![]() The tradition of Tantra was popular among the masses. It left its imprint on the Puranas and Smriti due to its wide reach. It played a crucial role in the religious and social life of India. The religious practices were deeply touched with Tantric colour. The mystic syllables, Mandalas, yantras and mudras were incorporated into the traditional modes of worship. In several Smriti journals references have been made to Tantras and quotations of Tantric verses, mantras and so on. The dominance of Tantra in Kali has been stated in the Mahanirvana-tantra. The religion of Buddhism has been highly influenced by Tantra. The deep influence of Tantra has led to the rise of Buddhist Sahajiya cult which in turn was responsible for the rise of Vaishnava Sahajiya cult. ![]() Articles of food and drink which are offered to the deities reflect the food-habits of the people. Some Tantras also reveal people's moral outlook and their ideas. Some Tantras, especially those related to Kashmir Shaivism is inherent with high philosophical ideas. They value the history of Indian philosophy. There is very less information about the authors in Sanskrit works. However some Tantric works contain information about their authors, dates and patrons. Tantra is valuable from the viewpoint of history of Sanskrit literature. A Tantra entitled Vidyarnava is important for political history as it gives an account of the foundation of the town of Vijaynagar. From one Tantra Brihad-gautamiya one comes to know of different regions of India where Tantric religion developed and Tantras were composed. |