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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
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FOREWORD
When we are discussing the different definitions for explaining the term Pañcaratra it is but meet that we should call the attention of the readers to a definition of the Pañcarātras
as contained in a later Tantric work of the Sakta cult (probably composed during Akbar's time), namely, the Śaktisangama
Tantra' where the Pañcaratras are characterised as the followers of a faith which enjoins that the face of a Saiva should not be seen for five successive nights (which accounts for the name). They are described there as immensely hostile to the followers of Saivism. This explanation which seems to be the most peculiar of its kind shows that the real nature of the Pancaratra doctrines and practices was carefully kept away from the public who were left at liberty to form any fantastic judgment of them.
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
The next important term is Sattvata which has been defined in a characteristic way in the Sahasranamabhāṣya1 by Parāśara where the Sattvatas are identified with the Mahabhăgavatas:
सत् ब्रह्म सत्त्वं वा तद्वन्तः सात्त्वन्तः ब्रह्मविधाः सात्त्विका वा, तेषामिदं कर्म शास्त्रं वा सात्त्वतम्, तत्कुर्वाणास्तदाचक्षाणाश्च वा
or सातयति सुखयत्याश्रितान् इति सात् परमात्मा, स एतेषामस्तीति वा सात्त्वताः सात्त्वन्तो वा, महाभागवताः । 3
EXTENT OF THE PANCARATRA LITERATURE.
The Pañcarātra literature like many other branches of Sanskrit literature is very vast and extensive, and this is evident from Dr. O. Schrader's masterly survey of the Pañcarătra as contained in his Introduction to the Pañcarătra published from the Adyar Library some fourteen years ago. There he gives in a tabular form as many as 210
1. पञ्चरात्रिवतं प्राप्ताः पञ्चरात्राः प्रकीर्तिताः । दिनपञ्चकपर्यन्तं शैवानां न विलोकनम् ॥
2. वर्तन्ते वैष्णवा ये च शिवनिन्दापरायणाः ।
Saktisangama Ms. No. 5603, fol. 46a. 3. विष्णुसहस्रनामभाष्य by पराशर. ( Venkatesvar Press ed.)
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