The origin of Sri Vidya Sadhana is deeply rooted in Sanatana Dharma, ancient Indian spiritual traditions and scriptures. It is considered one of the most esoteric and powerful forms of worship.

Sri Vidya Sadhana is primarily derived from the knowledge and teachings of several vital scriptures and texts. Prominent are the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts known to humanity, and various other Agama texts. Additionally, it draws from the Upanishads, which explore the metaphysical aspects of life and the universe.

Three significant texts that specifically delve into the details and practices of Sri Vidya Sadhana are the ‘Sri Lalitha Sahasranama‘, a part of the Brahmanda Purana, ‘Tripura Rahasya‘ and the ‘Soundarya Lahari‘. These texts describe the divine qualities of the Goddess Lalita (or Tripurasundari), the central deity of Sri Vidya Sadhana, and provide detailed descriptions of the rituals and practices associated with this spiritual path.

A key element in the historical narrative of Sri Vidya Sadhana is its association with the sage Guru Dattatreya. As detailed in the ‘Tripura Rahasya’, a seminal tradition text, Guru Dattatreya reveals the practices of Sri Vidya Sadhana to Bhagavan Parashurama. This dialogue between Guru Dattatreya and Parashurama forms the core of the ‘Tripura Rahasya’, elucidating the philosophical and practical aspects of Sri Vidya.

Parashurama, in turn, compiled the practical aspects of Sri Vidya in the ‘Parashurama Kalpa Sutra‘, a text that has been pivotal in propagating the rituals and methodologies of this spiritual path. This text comprehensively guides the intricate rituals and worship practices central to Sri Vidya Sadhana.

Sri Vidya was also extremely popular in ancient Kashmir, a region known for its rich spiritual and philosophical scholarship tradition. Sage Adi Shankaracharya composed the ‘Soundarya Lahari’ in Kashmir. This text, revered for its poetic beauty and depth, encodes various aspects of Sri Vidya Sadhana within its verses (slokas). The ‘Soundarya Lahari’ is not just a literary masterpiece but also a key spiritual text that offers insights into the practices and philosophical underpinnings of Sri Vidya Sadhana.

These ancient texts, along with the teachings of various spiritual masters and the transmission of knowledge through guru-disciple lineages, form the foundation of Sri Vidya Sadhana. The origins of this practice are thus a blend of scriptural wisdom, sage teachings, and mystical traditions, making it a profound and revered spiritual path.