Preface

Today is the auspicious day when our foremost favorite Acharya Abhinavgupta, an equivalent
manifestation of Lord Shiva entered into his divine abode achieving Bhairav Bhava merged
into utmost divine consciousness. In the Vaidik Calendar, it is the Paush month Waning Moons
tenth day i.e. around late December during the tenth day of the waning phase of the Moon.
Our Acharya Abhinavgupta composed the Bhairav - Stotra (a prayer dedicated to Lord Bhairav
a manifestation of Lord Shiva) while established into the Bhairava Bhava his consciousness
one with Lord Bhairav. I too have initiated this auspicious writing today, having been inspired
from Shri Abhinavgupta Ji.
Tantraloka is a grand epic, in which our revered Acharya (divine teacher) has expounded in
detail and shed light on all of the systems related to the so called Trik - Shastra, i.e. non dual,
dual-nondual and dual three and a half branched. Acharya further narrates:
This Tantrloka is a manifestation of a stream of divine nectar encompassing the essence of all of the
spiritual wisdom. It embodies in its exposition the quintessence of all of the streams of wisdom with its
broad sweep.

Therefore, as is the declaration of the shruti A sincere effort definitely bears fruit when done with
utmost intention, with this mindset I am undertaking to write the explanatory commentary and
exposition on this great epic in the Tantric Literature Tantraloka. It is my hearts desire that may this
auspicious undertaking be completed with the grace of the great Abhinavgupta who is none other than
Swachhandnath lord Shiva. I will consider myself of all desires fulfilled if this work is materialzed.

Paush Krishna Dashami

(Tenth day of the waning Moon in the Vedic month of Paush - aroud late December)

Vikrami Samvat (Vedic Jyotish Calendar) 2023 Ishwar Ashram Resident

English Calendar: 1966 Follower of Devotees of Lord Shiva

Sapatrishi Samvat: 5042 Rajanak Lakshman

(original Vedic Calendar as was used authentically)