Essay name: Devi Tantra, Mantra, Yantra (study)
Author:
Srider Basudevan Iyer
Affiliation: University of Mumbai / Sanskrit, University Department
This essay studies the history of Devi (the Goddess) in relation with worship using Tantra, Yantra and Mantra. The study explores the concept of the 'Female Principle' or Goddess, examining her role and significance in ancient Indian society.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
11 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction which 11 be achieved in human life for the realization of that leads to the path of
salvation 16.
Among the various meanings found in lexicons, the following
are note worthy -
Tantra Siddhanta or conclusion;
=
= 艢ruti-Sakah or the stem of the Vedas;
= Itikartavya or the set of duties prescribed;
= Prabandha or the composition;
= Sastra-vi艣e峁 or the particular 艣膩stras.
Sat.Br.
According to the Sat. Br. and the Tan.Br., tantra denotes the
chief portion or essence of a thing".Tantra also means a 'rule', a
'ritual' as also the title of a number of religious and magical works
generally of a later date than the Pur膩峁嘺s and thus representing a later
development of religion鹿8. Tantra is a religious treatise generally in
the form of a dialogue between Siva and Durg膩, teaching peculiar and
mystical formulae for the worship of deities and; or, the attainment of
super-human power". Tantra means an elaboration of the process of
s膩dhan膩. The fundamental principles and the process of basic
evolution have been elaborately discussed with logic and science in
the tantra 20.
16 Singh Deo Jitamitra Prasad, Tantric Art of Orissa, Delhi-2001,p.21.
17 Vashist Savitri, Tantra and Religion, Jaipur-2002, p.1.
18 Dowson John, A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History,
and Literature. New Delhi -1992. p. 317.
19 Williams Monier M., A Dictionary of Sanskrit and English. Delhi-1998. p
20 Bandyapadhyay Pranab, The Goddess of Tantra. Kolkottta, Reprint-2002 .p.40.
