Agamas: Temple

Current Context :  Recently, the Supreme Court has asked a committee, set up by the Madras High Court, to list all Agamic and non-Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu within three months.

About Agamas

• The Agamas are a collection of scriptures of Hindu devotional schools.
• Meaning: “Agama” means “that which has come down”—scriptures passed down through tradition.
• Contents: Explain temple design, deity worship, rituals, mantras, meditation, yoga, and spiritual goals.
• Branches:
  • Shaiva Agamas (worship of Shiva)
  • Vaishnava Agamas (worship of Vishnu)
  • Shakta Agamas (worship of the Goddess)
• Relation to Vedas: Not derived from the Vedas but fully Vedic in spirit, and widely respected alongside them.
• Local Practice: Most major temples in Tamil Nadu follow Agamic rules for daily worship and festivals.