Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra
by Shanta Srinivasan | 2000 | 33,961 words
This English essay studies Diksha in Pancharatra with reference to important texts. Diksha refers to initiation ceremonies into a particular esoteric tradition which is given, for example, by the teacher (Guru) to the student (Shishya). Pancharatra refers to an ancient school of Vaishnavism based on ancient Tantra-like texts called Agamas which wer...
4. Home of Pancaratra
Birch bark was used in Kashmir to draw diagrams and to record mantras. This practice is mentioned in the Lakshmitantra and the Ah.S.2 From the above evidences Kashmir is believed to be the home of Pancaratra. The Pauskara Pauskara Samhita3 mentions Sattvata, Pauskara, Jayakhya, Laksmi Tantra and Ahirbudhnya Samhita were compiled in Kashmir. Other texts like the Isvara Samhita (mentioning Yadavadri at Melkote in Karnataka), the Paramesvara samhita (glorifying Srirangam) and Padma Samhita which was available to 1. For a more detailed explanation of the word Pancaratra ref.Agama and South Indian Vaisnavisam pp. 119- 132. 2. Lakshmitantra Ch. 73. 8; Ahirbudhnya-samhita Ch.XIV. 33-38 3. Pauskara-samhita 31. 106b-111d; vide also Agama and South Indian Vaisnavisam p.249 13
Vedanta Desika (1300 A.D) must have been written in the South. Parama Samhita which Yamuna and Ramanuja quote, was available in South India before 900 A.D