Umapati’s Commentary on the Pauskaratantra

The Pauskara, belonging to the class of literature generally known as Tantra or Agama, is an important text for the comprehension of saiva Philosophy. The seventh chapter of its doctrinal section (jnanapada) is not only a remarkable source of information on saiva epistemology, but also a gold-mine of significant elements valuable for the study of early Indian logic. Umapati’s commentary on this chapter introduces new features, sometimes in a post-15th century navyanyaya dialectical style, and bears testimony to the evolution of saiva epistemology. This translation aims to bring an important aspect of saiva philosophy to the attention of scholars and to facilitate comparative studies saiva epistemology.