Shiva Nataraj

Some temples within India exhibit male and female deities in a physical (sexual) embrace, on the outer walls, while this does not literally refer to sexual Tantra as is often assumed, it again conveys the importance of the Vedic and Tantric teaching of male and female balancing principles.  This principle manifests even on the grossest level of manifestation as the female genitalia forming the shape of a flame. 

Clearly it can be seen that numerous Tantric principles are rooted from the Vedic teachings.  Even the left handed or sexual path of Tantra is rooted within Vedic principles.  Regrettably the sexual aspect of the left-handed path receives the most focus and the deep spiritual principles often become obscured.

But do the Tantras refer directly to any of the Vedic deities?  The answer is YES!

• Paramananda Tantra 11.35 Surya, Agni and soma are mentioned. 
• Gautamiya Tantra mentioned Antar yajna.
• The Shaktisangamatantra mentioned Indra, Chandra, and Manu. 
• The Agamas continue or contain the symbolism of the Vedas.
• The Mahanirvanatantra illudes that the agama approach is in harmony with the Vedas.
• The Tantras did teach Antar Yajna, a Vedic principle. 

Do more modern sages support this belief and link between Tantra and Vedic teachings, the answer is YES.

• Sri Aurobindo discussed the connection between the Tantras and Vedas.
• T.V. Kapli Shastry also believed that there was a connection between Tantric tradition and the Vedas.  Though he acknowledged that they approached the teachings differently.  He did believe that they supported the authority of the Vedas.
• Swami Vivekananda supported a connection between the Vedas and Tantras. 
• Sri Ramana Maharshi referred to Brahman, terms such as tat tvam asi.  He also mentioned that he the techniques of Tantra were good for purifying the mind.  He actually agreed that most yoga techniques were good for purifying the mind.
• Ganapati Muni (Ramana’s disciple) wrote on the connection between the Vedas and Tantra.
• In more modern times, this work has been continued by Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley) especially in his book Tantra Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses.

The change in deities within the Tantric system is not in conflict with Vedic teachings, but is more likely a later transition of teachings, just as the Puranas are a later modification and/or continuation of the original Vedic teachings.  Looking within the Vedas as revelation, one can clearly see that most systems of India are rooted within the Vedic teachings and are included within the Tantric system.