख्यदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Mimamsa Darshana (मीमांसदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Mimamsa Darshana (मीमांसदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Vedanta Darshana (वेदान्तदर्शनम्)]]

* [[Vedanta Darshana (वेदान्तदर्शनम्)]]

}}

}}Each Darshana is associated with a rishi, as a preceptor, who gives its principles in the form of Sutras or short terse sentences embedded with a great meaning in them. Thus the [[Shastra Lekhana Paddhati (शास्त्रलेखनपद्धतिः)|shastra lekhana paddhati]] or the writing format of shastras primarily involve the Sutras for which Bhashyam, a commentary and further on Vritti or Vartikas which are also explanatory notes are written by various authors. The object <ref name=":024" />

 

===Agamas===

===Agamas===

The Agamas are theological treatises and practical manuals of divine worship. The Agamas include the Tantras, Mantras and Yantras. These are treatises explaining the external worship of God, in idols, temples, etc. All the Agamas treat of (i) Jnana or Knowledge, (ii) Yoga or Concentration, (hi) Kriya or Esoteric Ritual and (iv) Charya or Exoteric Worship. They also give elaborate details about ontology and cosmology, liberation, devotion, meditation, philosophy of Mantras, mystic diagrams, charms and spells, temple-building, image-making, domestic observances, social rules, public festivals, etc.<ref name=":522">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 45-47</ref>

The Agamas are theological treatises and practical manuals of divine worship. The Agamas include the Tantras, Mantras and Yantras. These are treatises explaining the external worship of God, in idols, temples, etc. All the Agamas treat of (i) Jnana or Knowledge, (ii) Yoga or Concentration, (hi) Kriya or Esoteric Ritual and (iv) Charya or Exoteric Worship. They also give elaborate details about ontology and cosmology, liberation, devotion, meditation, philosophy of Mantras, mystic diagrams, charms and spells, temple-building, image-making, domestic observances, social rules, public festivals, etc.

 

The Agamas are divided into three sections: The Vaishnava, the Saiva and the Sakta. The three chief sects of Hinduism, viz., Vaishnavism, Saivism and Saktism, base their doctrines and dogmas on their respective Agamas. The Vaishnava Agamas or Pancharatra Agamas glorify God as Vishnu. The Saiva Agamas glorify God as Siva and have given rise to an important school of philosophy known as Saiva-Siddhanta, which prevails in South India, particularly in the districts of Tirunelveli and Madurai. The Sakta Agamas or Tantras glorify God as the Mother of the Universe, under one of the many names of Devi. '''The Agamas do not derive their authority from the Vedas, but are not antagonistic to them'''. They are all Vedic in spirit and character. That is the reason why they are regarded as authoritative.

The Agamas are divided into three sections: The Vaishnava, the Saiva and the Sakta. The three chief sects of Hinduism, viz., Vaishnavism, Saivism and Saktism, base their doctrines and dogmas on their respective Agamas. The Vaishnava Agamas or Pancharatra Agamas glorify God as Vishnu. The Saiva Agamas glorify God as Siva and have given rise to an important school of philosophy known as Saiva-Siddhanta, which prevails in South India, particularly in the districts of Tirunelveli and Madurai. The Sakta Agamas or Tantras glorify God as the Mother of the Universe, under one of the many names of Devi. '''The Agamas do not derive their authority from the Vedas, but are not antagonistic to them'''. They are all Vedic in spirit and character. That is the reason why they are regarded as authoritative.