Gonzalo Fernandez

Summary of doctoral thesis: I propose to examine the soteriological role played by yoginīs in Śākta Tantric Śaivism and in so doing hope to show how this role developed over time from minor ancillary figures at the margins of the main cult to become much more important as bestowers of supernatural powers (siddhis) and, ultimately, liberation. The main focus of my research will involve an examination of the Netra Tantra and associated texts and consideration of the connections between liberation conferred by yoginīs and initiation rituals and states of possession.