Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c13.s3.1

v2.c13.s3.1

The term *Āgama* generally implies a traditional doctrine or precept, a sacred writing or scripture and hence the Vedas. But there is a special class of works inculcating the mystical worship of Śiva and Śakti like the *Tantras*: they belong to South India and are known as the *Āgamas*.¹ They are encyclopædic works like the *Purāṇas*, whose ultimate object is also to discuss the worship of the Triad The *Purāṇas*, however, deal with all the three deities forming the holy Trinity, although Vishṇu has received preference and to his worship fourteen of the Purāṇas are devoted. The *Āgamas*, on the other hand, deal mostly with Śiva. Obviously they are intended to represent the *Purāṇas* of South India. These *Āgamas* of *Dākshiṇātya* are in fact more extensive than the *Purāṇas* of *Āryāvarta*. There are as many as twenty-eight recognized *Āgamas*,² while the number of the great *Purāṇas* is not more than eighteen or nineteen.³