Kaula (Hinduism)

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Kaula, also known as Kula, Kulamārga ("the Kula path") and Kaulācāra ("the Kaula tradition"), is a Tantric tradition which is characterised by distinctive rituals and symbolism connected with the worship of Shakti and Shiva^[1] that is associated with cremation-ground or charnel ground sceticism, found in Shaktism and Shaivism.^[2]

Kaula preserves some of the distinctive features of the Kāpālika tradition, from which it is derived.^[3] It is subdivided into four subcategories of texts based on the goddesses Kuleśvarī, Kubjikā, Kālī, and Tripurasundarī respectively.^[4] The Trika texts are closely related to the Kuleśvarī texts and can be considered as part of the Kulamārga.^[1][5] These subcategories emerged as cults with a wide range of practices—some with mild practices involving worship of Siva or Sadasiva as a householder deity while others involved worshiping ferocious goddesses with blood, alcohol and erotic offerings.^[6]

In later Hatha Yoga, the Kaula visualization of kundalini rising through a system of chakras is overlaid onto the earlier bindu-oriented system.^[7] Also, M. P. Pandit, a distinguished expert on Trika, once wrote an interesting note about liberation through Kashmir Shaivism: "There are four ways of effecting this liberation: Kaula Marga, where the individual pursues yogic practices; Shakti Marga, mainly through the awakening and rise of the Kundalini Power; Shunya Marga, arriving at the non-duality of Shiva through an act of Grace; Ananda Marga, instant self-recognition resulting in perpetual bliss."