Education System in Vaikhanasa Tradition

Abstract

Vishnu began in public temples even before the Christian era. 'Bhitargaon' and the 'Deogarh’ monumental temples in the North are dedicated to Vishnu built during Gupta period in the 4th or 5th Century AD. Many temples have been built in subsequent periods by Kings and Vishnu tradition followers. Daily worship is done to him from the Vedic period. Temple worship took the Vedas as its principles, and was followed in two divisions known as Vaishnava and Saiva. Advaita, Dvaita, Visistadvaita, Idol worship were practiced. Saiva Agamas and Vaishnava Agamas are being followed in almost all the places in our country. As per Vaikhanasa sutra, those who are well versed with all the samskaras are eligible to do the pooja in Vaikhanasa Agama temples. Agama is based on Vedic mantras and one becomes eligible to read the Agama only after getting Upanayana Samskara. Further, the learner should attain at least a minimum of 9 years to have a good grasp of Agama Sastras and communicate the significance of Agama sastras to others. This study attempt to discuss the education system in Vaikhanasa Tradition