An important, cialis yet very much neglected part of the Indian spiritual studies is the concept of tantra. It has remained mired in mystery for centuries and even today, ampoule people largely associate it with obscenities and black magic. Tantric pujas and sadhanas performed in temples are looked upon with suspicion because of their foundations grounded in mythical and strange rituals, which to the human eye of the advanced ages only seems gruesome and mostly illogical.

Tantrics still make use of animal sacrifice and many of their rituals use ashes of the dead. However, what most of us are unaware of is that Tantra is one of the core elements of the Indian traditions and represents the practical aspects of the Vedas. Its followers are mostly worshippers of Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva, and they’ve built enormous tantric temples throughout the country, of which we tell you about the 7 most popular here:

1. Vaital temple, Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Vaital temple is a renowned 8^th century temple situated in Bhubaneswar. The temple is regarded as one of the most powerful and eccentric centre for tantric powers. An idol of mighty Chamunda also known as Kali, adorning a skull necklace with a cadaver under her feet, stands inside the temple. According to the tantriks, the faint interiors of the temple constitute a superlative place for absorbing the circulating stream of power that emerges out from this point.

2. Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal

Kalighat temple is situated in Kolkata. Tantriks consider the temple extremely important for pilgrimage and therefore visit the temple throughout the year. The Kalighat temple came into existence when Lord Shiva’s consort, Sati was cut into pieces and her finger fell onto this spot. The ceremonial animal sacrifice is carried out in this temple whereby goats are sacrificed in order to please Goddess Kali. Hundreds of tantriks pay their homage and offer their prayers in front of Goddess Kali.

3. Baijnath Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Nestling at the foot of the mighty Dhauladhars, the Baijnath temple in Himachal Pradesh is another important tantrik temple in the country. Inside the temple is the famous ‘Lingam’ of Lord Shiva or Vaidyanath. Pilgrims from all over the country come to visit this ancient temple to offer their prayers. The priests in the temple claim a lineage as old as the temple. Tantriks admit that they come to the temple to seek the enormous powers as possessed by Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the Lord of Physicians.

4. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Kamakhaya is regarded as the centre of the extensively practiced and highly influential tantric cult.  The temple is located in Assam, at the top of Nilachal Hill. According to legends, when Lord Shiva was holding the cadaver of his wife Sati, her “yoni” fell onto the ground. It was at that very spot that the Kamakhya Temple was built and is today regarded as one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas in the country.

5. Ekling ji Temple, Rajasthan

Devoted to Lord Shiva, Eklingji temple is situated in the vicinity of Udaipur in Rajasthan. The temple comprises of a unique and beautifully designed four faced idol of Lord Shiva. The exquisite architecture of the temple dates back to 734 AD. Huge crowds of tantriks from all over the country come and visit this temple all round the year. The festival of Shivratri is of extreme importance and is celebrated with full vigor. The idol of Lord Shiva is magnificently adorned with ornaments and lavish feasts are prepared to honor the God.

6. Balaji Temple, Rajasthan

Balaji in Rajasthan is invariably regarded amongst the highly pious tantrik temples in India. Exorcism can be rightly defined as the mode of life in Balaji. People who have been possessed or are bewitched come from near and distant lands and congregate in the Balaji temple in innumerable numbers.  Most often the screams and veils of the people from within the temple can actually be heard for many miles around. The people who have been obdurately possessed have to stay in the temple premises for many days together to be completely exorcised.

7. Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh  

Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is renowned throughout the globe for its beautifully designed temples and the erotic sculptures. Very rare people are however aware of it being a tantric centre. The sculptures of Khajuraho strongly depict the gratification of the venereal desires, which are further blended with the reminiscent settings of the temple. This however is a true representation of the spiritual quest and is believed to transcend worldly ambitions and helps in seeking spiritual contentment, which would ultimately lead to enlightenment- Nirvana and Moksh.