Agamas

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Dear Bhagavatas

The following is an excerpt from SDDS Volume 01.014 dated 26th October 1996

archived at www.srivaishnava.org/sgati which gives a brief introduction on

Agamas as part of "Sources of knowledge" from my book "HInduism

Rediscovered". I am presenting this only as a supplement to the discussions

on the subject.

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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3.4. AAGAMAS

The word `Aagama' means `that which comes down' (i.e.) Traditional teachings

contained in NON-VEDIC Texts as distinct from `Nigama" which is based on the

Vedas. In fact, Nigama means Vedas while Agama means Non Vedic tradition..

The Agamas prescribe idol worship in the place of rituals mentioned in the

Vedas. They prescribe methods of worship, plans and rules for the

construction of temples and consecration of deities and performance of pujas.

 

They are 3 in number.

1.SAIVA : Containing 92 Agamas including 10 on Siva, 18 on Rudra , 64 on

Bhairava, Pasupata and Kapalika besides 108 upa agamas.

2.SAKTHA : Containing 77 Agamas or Tantras.

3.VAISHNAVA: Containing 108 major collections on Vasudeva Viz., The Vaishnava

Pancharatra Agama was advised by Lord Narayana himself

- for 5 Rishis

- in 5 nights.

in which 5 monotheistic philosophies converged in Vishnu.

- This is also known as "Pancharatha": 5 ways)

 

The chief disciple being NARADA through whom `Pancharatra' was propagated, it

is also known as `Narada Pancharatra' containing

i.. `Bhagavat' means one showering grace and wealth and as such applied

especially to Lord Vishnu.

ii.`Narayaniya' of Purusha - Sukta (Rig10.90) refers to Lord Vishnu as the

cosmic soul.

iii.`Ekantika' - `solitary presence' referred to Vishnu as the primal

existence.

iv.`Sarvata' - specializes in ceremonial branding characteristic of Sri

Vaishnavam..

v. Vaikhanasa Contributing to temple worship and iconography of Vishnu

 

There are several. collections called Samhitas of Pancharatra (not to be

confused with Veda Samhitas) but the more important ones are:-

Ahirbudnya, Garuda, Jayakhya, Laksmitantra, Narayana, Padma, Parameswara,

Paushkara , Sarvajna, Saatvita, Uthara and Vishvaksena. ( Vide Vangipuram

Swami's commentary on Abhaya Pradhaana SAram in Swami Desikan's Chillarai

Rahasyangal- p.449)

 

Pancharatra is said to of 5 angas also because of various other reasons

(e.g.)

i. It deals with Brahmam, Mukti, Bhogam, Yogam and Prapancham.

ii. It deals with the 5 Yagnas a Grihasta is expected to perform also called

Pancha Maha Yagnas.

iii. It deals with the 5 rituals contained in Nitya Tiruvaradhana

iv. It deals with the evolution of Lord Narayana as Vasudeva (Paramatman),

Samkarshana (Jivan), Prdhyumna (Mahat), Aniruddha (Ahamkara) and Prakriti

(Bhutas)-

 

BUT, THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTIC OF PANCHARATRA LIES IN ITS

INTEGRATION OF THE PARA, VYUHA AND VIBHAVA WITH THE ARCHA MURTIS IN TEMPLES,

HEARTHS AND HOMES.

 

VAIKHANASA - is believed to have been advised at Naimisaranya by RISHI. This

is different from the Vaikhanasa mentioned at (v) above.

VAIKHANAS considered an incarnation of Lord Narayana emphasizing on purity

of conduct (as held by Kalidasa) and serves as a guide to Vanaprastas (as

held by Baudayana). Vishnu with Sri is prime.

 

In the beginning, no importance was given to Alwars and Acharyas; no

importance was given to Divya Prabhandams; no equal status was given to Andal

with Mahalakshmi; no Sannidhis erected for Alwars and Acharyas; and, there

was no insistence on Pundra dharanam even.

 

In Vaikhanasa, the Archa murtis are named Vishnu, Purusha, Satyan, Achyutan

etc. (Vide Tirukkallam Swami's commentary on Verse 32 of Saranagathi Deepikai

(p.341 of Desika Prabandham- Part I).

 

But, in course of time all this has changed and the distinctions have become

less pronounced, if not completely abrogated.

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