INO Glossary: Uttara Kaula
The Uttara Kaula, meaning “Northern Family” or “Clan” in Sanskrit, is an Indian sect of Shaktas devoted to the worship of the Mother Goddess. This tradition emphasizes cosmic unity, equality between genders, and a sense of togetherness. These values manifest through communal worship among initiates, centered on the reciprocal relationship with Shakti, embodied by the Mother Goddess Kali and other divine expressions.
A Way of Life
The Uttara Kaula approach is best described as a dynamic way of life, where worship and interaction with Shakti’s etheric presence permeate daily existence. This intimate communion fosters a fluid, deeply personal connection between practitioners and the divine, expressed through human relationships and spiritual practices.
Intimate Community
The concept of Kaula, or family, underscores the close-knit bond among members, including the Mother Goddess Kali, who is invoked through subtle, vibrational communion. This connection forms a cornerstone of the Kaula ethos, weaving spiritual intimacy into the fabric of their communal life.
Ecstatic Rituals
Uttara Kaula is renowned for its ecstatic rituals, which may include sacred erotic couplings symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies, culminating in offerings such as sexual orgasm. However, Kaula worship is not limited to eroticism; it embraces the full spectrum of human expression, from devotion to creativity, as acts of divine reverence.
Non-Dual Worship
The Kaula tradition transcends distinctions between so-called “right-handed” and “left-handed” practices. Spiritual observances are valued for their effectiveness and virtue, chosen solely for their ability to facilitate meaningful connection and spiritual progress.
Historical Lineage
Shri Gurudev Mahendranath was initiated into the Uttara Kaula by Tantric Guru Shri Pagala Baba of Ranchi, India. Following the rules of Parampara (lineage succession), Mahendranath became the Guru of Uttara Kaula upon Pagala Baba’s passing. Mahendranath intended for the Uttara Kaula’s teachings, mantras, and lore to merge back into the broader Nath tradition, echoing the legacy of Matsyendranath, a revered Nath figure from 700–900 years ago, who is sometimes credited with founding the Nath Kula Kaula wisdom. Mahendranath revitalized this confluence through the creation of the International Nath Order.
