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 2 - The Maior Goddesses
10 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 67 67 child 39. Another significant factor leading to Aditis high position in
popular worship was her close connection with the sacrifice. Her
position is justified in the Brāhmaṇa text. In the Yajña rituals, the
cow stood for Aditi+1.
Aditi as the wife and mother of Visnu.
One important added aspect to the nature of Aditi is her also
with Viṣṇu as his consort¹²- 'Viṣṇupatni'
But in the post-vedic literature, in the Purāṇas, Viṣṇu in his
dwarf incarnation is said to have taken his birth from Aditi by
Kasyapa Prajapati3. In the BMP44 it is stated that Aditi undertook the
difficult vrta known as payovrata, to beget Viṣṇu as her son and who
would enable the victory of her dear son Indra. The belief of Aditi as
Viṣṇupatni was temporary but what remains long lasting is that she is
the mother of Viṣṇu as Vāmana popular as Upendra.
Aditi the goddess with two heads.
Aditi as the cosmic cow is said to have two heads, one on
either side45. The Satapatha Brāhmaṇa states that in her aspect as Vāc
39 AV II .28.4,5
RV III 58.1,I 164.9 and AV19.9
40 AiBr1.7
41 42
43 VP III.1.42,43
VS-29.60; Tai.Sam - VII.5.14.1, Tai.Sam IV.4.12.5, Kat.Sam -XII.14; XXXXV.10
44 BMP VIII.XVIII21-23.
V.S. 4.19 and S'B.3.2.4.16
