vedasāram idam tantram – Vedic traces in the Śaivāgamas

Résumé En

This paper delves into the intricate interplay between early Śaiva tantric traditions and Vedic influences, focusing on the context of liṅga worship. While the early Śaiva practices represented a departure from Vedic orthodoxy, it is noteworthy that the orthodox Vedic tradition itself underwent a gradual acceptance of image worship and the emergence of temple culture during the post-Vedic period. The convergence of diverse tantric traditions with the Vedic, particularly in the worship of the liṅga, unveils a subtle integration of these two historically distinct traditions within the ritual arena. The contribution aims to address the ambiguity that existed between Vedic and various tantric traditions, emphasizing their convergence in the worship of the liṅga. Specifically, the paper will examine the gradual integration of Vedic materials into Śaiva rituals, shedding light on the nuanced processes that facilitated the assimilation of these two distinct traditions within the Śaiva ritualistic framework.