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
43 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
chapter 1. Introduction 43 (viii) Tarpana- Offering libations of water to the mantra with the
accompaniment of the Jyotirmantra. It is laid down that the
Tarpana of Sakti mantra be done with Madhu (ie. either
honey or wine.)
(ix) Dipana- The illumination of a mantra is done with the
repetition of OM HRIM SHRIM
(x) Gupti- Keeping the mantra as a heavily guarded secret and
doing japa of that particular mantra.
Diksa of Mantra.
The dictionary meaning of D墨ksa is consecrating for a religious
ceremony, it means initiation in general鈦�6.
The need of D墨ksa.
The NUS says that, Veda etc... Vidy膩s are open like a prostitute,
but, among all the Dar艣anas, this Tantravidy膩 is secret. Therefore, one
should be initiated 87. Mantras should be received from a worthy and
competent guru with proper initiation. The SVT speaks of the
following characteristics which are to be tested by the s盲dhaka before
being initiated 88. They are as follows-
A worthy Guru is one who is, happy in japa, stotra,
dhy膩na, homa and archana. The one who is competent to give
knowledge, to advice and who has acquired the siddhi of the
86 SED P.252
NUS C.I, P.8
87 88
SVT Ch.II, V.7,8.
}
