Agamas and Tantras

The Agamas refers to a set of religious texts followed by various Hindu devotional schools. The term “Agama” translates to “that which has come down” or tradition. These scriptures cover a wide range of topics, including cosmology, philosophical doctrines, meditation practices, four types of yoga, mantras, temple architecture, deity worship, and ways to attain sixfold desires.

The following two charts provide a brief introduction to these Hindu devotional schools.