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
106 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses Sarasvati. 163 The goddess Sarasvati is the goddess of speech. She is the
personification of thoughts and words, of language and
communication, of arts and all the crafts. She is also the presiding
deity of all the above mentioned: She thrives in art and flourishes in
their multiplicity.
Meaning.
The dictionary meaning of Sarasvati is speech, voice,
words. It also is the name of the goddess of speech and learning and is
represented as the wife of Brahmā. It also is the name of a great
river 260
Synonyms.
According to the Bṛhaddevatā 261, Aditī, Vāc, Sarasvati and
Durgā are synonyms.
Occurrences.
In the RV, Sarasvati is known both as a great flood and also
as the deity of intelligence 262. In the Brāhmaṇas She is identified with
260 TSSED P.592
261 Br.D II.79
262 RV.1.3.10-12
