Chapter 1:

Introduction: We come to know that rituals of Homas and Yagnas through Vedas. Vedas are divided
into Karma Kandam and Gnyana Kandam.

Karma Kandam explains methods to perform Homas. In this kandam, hirerachy starts from Agni to the
higher level i.e. Vishnu. It explains about Yagas, Yagnyam, Homam, Swanam, relevant devata mantras
and offering to the god. This structure of the Homa Kundams, the things used for Homam are explained
in detail. Aagamas are explained the structure the temple and different ways of worship. Gnyana
Kandam explains characteristics of Aatma.

Vedas and Aagamas:- Vedas are permanent, is not written by anyone, (kutram atradhu, Anadhi
aanadhu).

Aagamas have come from God and Rishi’s. Aagama is a tamil word which means Varugai (come).
Because it is taught by ancestors through generations. Aagama is coined from Aagatha, Katha, Matha
words meaning come, go and accept. The byproduct of Aagama is Shilpa Sastram. Shilpa Shastram
explains the measurement of Buildings, construction materials, casting the structure of god are
explained. Aagamas explain how to convert the above things in a worshipping way. In aagamas 108
pancha raatra samhidai, 28 saivaagamas, 77 saptaagamas are present. Aagamas are compiled by
Samhitas. Each temple follows a particular type time of Sahithai. For example, in Srirangam temple
“Paarameshwara Samhithai” from paancharaatra Aagamam is followed. Some aagama samhitais are
told to Parvathi by Shiva. “Ahir Putniya Samhiai” is one of the samhitai told by Shiva to Parvathi.
Aagamas are “Aparokshyamam” that which is not written by anyone. Aagamas are treated equivalent to
Vedas. In Mahabharata “Paancha ratra Aagamas” are honored as equivalent to Vedas. In Bhramasutram
“Paancha ratra Aagamas” is also honoured.
Chapter 2: Paancha Raatram Introduction:-

Paancha raatram means relationships of five nights.

In “satapata Prahmam” a division of veda explains about Paancha raatram.

In “Chatra Yagam” explains how to worship the gods in five nights.

Coining of the word Paancha Raatram:- The Aagama book “Parama Samhitai” explain another reason for
this word “Paancha Raatram”. Maha Bhutam, Tanmatrai, Ahankaram, bhudi, Avyaktam are the five
properties.

In a book called “Paatma Tantram” says Yogam, Saangyam, Bhoutktam, Aahatham, kaabaalam,
paasupatham are the five sastras act to become dark that is why “Paancha Raatram”. (Page4, 4th Point)

In another book , Raatri means night or ignorance. The word Paancha combined with Raatri eradicates
darkness.

Few others say Brahmam, Mukti, Bhogam, Yogam, Prapancham are five lakshanas of God. The
pancharatnam shows the ways to attain these five lakshanas hence Paancha Raatram.

Few others say Paancha Raatram explains five stages of Paramatma.

Paratvam = Veda

Vyuham = Pancha Raatra Aagamam

Vibhavam = Ithihaasa Puranas

Antharyamitvam = Smriti

Archavataram = Divyaprapantam

Aacharya Hrudayam book explains in the above way.

5th Page:

Paancha Raatram honored by Saandrorgal.

Ancient book “Pari paadal” there is a reference about paancharaatram. The third paripaadal the author
Kaduvan Ilaveyinanar explains of four vyuga moorthis names of Lord Vishnu.

1. Sengan kari
2. Karunkan Vellai
3. Ponkan Pachai
4. Painkan Mal
Are equivalent to

1. Vasudevan
2. Sangarshanan
3. Pradyumnan
4. Anirudhan

R G Bhandarkar said, Paancharaatnam books belongs to 6th century B C. But, before itself the
paanchaaratram are explained in various tamil literature.

Paanchaaratnam Acceptance and Rejections:-

The book of element of Hindu Iconography written by T A Gopinath Rao in his book he says “Eshwara
Samhitai” in Paancharaatra Aagamam says about Namazhvar and Ramanujar. So, it belongs to the 10th
century A. D.

Brahat Brama Samhitai also says the same thing that it belongs to 10th Century A.D. Another aagama of
Vyshnava Siddantham called Vaiganasam also says the same thing that Aagamas are written after the
Alwar periods. But, it is not true. Aagamas are called Bhakta Bimba Prathista. They are nitya Surees and
those are kept inside the temple and worshipped. In those things some additions are added in the later
stage. Those additions belong to after Alwar’s period that Aagamas are nitya Surees. In Mahabharata,
Moksha Darmam, well detailed explanation of Paancharaatra agama which shows that is very old.

Paancharaatna Aagamas has 15 lakhs shlokas which are divided into Sree Prasanna Samhitai, Vishnu
Samhitai, Paadma Samhitai, Paarameshwara Samhitai, Parasara Samhitai etc, …

Samhitai – Divyam, Munibhashyam and Paurusheiyam are the three different Samhitai. Divyam is
directly told be God, Rishis heard and wrote hence it is Munibhashyam, Paurusheyam is written by
people.

Divyam – Saathvadham, Paushkaram, Jayagyam which explains three importance samhitas are called
ratna trayam.

Question: How many Sannidi’s are there?

Sannidhi means where ever one finds gods power it is called sannidi. There are 2 sannidis named Siddha
and Manushya. Sidda sannnidis are architected by veda sirpi Vishvakarma which lies in Mountain, Nadhi
theeram, Nadhi Centre, opposite to waterfalls, forest.