The Hindu Tantras were written after the Puranas, in the medieval period, and are usually set in the form of a dialogue between the God Shiva and his consort Parvati, in which he explains to her the philosophy and myths underlying the Tantric ritual. They emphasize the Goddess Shakti as the female power or energy of the God. This view taken to its extreme holds that Shiva with out Shakti is like a corpse. This is probably one such Encyclopaedia available on Tantra and will be welcomed by all classes of readers-general, researches, teachers, and students alike. It will particularly be interesting for the western readers as it provides him a opportunity to get all important information on this important branch of Hindu Philosophy at one place. |
