11.2. “Agama" and "Nigama" in Hinduism

In Hinduism, Agama and Nigama are two different types of scriptures that have a distinct focuses and purposes.

The term "Agama" is also used to refer to other sacred scriptures in Hinduism that are closely related to the Vedas but have their own distinct language, structure, and philosophy. These Agama texts include the Tantras, which are primarily associated with the worship of the divine feminine or the Shakti aspect of the divine. Other Agama texts include the Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agamas, which are associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu. These texts provide detailed instructions on temple construction, deity worship, and various rituals and practices related to the worship of the deities. So, while the term Agama can specifically refer to the scriptures related to temple worship, it can also refer to a broader category of texts that are closely related to the Vedas.

Āgama (आगम) refers to the collection of scriptures that focus on the worship of deities in temples or shrines. These texts prescribe the rituals, practices, and rules for the worship of various deities. The Agamas are believed to have been revealed by Lord Shiva and are considered to be sacred texts by the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.

One of the distinctive features of the Agamas is that they are sectarian in nature and are associated with specific Hindu traditions or denominations. The Agamas can be broadly categorized into Shaiva, Shakta, and Vaishnava Agamas, each of which is associated with the worship of a particular deity or group of deities.

The Shaiva Agamas are associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, and include texts such as the Kamika Agama, the Mrgendra Agama, and the Suprabhedagama.

The Shakta Agamas are associated with the worship of the divine feminine or the Shakti aspect of the divine, and include texts such as the Kularnava Tantra, the Maha Nirvana Tantra, and the Rudrayamala Tantra.

The Vaishnava Agamas are associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu, and include texts such as the Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agamas.

While the Agamas share some similarities with the Vedas, such as their emphasis on ritual and sacrifice, their sectarian nature sets them apart and gives them a unique character within the Hindu scriptural tradition.

Nigama (निगम), on the other hand, refers to the Vedic scriptures that contain the knowledge of the ancient seers, known as rishis. The Nigamas include the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda), along with the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. These texts contain knowledge about philosophy, spirituality, and ethics, and are considered to be the foundation of Hinduism.

Nigama (निगम) is another name for Vedas. Āmnāya (आम्नाय) is also another name for Vedas.

In summary, Agama scriptures focus on the worship of deities, while Nigama scriptures focus on philosophy and spirituality.

Grammatically, both Nigama and Agama signify something that has been passed down through a lineage, but the prefixes "ni" and "a" add different shades of meaning to the terms.

The prefix “ni” (nishcayena āgatah) in Nigama implies a sense of fixed and arranged transmission. It suggests that the knowledge contained in the Nigamas has been handed down from generation to generation in a systematic and organized manner. The term "ni" also implies that the knowledge contained in the Nigamas has been carefully preserved and protected from corruption or distortion.

On the other hand, the prefix “ā” (āsamantāt āgatah) in Agama implies a sense of coming from many sources. It suggests that the knowledge contained in the Agamas has been accumulated from various sources over time. The term "a" also implies that the knowledge contained in the Agamas has been constantly evolving and adapting to changing social and cultural contexts.

In summary, while both Nigama and Agama signify something that has been passed down through a lineage, the prefixes "ni" and "a" add different nuances of meaning to the terms, reflecting the unique characteristics of each of these scriptural traditions in Hinduism.

Vedas