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
110 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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chapter II Major goddesses 167 Il盲 over Gods and men, and Sarasvati over Sarasvatis (or rivers) 287.
The Great God Agni is addressed as appearing to the worshipper in
different forms according to the mode of homage, Aditi for gifts,
Bh膩rati for lauding praises, Il盲 for strength and Sarasvati for
288 wealth2 .The triple nature of Sarasvati seems to be inculcated even in
the Pur膩峁嘺s. She is described as the three aspects of everything
289 Sarasvati River and speech.
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Sarasvati is celebrated and promising mother deity in the
RV. She is defied form of an original river Sarasvati as is understood
and defined in the Hymns290.
She is assuredly regarded the supreme among mothers,
supreme among rivers and supreme among goddess 291. She is evoked
in three full Hymns 292. Her aspect of presiding over the faculties of
human mind and speech are in the process of formation can be
inferred from the RV 293. This was achieved only at a later stage of
where she was blended with V膩c or speech of identical nature.She is
known for granting fame and progeny to her Votaries 294
287 RV.VII.2.8, III.4.8
288 RV.II.1.11
289 MP.23.30-37.
290 RV.I.3.13, X.64.9, X.75.5, VII.95.1, II.41.16, and VII.36.6
291 RV II.41.16
292 RV VI.61, VII.95, VII.96
293 RV I.3.12;1.3.11
294 RV.III.7.5
