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
52 (of 55)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter 1. Introduction 52 goddess 盲rad膩 at Synger墨 is said to have been in the form of a
艢ricakra inscribed on a rock by 艢r墨 艢amkar膩c膩rya.
Metals. Metals like gold, silver, copper and their alloys either
in apure form or in a combination together with baser metals
like iron and bronze are used to scribe a Yantra.
Yantra- Representation.
In tantra, a yantra refers to a two or a three dimensional
diagram. It is endowed with magical and occult powers110. Most
divine forms reposing in themselves are enclosed within a triangle?
pointed upwards, symbolizing the harmony of the heavenly world. It
conveys a feeling of peace and an upward aspiration.
An inverted triangle symbolises the water and the feminine
spirit. It represents the yoni or the female organ in tantra and suggests
downward penetration and absorption. The upward triangle represents
the static male force or Siva and the downward force represents the
active female force or Sakt墨. As intertwined in a yantra, they represent
the cosmic coupling the start of all life processes and activities.
Important constituents of a yantra.
The important components of a yantra are the bindu, the
trikona, the circle, the lotus the square, the cakras and the mandala.
110 Andre Van Lysbeth, Devi And The Spouse Goddesses; P.181
