Questions tagged [tantra]
Tantra, also called Tantrism and Tantric religion, is an ancient Hindu tradition of beliefs and meditation and ritual practices that seeks to channel the divine energy of the macrocosm or godhead into the human microcosm, to attain siddhis and moksha. This Hindu Tradition was emerged in form of dialogue between Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.
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In which scriptures can we find the original stories of the Mahavidyas?
The Dash Mahavidyas are an enigmatic group of goddesses worshiped majorly in the Tantrik disciplines but except Kali, the origins of most are unclear. In which scriptures can we find more about the ...
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What is the relation between Dash Mahavidyas and Dashavatar?
Various Tantrik texts like Mundamala Tantra and Todal Tantra mention the Dash Mahavidyas in respect to the Dashavatar. For example in Todal Tantra CHapter 10 we find the following declaration:
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What is the difference between Dakṣiṇācāra and Vamachara Tantrism?
Tantra exists in 2 types- The orthodox Dakṣiṇācāra followed by āstika sects and the unorthodox and extreme Vamachara followed by nāstika sects. So what are the differences between the practices of ...
user9969
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What is Vigyana Bhairava Tantra?
Can any one explain what does "Vigyan Bhairava Tantra" mean?
What does "Vigyan" i.e Science here refer to?
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Was Tantric upasana (Vamachara) a relatively new concept (or) in existence in ancient India also?
The VAAMACHARIs sacrifice animals to attain Tantric Powers, which are different from that of Yogic Powers. The Tantric Powers can attained within short time, but have certain deadly consequences. If ...
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Who are all the Gurus of Abhinavagupta and what Paramparas did they come from?
Generally, Vaishnavas follow the Pancharatra Agamas, Shaivites follow the Shaiva Agamas, and Shaktas follow the Shaiva Agamas. But long ago, there was a group of people in Kashmir who followed the ...
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how can I start Tantra sAdhnA? which all are the scriptures I need to study to have in-depth knowledge?
I am new here and have many questions.
I am interested in Tantric sAdhnA and first I need to study the Tantric scriptures in detail. I have studied yogA-VedAnta and Buddhism in detail also mahAmUdrA ...
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How is tantric sex, meat eating and alcohol consumption justified?
Tantra which refers to the esoteric practices and traditions of Hinduism usually in Shaktism involves taboo activities of meat eating, alcohol consumption and sex. All these activities are perceived ...
user9969
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What is Shaktipata?
Can anyone explain about it with good examples?
What are the different types of Shaktipata?
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About UcchistaGanapathi and why its regarded as highest Ganesha form
I have heard about the UcchistaGanapathi mantras, and why this form of Lord Ganapathi is regarded as highest and more Tantric. However, am not sure whether its regarded as highest! (saw in one ...
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What scriptures describe Durvasa having three sons who promulgated Agamas?
Generally, Vaishnavas follow the Pancharatra Agamas, Shaivites follow the Shaiva Agamas, and Shaktas follow the Shaiva Agamas. But long ago, there was a group of people in Kashmir who followed the ...
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Does Advaita accept vamchara followers?
Advaita is philosophy Propagated by Adi Shankaracharya, Adi shankaracharya/Advaita(original) accepts Vedas and Vedanta Prashnatrayi(Bramha Sutras, Shrimad Bhagwad Gita,Upanishads) Scriptures while he(...
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Black Magic/Kala Jadu/ Pilli Soonyam are real?
As I know, due to jealousy, or some base cause, the Tantriks use cheap tactics to overcome the adversaries, which can ruins one's life .
Also I heard that if someone is affected by Black Magic then ...
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What is the theory of creation of the universe as per agama/tantra section of Hinduism
Can anyone tell with reference? Would be helpful .
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Which all sects accept three forms of Vishnu as described in Satvata Tantra?
As already mentioned in this answer, Satvata Tantra describes three Vishnu forms, namely Karanokadasayi Vishnu, Garbodhakasayi Vishnu and Kshirodakasayi Vishnu.
The exact verse talking about three ...
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Do we have a Trishati Namavali for Varahi?
Do we have Trishathi Namavali (a stotra consisting of 300 names) for Varahi? I heard it's there in "Uddamaresha Tantra" (not Uddamareshvara Tantra). If anyone can provide any information it will be ...
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Which Tantric scripture classifies the Agamas into SAttvic, RAjasic and TAmasic categories?
It is a well known fact that the PurAnas have a classification based on the TriGunAs (Sattva, Rajas and Tamah). That is, there are SAttvic PurAnas, RAjasic PurAnas and TAmasic PurAnas.
Now, for the ...
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Importance of Chinnamasta Sadhana
In which avastha/bhaava does Chinnamasta falls? Does it belong to Srividya Krama?
Its heard that, people should not go for this Sadhana for "getting things done" --experiencing materialistic pleasures!...
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How does a bad spell (Tantra or Maran Vidhya) work?
There is one type of sadhu called Aghori, which also has one sub-type called Kapalik.
While reading a book on Pujya Mota, I found that a Kapalik used a bad spell on Pujya Mota to make him, his Sishya ...
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Do all Shaiva Siddhantins reject Vamachara practices as sinful?
The term "Shaivite" is overused nowadays. For instance, Iyer Brahmins are often called Shaivites, but they're actually followers of Adi Shankaracharya's Smartha sect ((which I discuss here and here), ...
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Why is the "Dasa Avataram" concept considered a debatable topic on this site while Scriptures make clear mention of them?
Since the concept of Dasavataram doesn't even exist in Hindu
scripture, this is sort of a moot question
This was posted by Keshav Srinivasan as a comment under this question.Comments with the same ...
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How many Tantra (Sakta Agamas) texts are there?
I am only talking about Sakta Agamas (Tantra). How many texts are there? I somewhere read the number is 64. But I am not sure. I do not have any reference also. For example, we had a clear idea of how ...
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What is the most authoritative book/translation on Vignana Bhairava Tantra?
Which book is the original sanskrit account of Vignana Bhairava Tantra?
What is the story/events surrounding the time this Yoga method was introduced to the world?
Which is the best available English ...
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Questions about the image of goddess Chhinnamasta? [duplicate]
What is the mythological story behind Chhinnamasta? Is there any philosophical meaning behind this image shown below ?
What benefits can one earn by worshiping this form?
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What are the letter of alphabets (varnas) associated with each of the Seven Chakras?
Body consists of mainly seven chakras as I discuss here. In the Netra Tantra book I have; in the introductory preface part it is written:
Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahat, Shakini and Ajna ...
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Which of these Bhairava shruti texts / Tantras are lost?
The following is a list from the Shrikanthi Samhita of the 64 Bhairava Tantras and their 8 classifications:
Yamalasataka - BrahmayAmala, VishnuyAmala, Rudra-yAmala, Swacanda
yAmala, AtharvanayAmala, ...
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What is the position of the Tantras among the holy scriptures?
We know that if there is a conflict between the Vedas and smritis, Vedas has to be accepted. Similarly if there is a conflict between smritis and puranas,smritis have to be accepted. But what is the ...
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What is the difference between Dakshina Kali and Guhya Kali?
What is the difference between Dakshina Kali and Guhya Kali as per the Tantric Scriptures? Did Goddess Kali assume the Guhya Kali form to slay any demon?
One image of Guhya-Kali from one famous ...
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How many stages are there in Samadhi? Does Patanjali yoga sutras mention different stages of Samadhi?
Patanjali yoga sutras mention 8 stages to reach ultimate union with supreme. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyan, and Samadhi. But while reading tamil literature yesterday,it is ...
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What is the distinction between yoga as Astika vs Nastika?
There are 6 orthodox (astikas) darshanas, very good explained in Keshav question here.
At same time, yoga is based mostly on agamas or tantras, and other kind of writtings:
Trika philosophy have ...
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Could someone perhaps direct me to info regarding Smashan Kali & Guhya Kali?
I'm looking for scriptural info about Guhya Kali and Smashan Kali with translations if possible (Yogini Tantra and the like.) As in what the Tantra background/stories are for these forms of Kali, and ...
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Who was Sri Vidya guru Pujyasri Bhaskara Raya?
In the modern times, Pujyasri Bhaskara Raya Makhin is well known and respected by all shaktas across the country. His contribution to Shaktism and other shastras is phenomenal.
Is there any details ...
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Understanding the history and construction of beeja mantra
Surely TM is not the only one to use beeja mantra, and sages probably was using them since time unknown.
The philosophy behind agyamya, nigyama and mantras was that to make it available to all and ...
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Are the Sri Yantras that are devoid of color fillings defective?
Sri Yantra is probably the most well-known among all yantras. It is also called the king of yantras.
The presiding deity of the yantra is Sri Lalita Mahatripurasundari or Sri Rajarajeswari Devi.
A ...
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What scriptures describe the phenomenon of Fire Eclipses?
Just like Vaishnavas follow Pancharatra Agamas and Shaivites follow Shaiva Agamas, Shakta follow Shakta Agamas, aka Shakta Tantras. (I discuss an exception that proves the rule here.) One such Shakta ...
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What is the REAL MEANING of cutting Maa Kali by sword of Jnana by Sri Ramakrishna during Advaita Sadhana?
As per Sri Sri Ramakrishna-Leelaprasanga, Sri Ramakrishna while doing medidation under the guidance of Totapuri, cut Maa Kali in two pieces by the sword of jnana when She appeared before Him. He ...
user17294
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Are there any Saraswati sahasranaamas other than those from Skanda purana and Rudra Yamala Tantram?
There are at least two Saraswati sahasranaamas, that I know, are available.
#1: From Skanda purana 1,2
At the request of Narada, Sanat Kumara Maharshi enumerated these sahastranaamas.
#2: From Rudra ...
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What are the famous Catus Peethas according to the early Tantra and Sakta tradition?
Now, the number of Sakta Peethas (seats of the mother-goddess) are 51. But ancient Tantra and Sakta tradition mentioned four important Peethas. These are known as Adi Peethas. What are these Peethas?
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Are there any substitutes for Panchamakara?
"Panchamakara" refers to the five taboo substances used in Tantra. These substances are:
• madya (wine)
• māṃsa (meat)
• matsya (fish)
• mudrā (parched grain)
• maithuna (sexual intercourse)
My ...
user9969
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Which texts talk about alchemy?
Alchemy is the study of transmutation of matter, conversion of base metal into gold and development of the elixir of immortality. I have heard that Tantra talks about alchemy and I wish to do some ...
user9969