Tantrer Byabaharik Itihas : Adi Theke Anta by Sombrata Sarkar [Hardcover]

The word Tantra is associated with yoga, worship, rituals, methods, Dakini Yogini practices, medicine, and cooking. The act of breathing is the arrival of Tantra, and without breath, there is the Nigama (scripture). The energy of the five chakras in the body becomes active in the Panchamundi (the five sacred places), and when the nine chakras awaken, the practitioner meditates while sitting in the Navamundi seat. The practice in the Shmashan Chakra (cemetery) is a path towards reaching the Sahasrara (thousand-petaled lotus). Horatantra and Shabdatantra are significant aspects of ancient Tantra. Across India, there are three tantric communities with distinct customs and practices. In Satvatatantra, those who have achieved siddhi (spiritual mastery) are considered adept in Bashikaran (magical control).

The books related to Tantra include Chintamani, Kaushiki Tantra, Rohini Tantra, Shashti Tantra, and Baraha Samhita; they cover topics like medicine, astrology, and therapeutic prescriptions. Mohini Tantra and Herjat Tantra deal with chakras and Kaayalipi (body practices). Tantra and Tantranta texts are revered in the Shreekul (sacred tradition).

The Shaiva philosophical community is divided into three main branches: Agama, Kamika Agama, and Rudra Agama, which encompasses the eighteen teachings of the Agama texts. From there, one arrives at the 64 Bhairava Agama texts, such as Bhairava Tantra, Yamal Tantra, Mat Tantra, Mangala Tantra, Chakra Tantra, Bahurupa Tantra, Shikha Tantra, Malini Vijayottara Tantra, Pashupati tradition, and the Kapali community.

The origin of Tantra lies in Shivachara (Shiva worship). Tantra is never a religion, but merely a practice, an approach. The practice of Tantra has an ancient historical context. It encompasses the entirety of thought, ritual, and meditation traditions, and its practical history spans from the beginning to the end.