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tantric traditions are found in Shaivism's Shaiva Siddhanta and the Mantrapīṭha (Bhairava-centred), and in Shaktism's Vidyāpīṭha and the Kulamārga traditions.
tantric traditions are found in Shaivism's Shaiva Siddhanta and the Mantrapīṭha (Bhairava-centred), and in Shaktism's Vidyāpīṭha and the Kulamārga traditions.
The Agama texts describe cosmology, epistemology, philosophical doctrines, precepts on meditation and practices, four kinds of yoga, mantras, temple construction, deity worship and ways to attain sixfold desires.
The three main branches of Agama texts are Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakta. The Agamic traditions are sometimes called Tantrism, although the term "Tantra" is usually used specifically to refer to Shakta Agamas.
The Agamas literature is voluminous, and includes
The Agamas literature is voluminous, and includes
and numerous Upa-Agamas.
and numerous Upa-Agamas.
The means of worship in the Tantric practice differs from the Vedic form. While the Vedic practice of yajna there are no idols and shrines, in its Tantric traditions, idols and symbolic icons with puja are the means of worship. Temples, symbolism, icons that remind the devotee of attributes and values are a necessary part of the Agamic practice. This, however, does not necessarily mean that Tantra-Agamas and Vedas are opposed. Tirumular, for example, explained their link as, "the Vedas are the path, and the Agamas are the horse".
The means of worship in the Tantric practice differs from the Vedic form. While the Vedic practice of yajna there are no murtis and shrines, in its Tantric traditions, murtis and symbolic icons with puja are the means of worship. Temples, symbolism, icons that remind the devotee of attributes and values are a necessary part of the Agamic practice. This, however, does not necessarily mean that Tantra-Agamas and Vedas are opposed. Tirumular, for example, explained their link as, "the Vedas are the path, and the Agamas are the horse".
Each Tantra-Agama text consists of four parts:
Each Tantra-Agama text consists of four parts:
* Jnana pada, also called Vidya pada – consists of doctrine, the philosophical and spiritual knowledge, knowledge of reality and liberation.
* Jnana pada, also called Vidya pada – consists of doctrine, the philosophical and spiritual knowledge, knowledge of reality and liberation.
* Yoga pada - precepts on yoga, the physical and mental discipline.
* Yoga pada - precepts on yoga, the physical and mental discipline.
* Kriya pada - consists of rules for rituals, construction of temples (Mandir); design principles for sculpting, carving, and consecration of idols of deities for worship in temples; for different forms of initiations or diksha. This code is analogous to those in Puranas.
* Kriya pada - consists of rules for rituals, construction of temples (Mandir); design principles for sculpting, carving, and consecration of vigrahas of deities for worship in temples; for different forms of initiations or diksha. This code is analogous to those in Puranas.
* Charya pada - lays down rules of conduct, of worship (puja), observances of religious rites, rituals, festivals and prayaschittas.
* Charya pada - lays down rules of conduct, of worship (puja), observances of religious rites, rituals, festivals and prayaschittas.
Elaborate rules are laid out in the Agamas for Shilpa (the art of sculpture) describing the quality requirements of the places where temples are to be built, the kind of murthis to be installed, the materials from which they are to be made, their dimensions, proportions, air circulation, lighting in the temple complex, etc. The Manasara and Silpasara are some of the works dealing with these rules. The rituals followed in worship services each day at the temple also follow rules laid out in the Agamas.
=== Tantra texts ===
=== Tantra texts ===
The Bhairava Shastras are advaitik Tantra texts, while Shiva Shastras are dvaitik.
The Bhairava Shastras are advaitik Tantra texts, while Shiva Shastras are dvaitik.
The ''Rudra'' Tantras and ''''Śiva'''' Tantras are used by the Śaiva Siddhāntins, and thus are sometimes referred to as Shaiva Siddhanta Tantras, or Śaiva Siddhānta ''Āgamas''.
The ''Rudra'' Tantras and '<nowiki/>'''Śiva'''' Tantras are used by the Śaiva Siddhāntins, and thus are sometimes referred to as Shaiva Siddhanta Tantras, or Śaiva Siddhānta ''Āgamas''.
=== Occurrences of the word Tantra ===
=== Occurrences of the word Tantra ===
Bagchi, P.C. (1986). ''Kaulajnana-nirnaya of the School of Matsyendranath Varanasi: Prachya Prakashan''. Magee, Michael (trans.).
Bagchi, P.C. (1986). ''Kaulajnana-nirnaya of the School of Matsyendranath Varanasi: Prachya Prakashan''. Magee, Michael (trans.).
Singh, L. P. (2010). Tantra, Its Mystic and Scientific Basis, Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-8069-640-4
Ghose, Rajeshwari (1996). The Tyāgarāja Cult in Tamilnāḍu: A Study in Conflict and Accommodation. Motilal Banarsidass Publications. <nowiki>ISBN 81-208-1391-X</nowiki>. [2]