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
13 (of 125)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
chapter II Major goddesses The Earth or Prthivi. 70 70 The earth on which we live is considered as our mother.
The earth has been accorded the highest respect and is stated to be at
par with ones mother. She is considered as the wish-fulfilling goddess
who bestows wishes not only on human beings but also on the gods
and other supernatural beings.
Meanings.
The dictionary meaning of Prthivi is the earth 54. Bh奴 which
is a synonym of Pythivi also means the same. It is used at places in
opposition to indicate either the terrestrial region or the heavens.
Occurrences.
'The earth' occurs a number of times in the RV as 'the
mother'56, she is paired with Dyaus or Heaven who is her husband. In
several passages 'Heaven and Earth' are spoken of as two maidens,
or as two mothers58. They are also addressed to as the mothers and
mighty goddesses who uphold with their support both gods and men 59
As observed by Macdonnell, 'In about twenty passages, the word
Dyaus is feminine sometimes even when personified 60. This goes to
show beyond doubt the pre-eminence of the mother goddess earth
54 TSSED p.347
55 op cit p. 409
56 RV I.191.6, VI.51.5
57 RV I.185.5, X.93.1
58 RV I.159.3
59 RV X 64; I. 106.3
60 MacDonnell, Vedic Mythology P.22
