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
20 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction Daksina and Vama: The equation. 20 20 Dakṣiṇācāra or Samayācāra is covedic where as Vāma or
Kaulācara is the reversal of the Vedic process. During the rise of
Śaktīsm as a separate and independent cult well into the early
medieaveal period, the Vāmācāra superceded over the orthodox
Dakṣinācāra. But, towards the beginning of the modern era, with a
drastic change in the cultural identities the world over, at present it is
seen that the Samayācāra with its simplicity is seen taking over.
Classfication according to school's of thought:
Another method of classifying the Tantras is according to the
deities that are extolled. This is done on the basis of the existence of
five schools among the Sāktās which is listed as follows.
Name of the school.
Eastern
Southern
Amnaya
Purvāmnaya Unmānī
Daksināmnaya Bhoginī
Deity associated.
Western
Paścināmnaya Kubjikā
Northern
Uttaramnaya
Upper
Urdhvāmnaya Mahātripurasundarī
Classification according to regions:
Tantras are also classified according to the regions in which
they were popular and according to the transportation available to
