INTRODUCTION
The Āgama and the Nigama
THE present publication entitled the Pāñcarātraraksā is the third work of the Pāñcarātra Āgama published by the Adyar Library. Among the great scriptures of the Hindus, the Āgama (also known as the Tantra) and the Nigama (well-known as the Veda) are considered to be the most sacred and authoritative. They enshrine vital teachings of the greatest value and the highest significance. The Āgama is fundamentally a Sādhana Śāstra--The Science of Self-realisation. For the benefit of its votaries--Sādhakas or Upāsakas--it prescribes a particular way of life and a practical course of Self-discipline in conformity with the theoretical teachings of its Philosophy. It also governs, to a considerable degree, the forms of worship performed in the temples and the religious rituals performed in the homes. Both Āgama and Nigama have their own divisions and sub-divisions. The Nigama is divided into the four Vedas, well-known as Rk, Yajus, Sāma and Atharva. The Āgama has its three divisions, Śaiva, Sākta and Vaisnava. Each of these has sub-divisions of its own. The present work belongs to the Pāñcarātra school or sub-division of the Vaisnava Āgama. It is an authoritative exposition and a vigorous vindication of the fundamental teachings of this school as also of the discipline,
