the consonants, thirty-three in number, represent Bhairavi or Shakti. The two are quite inseparable from each other and the one may be called to be the complement of the other. As a conclusion, from the combination of Shiva and Shakti, or vowels and consonants, proceeded the Universe consisting of thirty-six Tattvas (Principles or factors) as also the Agama Shāstras in question.
Though known under different names of Vedas, Vedānta, Sānkhya, Shaiva and Yoga etc. and commented upon in diverse ways by many Achāryas and sages, the Agama Shastras do but kindle the torch of knowledge (Jǹāna) of the identity of the individual self with the Supreme Self. But of the above mentioned branches of the Agama Shāstras, the doctrines and practices laid down in the Shaivāgama Darshana being best suited to the Kali or the present age, it is looked upon as the most successful guide to the attainment of the Highest Bliss.
According to the statement given by Abhinavagupta in his famous work, "Tantrāloka," the Shaivāgama Shāstras, said to have been sixty-four in number, were studied universally before the beginning of the Kali Age, when, for good or ill, a reactionary movement took place in the spiritual atmosphere of the world. The result was that,
