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
15 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction *M= Matam i.e. that which is approved by Vasudeva. 15 32 The one which comes ultimately from the mouth of 艢iva
corresponds to agatam; the one received by parvati corresponds to
gatam; and that which has been approved by vasudeva is matam
Thus it can be said that an agama is that sacred knowledge that
originated from 艢iva to parvati, and which has come down through
various acaryas and traditions 33.
Agama: Nature and Contents:
膧gamas deal with all types of worship either in the temple or
34 at home, in communities or in private, either iconic or non-iconic.
They form the basis of the temple-culture as seen formed today鲁4. An
Agama has the following characteristics -
1) Creation of the universe.
2) Dissolution of the universe.
3) Worship of the Gods and Goddesses.
4) Spiritual practices.
5) Purusacara or repetition.
6) Performance of 峁tkarma.
32 ibid. Agatam Siva Vaktrobhyo Gatam ca Girija-盲nane Matam ca Vasudevasya Tasm盲t
Agamam Ucayte.
33 ~2
Joshi N.Mahadev, 艢ivg膩mas A Birds Eyeview. Dharwad -2001, P.3,4
34 Rao Ramchandra S.K. Opcit. P.I
