PANCHARATRAAGAMA

 What is PancharatraAgama?

Aagamas are the sacred Vedic scripts dealing with principles and methods of divine worship, covering a wide range of topics including construction of temples, image making (iconography), rituals, domestic observances, philosophical knowledge (jnana), yogic practices (yoga), and codes of conduct (Dharma).

Among the various divisions of Agamas the Pancharatra Agamas exclusively deal with and provide a framework for the worship of Lord Vishnu (SriManNarayana). This makes them foundational texts for the Vaishnava sampradaya (tradition) including Madhva sampradaya.

The name "Pancharatra" is often translated as "five nights" (pancha meaning five and ratra meaning nights). According to tradition, the doctrines were revealed by Lord Vishnu (Vasudeva/Narayana) himself over five nights to five different seers or divine personalities, including Shandilya, Garuda, Brahma, Rudra, and Ananta.

Other interpretations of the name "Pancharatra" include: Ratra meaning knowledge (jnana), with the texts covering five kinds of knowledge. The system integrating five schools of thought: Veda, Vedanta, Purana, Samkhya, and Yoga. Ratra meaning the destruction of ignorance (ajnana), as the texts provide the means to overcome spiritual darkness.

The core philosophy emphasizes bhakti (devotion) as the primary path to moksha (liberation) and outlines the worship of Vishnu in his fivefold manifestations:

Para: The highest, transcendent form.

Vyuha: The four functional cosmic aspects (Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha).

Vibhava: The various incarnations (avataras) like Rama and Krishna.

Antaryamin: The 'inner ruler' or indwelling presence within all beings.

Archa: The worshipable icon or idol form found in temples and homes.

naham karta harih karta