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Synopsis A pathbreaking new approach to the study of Indian Art and religion, this work bases its analysis on two rare Sanskrit texts, Sarva-siddhanta-viveka, (Critical understanding of all religious systems) and Jnana-siddhi (achievement of knowledge), through which the meaning and identification of some of the immortal sculptures of India like Elephanta Trimurti are discussed. After introducing as many as thirty various schools of Saivism and "Sakta-Vama tantras", the date and authorship of the Sanskrit texts detailed. The Jnana-siddhi is an unknown Sakta-tantra while the other text is a eleventh cent one giving extraordinary insight into various Saiva systems. No other text so far known gives such detailed information on Bhairava, Kapalika, Kalamukha, Soma, and other schools of Saivam as this one. Both the texts are given in original. The Svacchanda Bhairava tantra is cited extensively that gives a clear picture of Vama-Sakta ideology and Bhairava school of thought. It is seen that Madhya Pradesh (central India) and other regions including Kashmir leaned very heavily on Bhairava worship and so their temples and sculptures are studied from that angle. The study also reinterprets and corrects many doubtful identifications of Tantric and other sculptures displayed in great museums of the world like USA, UK, Germany, France and other western countries, and also in Indian museums. All the revisions are based on texts and inscriptions. The art and history of the ancient city of Ujjaini, which seemed to have played a leading role in Bhairava Saivism is lucidly explained.