What are the Āgamas and Tantra?

scriptures of temple worship, mantra, ritual and inner yoga — not black magic.

Alongside the Vedas runs a second great stream of scripture called Āgama or Tantra. Śaiva Āgamas, Vaiṣṇava texts of the Pāñcarātra and Vaikhānasa schools, and Śākta Tantras guide much of what Hindus actually do today: how temples are built and consecrated, how mūrtis are installed and worshipped, how mantras are given in dīkṣā, and how meditation is practised.

Many Āgamas organise their teaching in four parts: caryā (conduct), kriyā (ritual worship), yoga (meditation) and jñāna (knowledge). Most temple worship in South India follows Āgamic rules closely.

The word “tantra” is often misunderstood as magic or something sensational. In reality it mostly means systematic methods of worship and inner transformation, often centred on the Goddess or on Śiva. A small number of esoteric practices exist, traditionally kept for initiated students under a qualified guru. For a beginner, the Āgamic spirit is simplest to meet in the temple itself.

Four pādas: caryā, kriyā, yoga, jñāna · Source: Śaiva Āgamas; Pāñcarātra; Śākta Tantras

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