Preface

Srimad Ānandathērtha was a 12th century saint who re-established the Vēdānta doctrine of 'tatvavāda', the doctrine based on realism and theism. His 'tatvavāda' philosophy is mostly famous as 'Dvaita', the Dualistic Vēdānta. He is usually referred to as Madhvāchārya, however, his signature in many of his writings refers to him as "Srimad Ānandathērtha Bhagavad Pādāchārya".

Tantrasāra Saṅgraha as the name indicates is the essence of the 'Tantra'. 'Tantra' means strategy, unlike 'Shāstra' or 'Darshana' which indicates philosophical knowledge. The three Āgamas i.e. Pancharatra or Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta are categorised as tantra in the Indian philosophical landscape. Their purpose in actualising the Vedic philosophy in the daily life of the aspirant by recommending practices, which will strategically take the aspirant to the ultimate goal.

Srimad Ānandathērtha is a strong proponent of Vaishnava āgamas and Pancharātra tradition. It is also popularly known as Bhāgavata tradition. The Heliodorus pillar, dedicated by a Greek ambassador from the court of Indo-Greek king Antialcidas circa 100 BCE, contains the first known inscription related to the Bhagavata tradition (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliodorus_pillar). Thus, by 100 BCE, the Pancharātra had a long history, a widespread popularity, and a broad foundation. Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and other Vaishnava Puranas belong to the Pancharātra tradition. Pancharatra Agama is a collection of over 200 books (samhitas), many of which are not available now in entirety. Tantrasāra Saṅgraha is a collection of hymns from various Pancharātra samhitas, with notes from Sri Madhvacharya providing the essence of tantra to be followed.

- Madhukrishna Sudhindra