TANTRA

It is a ritual in which prominence is given to females who are considered the energy of the deities. Manifold forms of Devi, consort or Sakti (energy) of Shiva is normally the object of devotion for Hindus whereas Tara is for Buddhists. The five requisites of Tantric worship are known as five ‘Ma’-kars or five M’s i.e. 1. Madya (wine) 2. Mansa (Meat or flesh) 3. Matsya (fish) 4. Mudra (Mystic poses or gesticulations) and 5. Maithuna (sexual intercourse). The Sakti or female energy is represented in gentle and terrific forms such as Uma or Gauri (gentle forms of Devi) and Kali and Durga (ferocious forms of Devi) etc. Not only the deities but also the actual women are treated as personifications of energy in such tantric rituals. Also, see Tantrism.

In other form or context, Tantra is the name of the text which expounds the mystic philosophy and the principles of actions leading to the attainment of “Enlightenment” i. e. the state of mind of total independence from the bonds of existence in the span of one’s life.