Pancharatra: Ancient Hinduism's Forgotten Path
Pancharatra: An Overview
Pancharatra is a lesser-known school of Hinduism that originated in ancient India. The term 'Pancharatra' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'pancha' meaning 'five' and 'atra' meaning 'sky' or 'heaven'. This school of thought emphasizes the importance of devotion, self-realization, and spiritual growth.
- The Pancharatra school is associated with the goddess Shakti and the god Shiva.
- It is based on the teachings of the ancient Hindu text, the Pancharatra Agama.
- The school emphasizes the importance of self-realization and spiritual growth through devotion and meditation.
- It is known for its unique cosmology, which describes the universe as a complex of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
- The Pancharatra school is also known for its emphasis on the importance of ritual and sacrifice in achieving spiritual growth.