Exploring Tantric Practices in Indian Temples

India is a land of rich spiritual and cultural heritage, with a variety of practices that have evolved over centuries. Among the most intriguing of these are the various forms of Tantra, which involve the use of the body as an instrument for liberation. This article delves into the temples that perform Tantric practices and the paths they follow.

Understanding Tantra

The term Tantra is deeply intertwined with the concept of the Goddess. In ancient times, it referred specifically to her and encompassed a range of practices and ritualistic traditions. The Shaiv and Vaishnav tantra are collectively known as aagams, which are detailed teachings and scriptures.

According to tradition, the left and right body parts of the Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen in various locations. These locations follow the corresponding left hand path and right hand path, respectively. Adherents of the right hand path are often Sanyasis of Shankaracharya or Udaasi Sanyasi of Sri Chandra Bhagwan. In contrast, many temples in regions such as Kashmir, Bengal, Bihar, Kerala, and Northeast follow the left hand path, with some places being more open like Kamakhya and Tara Peeth, and others maintained in secrecy, such as certain regions in Kerala.

Those seeking to understand the specific spiritual kriyas (actions) carried out by Tantrics may find the temples of Tara Peeth and Kamakhya to be particularly enlightening. These temples offer a range of practices and rituals that are both fascinating and profound.

North and South Indian Temple Practices

In the north of India, temple rituals are predominantly conducted according to the Puranas. These temples, known as mandirs, do not require specifically consecrated temple priests (dīkita arcaka). Anyone from any community, including men, women, gender-fluid individuals, and from various racial and caste backgrounds, can perform puja with minimal training, known as a pūjāri or pūjarinī.

In the south of India, the situation is quite different. The temples here, built according to strict rules and measurements of Sacred Architecture, adhere to the āgamas/Tantras. Here, the ceremonies can only be performed by specially trained priests, who have undergone extensive training and initiation. These priests, known as āgama pūjārīs, can serve in one of the ālayas, which are technical terms for Tantric temples.

For clarification, TANTRA is a system by which knowledge is spread. The Saiva and Vaishnava canon is called āgamas and those of the Goddess are known as Tantras. These terms are essentially interchangeable.

Tantric Paths

The Tantrik path can be divided into two primary branches: the Right-hand Tantra ( dakiniacāra) and the Left-hand vāmācāra ( Vamachara). The Right-handed Tantra, or āgama, is patriarchal, orthodox, conventional, and symbolic, dedicated to universal well-being. In contrast, Left-handed Tantra is matriarchal, heterodox, and transgressive, often inverting and subverting traditional "brahminical" norms, values, and structures.

A diagram of an ālaya can be visualized as:

A central space representing the temple or sacred site Multiple smaller spaces symbolizing various aspects or deities Connecting lines illustrating the energy flow and interactions between these spaces

Understanding the complexities of these practices requires a deep dive into the historical, cultural, and spiritual contexts of India. The study of Tantric practices in Indian temples offers a window into a rich spiritual tradition that continues to influence culture and religion.