Netra Tantra

The Netra Tantra (also known as Mṛtyujit or Amṛteśavidhāna) is a Śaiva Tantric text of the non-Saiddhāntika Mantra-mārga, produced in Kashmir around 700–850 CE, focused on the worship of Śiva (as Amṛteśvarabhairava) through mantra, yantra, and ritual practice.

Overview

The text is divided into 22 adhikāras (chapters) of uneven length, describing the Śaktis of Amṛteśa, dīkṣā (initiation), chakras in the body, yoginīs, bhūtas, and meditation hymns. It praises Shiva and Shakti as supreme beings in the forms of Amṛteśvarabhairava and Amṛtalakṣmī. It was commented on by the Kashmiri Pratyabhijñā philosopher Kṣemarāja (c. 1000–1050) and was connected with royalty, used by Śaiva officiants serving as royal priests (rājapurohita).

Content

The text prescribes detailed procedures for deity worship, mantra recitation, and yantra contemplation. It discusses the philosophy of non-dual Śaivism and the means of realizing one’s identity with Śiva through disciplined practice.

Significance

The Netra Tantra is important for understanding the development of Kashmir Śaivism and its ritual practices. It influenced later Tantric traditions across South Asia.

Verification notes

The text is part of the Śaiva Āgama corpus. Its dating is based on manuscript evidence and its relationship to other Kashmir Śaiva texts.

• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).