Sketch of the Religious Sects of the Hindus c7.s2.31

c7.s2.31

Although the adoration of PRAKRITI or SAKTI is, to a certain extent, authorised by the Puránas, particularly the Brahma Vaivartta, the Skanda, and the Káliká, yet the principal rites and formulæ are derived from an independent series of works, known by the collective term of Tantras. These are infinitely unmerous, and in some instances of great extent; they always assume the form of a dialogue between SIVA and his bride, in one of her many forms, but mostly as UMA' and PARVATI, in which the goddess questions the god as to the mode of performing various ceremonies, and the prayers and incantations to be used in them. These he explains at length, and under solemn cautions that