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
16 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction Divisions and classifications of the Agama: 16 Agamas are broadly classified into as vaidika and a-vaidika.
Saiva, Vaisnava and Sakt墨 are referred to as vaidika-agamas whereas
the Jaina-膩gamas are classified as a-vaidika-膩gamas. Agamas are
also classified into three main types as Siva agama, S膩kt膩 膩gama and
as Vaisnava 膩gamas鲁5.
35 The 膩gama literature consists of two main sections known as
p奴rva and uttara. The p奴rvabh膩ga discusses temple construction,
image of the deity i.e. both the sculpted one as well as the metal-
casted one, divine sports, the sanctum-sanctorum, various temple
services offered to the deity, various utsavas or temple festivals etc.
The uttarabh膩ga gives details about d墨k峁Ｄ�, concept of sthalas,
膩c膩ras, upac膩ras, 膩vara峁嘺s etc...
Nigama.
Nigamas are said to be in the form of commands of the
Goddess and are held as of sacred origin鲁. Tantra in which the Sakt墨,
herself is the guru is refered to as Nigama. In nigama Siva is depicted
as a devotee of the Goddess and an earnest pupil who wishes to learn
the secret lore of tantra. Nigama in the ordinary sense of the term
means that which has not come down i.e. that which is divine and
sacred. Further, nigama does not necessarily connote to the sacred
35 Bandapadhyaya Pranab, Opcit, P.7
36 Markendeya purana, Lalita-Sahassranamam cf. Nijag帽褍膩 R奴pa Nigama Puny膩punya
Phalaprada.
Ref.
