EDITED BY
                                              M. M. GAṆPATI SĀSTRĪ
                                WITH AN ELABORATE INTRODUCTION
                                                  BY DR. N. P. UNNI
The Vishnu Samhita was held in great authority is testified by the fact that almost all topics dealt with in it are to be seen in epitomised version in the Tantrasamuccaya of Narayana which is the most popular work in the field used by the practicing priest. The various prescriptions of the author of the Samhita are scrupulously followed by the author of the popular treatise. Though he does not admit in so many words since the nature of his epitomisation afforded no occasion, his son Sankara who has composed the Vimarsini commentary has profusely quoted from the Samhita to substantiate the instructions of his father. Since this later composition became very popular as a household text or guide among the practitioners of the system other treatises on Tantra in Kerala gradually went out of vogue. This fate has adversely affected Vishnusamhita also to some extent. But it deserves to be kept and practiced in every house as ordained by the author in his concluding stanza:
rLekr~ loZi;Rusu x`gs lrrepZ;sr~A
LFkki;sn~ xksi;sPpk= o/kZrs Jhjp´~pykAA