Paper short abstract:

Does « tantric » mean « horrid », « inauspicious », « uncanny » in mediaeval Indian texts? The paper will explore how, when and why did the close association of these terms occur on the basis of the Kathāsaritsāgara passages with the excursions into other mediaeval Indian texts.

Paper long abstract:

A brief look into the Kathāsaritsāgara, the 11th century compilation of stories by Somadeva, demonstrates that about 90% of descriptions of frightening places, such as cremation grounds or abandoned temples occurring in the text come together with the presence of tantric practitioners of various kinds (Śaiva/Śākta and Buddhist) and their rituals practices.

Does it mean that in medieval India the tantric was identified with the horrid par excellence?

The presentation shall be centered upon the origin and function of the uncanny and frightening descriptions of places (such as cremation grounds and temples) within the general frame of the Kathāsaritsāgara-narrative, with the excursions into the other mediaeval texts, such as the Mālatīmādhava and the Yaśastilaka. The examples from the manuscript material of the 10th century tantric Jayadrathayāmala will demonstrate that, at least at the level of the written text, this association of the tantric with the horrid and grim can be attested in the tantric texts as well. Could thus the real tantric practices be indeed incorporated into the mediaeval Indian literature as horror stories?