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service to others inspired by Karuņā or great compassion. It is this compassion or spirit of service in some form or other which binds them down to the world of mahāmāyā as guardians and saviours of humanity. This fact is recognized not only in the Tantrics but also in the Vedānta as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. They are akin to the great souls recognized in Christianity as angels, archangels, seraphs, cherubs, etc. From Agamic view point, even this authoritative position or Adhikara is really a bondage and is ultimately thrown up after perfect self-realization. In some of the Vaiş ava works these world-servants are really servants of God and are known as kiskaras. They have according to them an everlasting life and remain as perfect denizens of the Divine Mansion. For Vaişņavism, like Christianity recognizes the fundamental distinction in the status of Ātmā and Paramātmā.
