Kularnava Tantra

Language: Sanskrit Text with English Translation
Pages: 277


 

Preface

Kularnava is one of the major Tantra of the Kaula School. It commands great authenticity, authority and respect. It has been profusely quoted by almost all the later Tantric works. However, its language, as is the case with most of the other Tantras, mostly conveys information in a codified form not easily discernible by everyone. The purpose behind such a use is to keep the secrets of the teachings confined only to the Sadhakas initiated in the system. Therefore, as the work stands, it cannot be understood easily by ordinary readers. Perhaps for this reason Sir Arthur Avalon also wanted to publish a Translation of this Text. However, he could not find time to do so and the work has been completed by an ordinary student as myself. Mr. M. P. pandit has published a very erudite study of this Tantra in English but it can in no way be regarded as a verbatim translation. Moreover, he has left many Ullasas even in his commentary.

When I undertook the work of this translation, I never thought it to be so difficult. As I proceeded, I found that at places the information is highly codified and at others, I Was at my wits end. No Dictionary, either modern or classical can be useful in the interpretation of such passages. Consequently, I had to go through a large number to Tantras, besides discussion the matter with some of the orthodox Tantrics.

Now, as the work has been completed, I can say that almost all the information has been decodified and Translated according to my capacity. The Mantras, various Nyasas and other Ritualistic details have been translated and explained. However, as the long Mantras of Nyasa and some of the bigger Mantras would have been cumbersome in Roman, I have chosen to give them in Devanag